Topic: Conduit search engine

[Clive]

I inadvertently typed Googl maps into  Chrome and malware called Conduit search engine hijacked my browser!   Conduit appeared each time I clicked on Chrome and it was very difficult to get rid of.  System restore failed and Chrome would not download again.  Strangely, it kept all my bookmarks and settings and I hadn't even realised I'd been hijacked!  An internet search on another computer said that it directs your searches to its own websites and steals information.  I eventually uninstalled Chrome and reinstalled it again and now all seems reasonably well although I'm now going to carry out a full scan.

[Simon]

A quick Google search suggests that it can be removed via Add / Remove Programs, but toolbars may be left behind.  These may possibly be removed via the Add-ons component in your browser.  Revo Uninstaller was also recommended. 

Good luck! 

P.S.  Is that the machine with Avira on it, Clive?

[Clive]

No it's the F-Secure machine.  But I uninstalled Chrome through Add/Remove and then reinstalled it again using Avant.  F-Secure says my machine is clean.  Conduit is a very clever piece of malware. 

[Clive]

Oh, it doesn't show up in Add/Remove because it masquerades as your 'usual' search engine.

[Simon]

According to most of what I've found about it online, it's not considered as malware, but given it installs itself without permission, and is a bugger to get rid of, I'd dispute that.  Unfortunately, F-Secure, like most suites, doesn't offer browser protection for Chrome.  If you'd happened to have been using IE, or (I think) Firefox, it would probably have blocked it. 

[Clive]

That's interesting Simon - thanks for that.  Yes, I definitely consider it to be malware since it installs itself without permission.  I have no doubt that Chrome will eventually become the most popular browser when all security software suits will cater for it.