PC Pals Forum
Technical Help & Discussion => Broadband, Networking, PC Security, Internet & ISPs => Topic started by: Clive on May 07, 2012, 23:08
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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.
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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?
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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. >:(
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Oh, it doesn't show up in Add/Remove because it masquerades as your 'usual' search engine.
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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.
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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.