What it is
Conduit is a browser hijacker for Windows and Mac. It takes over your browser - swapping your homepage/search, adding a pushy toolbar, and sending you to sites you didn’t ask for. Details and examples:
Conduit threat guide
What you may notice
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Homepage/search engine changed; new tab opens to a strange site
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Extra ads, pop-ups, and random redirects
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A toolbar or extension you don’t remember installing
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Slower browsing and higher data use
How it gets in
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Bundled with “free” installers or fake updates
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Rogue extensions from untrusted sources
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Drive-by downloads and deceptive ads
Remove it now (quick steps)
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Remove unknown extensions and reset the browser to defaults.
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Uninstall suspicious apps; then reboot.
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Run a full anti-malware scan to clean leftovers.
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Check DNS/proxy settings and set back to automatic if changed.
Prevent it
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Install apps/extensions only from official stores.
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Choose Custom install and deselect extra offers.
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Keep your browser and OS updated; use real-time protection.
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Be cautious with “free” codecs, PDF viewers, and cracks.