What is Search protect?
Search protect is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) and a browser hijacker, and is designed by “Conduit.” Once your computer is infected with this virus, it will make changes on all the installed web browsers on your PC, i.e., it would change the homepage and the default search engine of the browser- getting back to the original state is nearly impossible as it takes total control of the web browser. This is a kind of virus is explicitly designed to infect the web browsers and it would club itself into the web browser and make changes in it. Once the virus is active the other malware bundled with it will also become active.
[Also Read: How To Remove Conduit Search and search.conduit.com Redirect Toolbar?]
Here this malware holds the ability to steal the user’s confidential detail, i.e., login ID and passwords, banking account details. On the other hand, it has a different role to play this virus would display ads every time you go online this is the primary source used to make money. The developers get paid every time the user clicks on the ad. This technique of making money is called pay per click method.
How does search protect install on your system?
The developers use a widespread strategy known as “bundling” to spread the virus. Bundling is a process in which the target application is attached to a freeware program and gets installed with the freeware program. And the other most popular way of spreading such applications is through advertisements pop-ups. Vendors are hired for this purpose they help in creating the sponsored product ads for the developers. This kind of ads are designed using attractive taglines or by offering fake discount coupons so that people are attracted towards it and feel a need to download such applications or at least to giving it a try.
Browser’s targeted
The promotional ads can show up on any web browser but the most common targeted browsers are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. These ads are activated if you enter a third-party website or if you are infected with an adware.
Adware is a malicious program and the chances of getting hit by it are very common. It could strike your system if you don’t have an antivirus or let us say a firewall or in case if your security program is outdated or expired.
Is adware harmful, can it corrupt your system data?
No, an adware will not cause any harm to your files or operating system. Although, it will certainly annoy you with frequent notifications and ad popups. Never forget it is a malicious program, and the longer it stays on a computer, the more it weakens the firewall of the computer making way for another malware.
How to block Search protect or any such program initially before it strikes on a PC?
Someday you might plan on installing a freeware software or a freeware game just to see how the program works, and when you do that make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions carefully. And if that is too much or you don’t feel like reading it just make sure if an installation comes up with the options “custom or automatic”, it is always recommended that you go with custom installation process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it. If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of browser hijacker or adware.
Since now we have reached an understanding that Search protect is categorized as a potentially unwanted program, we would recommend you to get rid of it.
Follow the instruction below initially to uninstall Search protect and then create a firewall for your computer all by yourself.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. This will get you the windows task manager. Here, make sure that you are looking into the application tab and now search for Search protect. If present, then select it and click on End Task.
- Now you can close the task manager.
- Now, we need to open control panel from the start menu or by holding Windows key + R key at the same time. This would bring up the “RUN” box now in this box you need to type control and hit ok.
- Here, in the control panel click on Add/Remove program.
- This will show the list of all the installed program.
- Look for “Search Protect by conduit” and every other program you find suspicious and then uninstall them.
Now let us look at the steps you need to follow to prevent such programs from installing on your computer without your permission by creating a strong firewall. By doing this, you will never have to worry about the security or the performance of your computer. Let us get started.
Follow the instructions below to build a strong firewall and prevent any further intrusions
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs. So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc.
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Free Virus RemovalTool
- Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE.
