Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE
What is Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE?
Hotspot Shield is a Conduit Connect toolbar for Internet Explorer. This toolbar runs as a web browser extension and Browser Helper Object and is distributed using the Conduit/Perion monetization platform. Although this software is typically installed as an optional offer, users generally have this bundled with 3rd party software. During setup, this IE toolbar will modify the home page and new tab pages to a Conduit controlled search portal using Bing as the primary search engine. It will also modify the default search provider to uses Bing as well.
From the License: "As part of the installation process of the Conduit Software and/or the Customized Software, we may change your Internet Browser settings and/or provide you with the ability to opt to make changes to your Internet Browser settings and/or your mobile device settings and/or your social network account settings. Change of the default search engine in your Internet Browser, including your Browser's built-in search box, if applicable, and address bar; Allowing software updates of the Conduit Software once a new version is released and the ability to send you notifications. Allowing Conduit access to information contained on your social network account and/or site (which you must explicitly and separately opt in to)."
About (from Conduit)
We may combine the web Search Data with other non-Personally Identifiable Information (as further detailed above, e.g. Browsing Data or Usage Data) and if we do, some of the otherwise non-Personally Identifiable Information may become Personally Identifiable Information. In addition, the Conduit Software also takes the... Read more
Overview
- Possible malware installed by this program
- Loads into the web browser
- Built on and distributed using the Conduit toolbar
- Installs a Windows Service
- Hijacks the web browser's home page
- Hijacks the browser's default search provider
- The experts agree, you should remove it!
Warning, multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware in Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE.
| prxtbHots.dll (480994ae776f86dc885fd654665ebdfa) has been flagged by the following 5 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Version | Detection |
| Agnitum Outpost |
7.1.1 |
PUA.Toolbar.Conduit |
| Dr.Web |
9.0.0.0326 |
Adware.Conduit.16 |
| ESET-NOD32 |
8.9631 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.X |
| Panda Antivirus |
14.01.26.01 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
27980 |
Conduit (fs) |
| tbHots.dll (975993043e355206a1fba5a702044f0c) has been flagged by the following 6 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Comodo Security |
17676 |
Application.Win32.Conduit.~A |
| ESET-NOD32 |
9338 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.B |
| Malwarebytes |
1.75.0.1 |
PUP.Optional.Conduit |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
Adware/Conduit |
| TrendMicro-HouseCall |
9.700.0.1001 |
TROJ_GEN.F47V1113 |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
25818 |
Conduit (fs) |
| Hotspot_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe (943f313974a830d4634c73beb8103f5e) has been flagged by the following 4 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Comodo Security |
17313 |
Application.Win32.Conduit.~f |
| Dr.Web |
|
Adware.Toolbar.202 |
| Malwarebytes |
1.75.0.1 |
PUP.Optional.Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
23610 |
Conduit (fs) |
| prxtbHot0.dll (e86e5671c52b7b05f6614fc57ad1fa80) has been flagged by the following 4 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Dr.Web |
7.00.7.12100 |
Adware.Conduit.16 |
| ESET-NOD32 |
9486 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.X |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
26946 |
Conduit (fs) |
| uninstall.exe (b728fa6a309e5d18141947b95b730e95) has been flagged by the following 2 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
26380 |
Conduit (fs) |
View all 21 all detections
Program details
Displayed publisher: Hotspot Shield
URL: HotspotShield.OurToolbar.com
Help link: HotspotShield.OurToolbar.com/help
Installation folder: C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application data\conduit\ie\ct1561552
Uninstaller: C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\Conduit\IE\CT1561552\UninstallerUI.exe -ctid=CT1561552 -toolbarName=Hotspot Shield -toolbarEnv=conduit
Estimated size: 1.09 MB
This is a Community Toolbar by Conduit, what does that mean?
Conduit is a toolbar monetization platform for software publishers. It provides a utility for developers to create branded generic web browser toolbars. Publishers can bundle these toolbars with their software programs or provide access to download them separately through HotspotShield.OurToolbar.com. Once installed, the toolbar modifies the browser's home page and search settings in order to redirect searches through the Conduit portal (which utilizes Bing or Yahoo! Search engines). Read more...Each publisher enters into a 'Publisher Agreement' with Conduit which defines the revenue structure, known as the 'incentive amount', to be paid each calendar month in which the user has an active toolbar installed. Typically payout is based on the geographic origin of the user and ranges from $2 for a US user per month to just a few cents for other countries. Is it considered dangerous? Well, it's not malware or even spyware, however it changes the browser’s search provider in order to display, but if you read the EULA that is mentioned and presumably agreed on when installing. Users should decide if you need the functionality the toolbar has to offer. But remember, if you uninstall it make sure you reset your web browser, see how.
Files installed by Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE
| Program module: | prxtbHots.dll (Malware detected) |
| Name: | Conduit Toolbar |
| Path: | C:\Program Files\Hotspot_Shield\prxtbHots.dll |
| MD5: | 480994ae776f86dc885fd654665ebdfa |
Additional files:
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(Malware detected) prxtbHots.dll - Conduit Toolbar
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(Malware detected) tbHots.dll
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hk64tbHots.dll
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hktbHots.dll
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(Malware detected) Hotspot_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe - ToolbarHelper Application
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ldrtbHots.dll
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UninstallerUI.exe - 1.4.0.1
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hk64tbHot0.dll
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hktbHot0.dll
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ldrtbHot0.dll
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(Malware detected) tbHot0.dll
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configutaion.json
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(Malware detected) prxtbHot0.dll
-
uninstall.exe - Conduit Engine Uninstall
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hk64tbHot2.dll
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hktbHot2.dll
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ldrtbHot2.dll
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(Malware detected) tbHot2.dll
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(Malware detected) prxtbHot2.dll
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UNWISE.EXE
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af_proxy.dll
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(Malware detected) prxtbHot1.dll
Behaviors exhibited
3 Internet Explorer BHOs
- prxtbHots.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'MyMatch_v2b Toolbar' with the class of {b860e266-f38a-4e23-a639-0fda18b1beaa} (MyMatch_v2b).
- prxtbHot0.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'Online Sharing Toolbar' with the class of {8567a644-e36c-470c-86cf-9c5b4f37db81} (Online Sharing).
- tbHots.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'DVDVideoSoft Toolbar' with the class of {e9911ec6-1bcc-40b0-9993-e0eea7f6953f}.
2 Internet Explorer Bars
- prxtbHots.dll installs an Explorer Bar in Internet Explorer called 'Connect DLC 5 Findbar' with a class of {8FEB0551-B256-479B-92E1-C927F89DC71E}.
- tbHots.dll installs an Explorer Bar in Internet Explorer called 'Mario Forever Findbar' with a class of {2060F31E-8F5B-4E48-983A-C797F8FC18DB}.
3 Internet Explorer Toolbars
- prxtbHots.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'MyMatch_v2b Toolbar' with the class of {b860e266-f38a-4e23-a639-0fda18b1beaa}.
- prxtbHot0.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'Online Sharing Toolbar' with the class of {8567a644-e36c-470c-86cf-9c5b4f37db81}.
- tbHots.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'DVDVideoSoft Toolbar' with the class of {e9911ec6-1bcc-40b0-9993-e0eea7f6953f}.
3 Internet Explorer URL Search Hooks
- prxtbHots.dll loads into IE as a URL Search Hook named 'MyMatch_v2b Toolbar' with a class of {b860e266-f38a-4e23-a639-0fda18b1beaa} in order to redirect unknown URL searches.
- prxtbHot0.dll loads into IE as a URL Search Hook named 'Online Sharing Toolbar' with a class of {8567a644-e36c-470c-86cf-9c5b4f37db81} in order to redirect unknown URL searches.
- tbHots.dll loads into IE as a URL Search Hook named 'DVDVideoSoft Toolbar' with a class of {e9911ec6-1bcc-40b0-9993-e0eea7f6953f} in order to redirect unknown URL searches.
3 Internet Explorer Web Browsers
- prxtbHots.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'Produtools Maps B Toolbar' with a class of {18272225-4C7F-4445-A7E3-8B260662E407}.
- prxtbHot0.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'Online Sharing Toolbar' with a class of {8567A644-E36C-470C-86CF-9C5B4F37DB81}.
- tbHots.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'Mercan Programlar Toolbar' with a class of {B475CFD8-45D8-4905-B319-AD995327ABEB}.
2 Scheduled Tasks
- uninstall.exe is scheduled as a task with the class '{42CD7A24-AF4B-44A0-A119-1C6F9B6E2A90}' (runs on registration).
- UNWISE.EXE is scheduled as a task with the class '{F71A9918-1861-4EFE-AE94-530BDDE46DD4}' (runs on registration).
Service
- UNWISE.EXE runs as a service named 'Browser System Enahncer' (671c50b0).
2 Windows Firewall Allowed Programs
- UNWISE.EXE is added as a firewall exception for 'C:\Program Files1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\UNWISE.EXE'.
- Hotspot_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe is added as a firewall exception for 'C:\Program Files\eTvOnline.ro\eTvOnline.roToolbarHelper.exe'.
How do I remove Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE?
You can uninstall Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE from your computer by using the Add/Remove Program feature in the Window's Control Panel.
- On the Start menu (for Windows 8, right-click the screen's bottom-left corner), click Control Panel, and then, under Programs, do one of the following:
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Click Uninstall a Program.
- Windows XP: Click Add or Remove Programs.
- When you find the program Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE, click it, and then do one of the following:
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Click Uninstall.
- Windows XP: Click the Remove or Change/Remove tab (to the right of the program).
- Follow the prompts. A progress bar shows you how long it will take to remove Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE.
- If for some reason uninstallation fails, please install Microsoft's uninstall fixer utility which will help fix problems with programs that can't be uninstalled at support.microsoft.com.
How do I reset my web browser?
If your web browser homepage and search settings have been modfied by Hotspot Shield Toolbar for IE you can restore them to their previous default settings.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools button, and then click Internet options.
- Click the Advanced tab, and then click Reset. Select the Delete personal settings check box if you would also like to remove search providers, Accelerators and home pages. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, click Close, and then click OK.
- The changes will take effect the next time you open IE.
Mozilla Firefox
- At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the Help sub-menu and select Troubleshooting Information.
- To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens. It will close and be reset.
- When it's done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will open.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome and click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
- Select Settings. In the "Search" section, click Manage search engine. Check if (Default) is displayed next to your preferred search engine. If not, mouse over it and click Make default. Mouse over any other suspicious search engine entries that are not familiar and click X to remove them.
- When the "Show Home button" checkbox is selected, a web address appears below it. If you want the Homepage button to open up a different webpage, click Change to enter a link.
- Restart Google Chrome.
OS VERSIONS
Win 7 (SP1) 52%
Win 8 0%
|
|
HOW DOES IT RUN?
 |
Plugs into Internet Explorer
|
|
|
USER ACTIONS
 |
Uninstall it 78%
Keep it 22%
|
|
Windows
Which Windows OS versions does it run on?
| Windows 7 |
67.79% |
|
| Windows 10 |
26.79% |
|
| Windows XP |
4.35% |
|
| Windows Vista |
1.07% |
|
Which OS releases does it run on? |
| Windows 7 Ultimate |
35.59% |
|
| Windows 7 Home Premium |
16.43% |
|
| Windows 7 Professional |
9.99% |
|
| Windows 8 Pro |
4.54% |
|
| Microsoft Windows XP |
4.38% |
|
| Windows 8.1 Single Langua... |
4.13% |
|
Geography
25.26% of installs come from the United States
Which countries install it?
| United States |
25.26% |
| Saudi Arabia |
23.89% |
| Iran |
6.54% |
| United Arab Emirates |
4.04% |
| Egypt |
3.95% |
| Pakistan |
3.55% |
| IQ |
2.26% |
| Germany |
2.26% |
| MA |
2.26% |
| LY |
2.02% |
| SY |
1.94% |
| Indonesia |
1.86% |
| YE |
1.45% |
| Qatar |
1.45% |
PC manufacturers
What PC manufacturers (OEMs) have it installed?
| Hewlett-Packard |
26.07% |
|
| Dell |
19.91% |
|
| Acer |
17.49% |
|
| Toshiba |
14.08% |
|
| ASUS |
8.58% |
|
| GIGABYTE |
4.95% |
|
| Lenovo |
4.62% |
|
| Samsung |
3.74% |
|
| MSI |
0.55% |
|
Common models |
| HP Pavilion g6 Notebook P... |
8.87% |
|
| HP Pavilion dv6 Notebook ... |
6.19% |
|
| Dell Inspiron N5110 |
5.98% |
|
| Dell Inspiron N5010 |
3.30% |
|
| TOSHIBA Satellite C660 |
3.30% |
|
| Dell Inspiron 3521 |
3.09% |
|
About Conduit
Conduit is an online platform that allows web publishers to create custom toolbars, web apps, and mobile apps at no cost.
Publisher URL: www.conduit.com