GridinSoft Threat Intelligence
hktbKey2.dll threat report
GridinSoft Anti-Malware detection
Detected by GridinSoft before you download
The current ThreatInfo record shows this exact file hash detected as Adware.Conduit. Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware to scan the device, confirm whether this file is present, and remove the detected object if it is found.
- Detection name
- Adware.Conduit
- Recommended action
- Scan and remove
- Last analysis
- 2026-01-16 23:00:48 (4 months ago)
- File hash
- e055e5e9888a21a1f8e40c7235ce6fbe
Why it matters
Why GridinSoft flags this file
GridinSoft identifies the sample as Adware.Conduit, part of the Adware threat category.
Programs that inject advertising, change browser behavior, or monetize traffic through bundled components. Related Adware reports help compare this file with nearby detections, publishers, and hashes.
First seen 2017-07-06 14:10:54 (8 years ago); latest analysis 2026-01-16 23:00:48 (4 months ago).
Company metadata: Conduit Ltd.. Product metadata: Conduit Toolbar.
Signed by Conduit Ltd.. The signature is reported as valid, but signed files can still be bundled or abused.
This hash has appeared under multiple file names, which can happen with repackaging, bundling, or deliberate renaming.
ThreatInfo has seen this file in user or system paths listed below. Unexpected locations increase the need for local verification.
Recommended action
What to do next
- Compare the MD5 above with the file found on the device.
- Check whether the file appears in the observed locations or under one of the alternate names.
- Run GridinSoft Anti-Malware to confirm the detection and remove the file if it is present. Review the Adware category for related samples and common context.
File context
hktbKey2.dll is a Windows file recorded in the ThreatInfo database. It is associated with Conduit Toolbar. The reported company name is Conduit Ltd.. The current detection status is Adware.Conduit, based on the latest analysis from 2026-01-16 23:00:48 (4 months ago). ThreatInfo groups this verdict with Adware reports for broader family-level investigation.
If hktbKey2.dll appears on your computer unexpectedly, treat it as suspicious. Check its location, digital signature, and recent system changes before allowing it to run. A full anti-malware scan is recommended when this file is detected as Adware.Conduit.
File Details
| Product Name: | Conduit Toolbar |
| Company Name: | Conduit Ltd. |
| MD5: | e055e5e9888a21a1f8e40c7235ce6fbe |
| Size: | 1 MB |
| First Published: | 2017-07-06 14:10:54 (8 years ago) |
| Latest Published: | 2026-01-16 23:00:48 (4 months ago) |
| Status: | Adware.Conduit (on last analysis) | |
| Analysis Date: | 2026-01-16 23:00:48 (4 months ago) |
Detection screenshot
The screenshot is a visual record of a GridinSoft Anti-Malware detection for this sample. Use the hash and metadata above as the primary identifiers when comparing the file on your system.
Overview
| Signed By: | Conduit Ltd. |
| Status: | Valid |
The signature on hktbKey2.dll is reported as valid. A valid signature helps confirm publisher identity, but it does not automatically make the file safe if the installer was bundled, abused, or downloaded from an untrusted source.
Common Places:
| %programfiles%\vuze_remote |
| %localappdata%\internethelper3.1 |
| %localappdata%\tb_myga_b6 |
| %sysdrive%\dilworth\users\guest\appdata\locallow\tb_myga_b6 |
| %profile%\dministrator\local settings\application data\hotspot_shield |
| %localappdata% |
| %sysdrive%\adwcleaner\quarantine\c\program files (x86) |
| %sysdrive%\adwcleaner\quarantine\c\users\yuuyukikaku\appdata\locallow |
| %system%\config\systemprofile\appdata\locallow |
| %sysdrive%\adwcleaner\quarantine |
ThreatInfo has observed hktbKey2.dll in the locations listed above. Files found in temporary folders, user profile folders, startup locations, or unusual application directories should be reviewed more carefully than files installed under a known program directory.
File Names:
17 observed namesThis hash has been seen with multiple file names. Alternate names can appear when software is updated, copied between folders, packed by an installer, or deliberately renamed to avoid recognition. Compare the exact MD5 above before assuming two names refer to the same file.
Geographic signal
Observed country distribution
ThreatInfo has seen hktbKey2.dll across 15 countries. Use this signal to compare local evidence with where the sample is most often reported.
The strongest geographic signal for this file is United States with 48.1% of observed hits. Geographic distribution can help identify targeted campaigns, regional software bundles, or where a file is most commonly reported.
OS Version:
The most common operating system signal for hktbKey2.dll is Windows 10 with 52.6% of observed hits. If your system differs from the common profile, check whether the file was introduced by a specific installer, archive, or removable device.
Analysis
hktbKey2.dll is identified as pe for 32-bit systems. The subsystem is Windows GUI. PE header values are useful for triage, especially when they do not match the expected publisher, product, or release timeline.
PE Sections:
Section layout highlights raw-size concentration, repeated names, packer markers, and hashes that can be compared across related samples.
6852f07c368a33887abd6be1579e3ee6
c6399db32831737614918945df875760
b3c0fdf17fe49bef57e98aa6ba23adeb
2474f6359b2686ebcc034214ecda6253
39007616bcd323f9b9d37994a73643ab
2b958e6cb873ef613bf6f1b9f14a47bb
PE section names and hashes can reveal packing, injected resources, or unusual build artifacts. Sections with uncommon names, very large raw data, or hashes that differ from a trusted copy deserve additional review.
Report conclusion
GridinSoft detects this file as Adware.Conduit
This report identifies hktbKey2.dll by MD5 e055e5e9888a21a1f8e40c7235ce6fbe. It is part of the Adware report group. If the same file is present on your device, scan the system and remove the detected object after confirming the hash and location.