Keep your anti-Malware programs updated

[Fletcher]

Hey folks, Avast! gave me the following news item:
http://www.avast.com/eng/news-at-avast.html

News at avast
Clearly Malicious

Malware is getting more malicious, with a new round of bogus advertisements attempting to defraud or infect hitting well-known web sites like the New York Times.

Avast recognized the new threat from the beginning, according to the NYTimes Gadgetwise blog. Bogus ads on the NYTimes were flagged by avast running on the journalists own computer.

The newest attacks show how the battleground for computer security has shifted from email to the internet, with around 80 percent of all new infections now originating via the internet.

To remain protected, pay attention to avast warnings. If avast blocks access to your favorite sites, trust us - there is a reason.

http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/0...irus-pop-up-ad/[

Just to remind you people, never let those updates or scans go un-used. Don't let the malware or anything malicious for that matter eat your computer's performance and stbility.

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"Oh chuffing blimey, another day, another person being whiney!"
Fletcher's Feedback and Stories Thread

[Galm-1]

Mines already been eaten up...
Not sure how to fix it, what happens is i have no Windows Explorer, so no desktop, no start menu and when i try and start the Explorer.exe from the Task Manager it fails. It started with one little thing i noticed one small little file...
Anything can destroy you, you DO have to be careful cause even the smallest thing can kill your computer.

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[Fletcher]

Mines already been eaten up...
Not sure how to fix it, what happens is i have no Windows Explorer, so no desktop, no start menu and when i try and start the Explorer.exe from the Task Manager it fails. It started with one little thing i noticed one small little file...
Anything can destroy you, you DO have to be careful cause even the smallest thing can kill your computer.

Start your computer in safe mode and run a complete search. If that fails, back up all you can and wipe the partition, but that should be the LAST resort.

If you can try to avoid using too many USB pens as some malicious files are tasked with migrating to removable media.

To get into safe mode, restart PC and I think you need to smash F8 as it boots up. Then select safe mode, and run your antivirus and malware scanners.

This may not completely fix your computer, but it will help.

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"Oh chuffing blimey, another day, another person being whiney!"
Fletcher's Feedback and Stories Thread

[obnoxious1]

I also suggest getting both Advance System Care & Security 360 from IObit. Both are free & do an awesome job as far as catching malware, hijacks & trojans. Advance system care also helps clean CRAP out of your computer safely. Both very easy to use & Update almost daily ( sometimes twice a day)
you can get these ( again FREE) at http://iobit.com Or look for them on Cnet @ http://download.com


Hmm I should get a commission or something...

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Outcast Laws Outcast Reference Outcast Registry SOB / BLS Recruiting

[Exile]

This might be what killed my 750 Euro PC a week ago -.-. Damned thing wasn't even a month old, taking it back to the shop tomorrow. Cheers Fletch.

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[Red_Bull]

I also suggest getting both Advance System Care & Security 360 from IObit. Both are free & do an awesome job as far as catching malware, hijacks & trojans. Advance system care also helps clean CRAP out of your computer safely. Both very easy to use & Update almost daily ( sometimes twice a day)
you can get these ( again FREE) at http://iobit.com Or look for them on Cnet @ http://download.com
Hmm I should get a commission or something...

Thank you so much! I've been looking for a security system for a while now. You are my saving angel, Kudos!

P.S.-Yes it's very good.

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[DeathsOverture]

Safe browsing is the single most important step to preventing an infection. Most viruses attempt to trick unsuspecting users by posing as legitimate software. Cyber criminals disguise their malicious programs as codecs, plugins, cheat software, keygens, no-cd patches, documents, media files, and more. The key is to recognize when you have ventured beyond the realm of safe browsing.

The most common malicious sites will pose as an antivirus scanner. The authors use your fear of viruses trick you into downloading their program to "remove a detected virus," when in actuality, you are downloading a virus itself. I work at the IT Help Desk at my school, and I see the "Rogue" antivirus software all the time.


My tips:

1. Practice safe browsing.
   
   • Use Mozilla Firefox & the Adblock plus plugin. The plugin blocks advertisements, which eliminates countless threats.
     
     
   • Always keep Firefox up to date.
     
     
   • Always keep your plugins up to date. That includes Java, Adobe Flash, Adblock plus, Quicktime, and any other plugins you may have installed.
     
     
   • If you are surfing and suddenly your browser is telling you that you have a virus, do not listen. Notifications should come from your installed antivirus. Do not download and run any virus removal software unless it is from a trusted source.
     
     
   • Download and install Spyware Blaster. Frequently update it. (You must manually update the free version.)
     
     
   • If a website is telling you to download a plugin, don't download it from that website. Download the plugin from the source. I.E. if lolvirus.cn is telling you to download a flash plugin, download it from adobe, not lolvirus.cn. Do not install unknown plugins from sketchy websites.
     
     
   • Don't download cheats/cracks/hacks.
     
2. Keep your Operating System and software updated. Malware can gain access to your computer through software vulnerabilities. Do not ignore updates!
   
3. Don't open attachments to emails from unknown or suspicious sources.
   
4. Don't use P2P programs like Limewire. More information here. Find a safer alternative by asking your local techie friend.
   
5. Use an Antivirus, and keep the latest definitions up to date. I have no recommendations, nor should you trust them from me. Read reviews from various sources before installing a product.
   
6. You should use a hardware firewall. Common routers implement packet filtering.
   
   • If this is not possible, use a Software firewall. Again, find reviews.
     

If you have a virus already, it's not necessarily too late. There are many security advisers on techsupportforum.com and other websites that will guide you through removal steps.

I hope this helps someone :)

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[NerdRage]

Hmm, you think Nod32 will cut it?

it seems to update the virus signatures almost every day.

What kind of idiot makes these viruses? just for the sake of killing random peoples computers? i bet about 40% of viruses actually are made by the antivirus companies.

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[DeathsOverture]

What kind of idiot makes these viruses? just for the sake of killing random peoples computers? i bet about 40% of viruses actually are made by the antivirus companies.

Cyber criminals create viruses for a number of reasons. Money is usually involved, whether it's generated through stealing, or enslaving your PC as part of a botnet and then selling its usage...

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[Incindre]

Hmm, you think Nod32 will cut it?

it seems to update the virus signatures almost every day.

What kind of idiot makes these viruses? just for the sake of killing random peoples computers? i bet about 40% of viruses actually are made by the antivirus companies.

My NOD32 doesn't update every day...
*Opens all antivirus and malware programs and initiates deep scans*

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Currently Retired

Signs and Portents