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This page may help you avoid these programs
See also Here for Basic Security
29th June. How good is Microsoft Security Essentials ? Can I get rid of my other anti virus /anti adware programs ? See Bob Rankin's write up at http://askbobrankin.com/microsoft_security_essentials.html
May 2010 FunWeb Products is responsible for a number of sites such as Smiley Central and MyWebsearch. They collect information about your activities and are also said to slow computers down. You are better off without this rubbish. See http://www.pchell.com/support/smileycentral.shtml as to how to detect them and remove them
July 09 Bob Rankin has a page on AntiSpyware programs at http://askbobrankin.com/free_antispyware_programs.html I see he recommends some of the ones I mention below. One thing that I didn't realise is that Microsoft's Windows Defender, which comes with Vista can also be downloaded for use with XP. See HERE (not the link on his page, which redirects you to Bing) I have Vista and I decided to see if my Windows Defender was up to date. So I tried to download it from the link above. The Microsoft site told me that I didn't need to do that because Vista already had Defender. However, I decided to check my version from the Security Section in Control Panel. To my surprise it said that it was turned off ! This was despite the fact that it said there was Anti Malware turned ON. So I clicked to turn it on and it then went on line to get the latest 'definitions'. However, it appeared that it had never done a scan, so I ran a scan. I can only think that Vista assumed I was protected because I load Spyware Search and Destroy at Startup. But the Microsoft instructions were very misleading
July 09 I have had to deal with two very difficult Scareware programs recently. These were infections that fill your screen with their 'Anti Virus' product, falsely telling your what is infecting your machine and suggesting that you 'Register' their program (at anything between $50 and $80). Apart from the money the Russian gangsters make from this they get your credit card details and infect your machine further, enabling them to spy on it and get details of key presses (including passwords). The names of the 'products' are usually something Antivirus 2009 or, in the last case Anti Virus System Pro. The clever thing is that they have discovered how to stop you booting in Safe Mode (the usual technique to cure problems BEFORE such things load). In this case it also prevented my running Msconfig (where these things are often based), so I was unable to clear it from the Startup. Even worse, when I tried to run Restore it said it wouldn't work because it was infected - it wasn't. Meanwhile the screen was filling up with all this trash about viruses, an advert appeared for Viagra and the bottom line was full of exclamation marks saying that I should update some software ! In these circumstance it is difficult to even email of download something to cure the problem. Eventually I managed to stop things long enough (with Device Manager) to run Restore and got back to a date before the infection.
December 08 I recently caught an infection that Avast could not get rid of and I eventually resorted to Superantispyware. It worked and, unusually, I actually bought it. Another writer at www.pchell.com was equally enthusiastic and say " SuperAntispyware has a free and a paid version, so it passes my first test of being a free application that works well. The paid version also has a realtime scanner and scheduler that compares to Spybot's TeaTimer, or Windows Defender. You'll notice the icon (a 'bug') in the system tray when SuperAntiSpyware is active. One of the best reasons for using SuperAntispyware is the fact that it actually can help remove some of the nastiest malware that has been released including the variety of Zlob trojan infections, Vundo infections, and more. Before I started using this program, I had to resort to specialized removal tools and a lot of manual techniques to rid some computers of these pests. Now, I run SuperAntispyware and then check what's left to remove. In many cases, the program has done most of the work for me. Its also easy to use. You'll notice from the main menu you can scan your hard drive, check for updates to the program, find out what's in quarantine, and check the dates of your last scan and update. With the paid version you can also schedule your scanning and have realtime protection against spyware infections". It is really very good.
Spyware and Adware are often the same thing ...... programs or simple 'cookies' that install themselves on your PC and report back to the originator. However, recently things have been getting much worse. From mere marketing tools installed by reputable companies to discover what people are searching for, or even 'Cookies' (small text files) put on your machine so you don't have to enter all your details next time you sign on your bank account, more scary ways of exploiting this facility have been developed by less scrupulous (even criminal) organisations. So why not just disable 'Cookies' ? Unfortunately, this would mean that many sites would not be accessible to you - maybe even your bank
Adware : Originally just methods of doing anonymous market research but now often connected with unwanted popup advertising
Scareware : There are many programs that claim to remove threats from your PC. They are always free in the first instance. When you scan your PC they pick up every single 'cookie' on the machine and classify it as a threat. They then suggest you buy the full program to clear these 'threats'. Don't be fooled. Get a free program such as Ccleaner and/or Spybot Search and Destroy. Always delete all cookies before doing a scan (via Internet Explorer). It is less scary!
Spyware : Again, originally designed to track your habits but these days may even be used to track what you are typing, including your passwords and account details
Spyware/Adware removers : Originally genuine free or paid for programs that were intended to tell you what spyware you have and clear it. But now more frequently used to scare people into buying their product to clean the PC. Some of these recently have been associated with persistent popups and very persistent warnings. These programs have changed your setup and Register to such an extent that they can be as difficult as viruses to get rid of. Please note that because many of the anti spyware products are considered to be 'rogues' I have banned the following list from advertising on this site, though most are just trying to sell you something that you don't need to pay for. I recommend Ad-aware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Mcafee Site Advisor - all free. But, as the majority of these scary spy files are contained in Cookies it IS possible to turn Cookies off. However, some sites will insist on them being on (including your bank and Tescos). The best way is to leave Cookies turned on in Internet Explorer but to switch off browsing history This will mean that cookies are cleared each time you shut Internet Explorer and programs like Ad Aware will find very little. Sometimes I think that such programs are redundant, though I do keep a couple to check occasionally. To clear them each time in Firefox the setting is under Tools, Options, Privacy. In Internet Explorer, Tools, Internet Options, History, History.
The anti spyware programs to avoid:
Anti virus 2007, antivirus 2008, antivirus 2009, antivirus system ro,
1automationwiz.com,.2004spywareremovers,.3mo.org.5spynetwork.com,.66.33.0.35
achtungachtung.com, adaware. info adawareinfo.com, add-aware.com,
ad-eliminator.com, adremovergold.com, adware. storesbiz.com, adwarenomore.
net adware-real-free-scan.com, adware-removal. biz adwareremoval. net
adware-remover. net adwareremovergold.com, adwarereport.com, adwarereport.com,
adwaresafe.com, adwarespy.com, adwarespy.com, adwarespywareremoval.com,
adwarexeliminator.com, anti-adware. net antispyware.com, antispyware.
neonant.com, anti-spyware-review.com, bhozapper.com, bulletproofsoft.com,
bulletproofsoft.com, cleantor, clickspyclean. , com-install.com,
compareandreview.com, comparespywareremovers.com, comparespywareremovers.com,
consumerincentivepromotions.com, easyerase.com, eblocs.com,
enigmasoftwaregroup.com. errornuker.com, e-spyware.com, evidence-eliminator.com,
free-adware-removal.net, free-adware-remover. org free-adware-scan.com,
free-adware-scan.com, freedownloadtools.com, freepcscan.com,
free-spyware-check.com, free-spyware-scan.com, freespywarescan.org,
free-web-browsers.com, good-offers.com, healthycomputerclub.com, hijack-this,
clickbank.net, hypernexussolutions.com, incentiverewardcenter.com,
interesoft.com, iteens.com, likesurfing.com, login. tracking101.com, lsjmp.com,
mambomarket.com, mediataskmaster.com, megalithusa.com, neosoftlabs.com,
netspyprotector.com, noadware.com, noadware.net , nomorespyware.net,
nontoxic-internet.com, nospyware. info nospyx.com, nuker.com, onlinepcfix.com,
online-spybot-scan.com, online-survival-lab.com, palsol.com, paretologic.com,
pcbugdoctor.com, pcdocrx.net, prevx.com, pcspytool.com, pestbot, primaryads.com,
privacy defender, privacysoftwarereport.com, privacytools2004.com, rd05.com,
ratespywareremovers.com, realspyerase.biz, removespyware.ru, revieweasy.com,
rizalsoftware.com, safespy.net, scanspyware.net. service.net, means.com,
g08.biz, smartcomparisons.com, smart-security.info, software-comparisons.com,
spyads.com, spybeware.com, spybloc.com, spyblocs.com, spybot.com, spybot.com,
xp.com, spybotfinder.com, spybot-spyware-removal.com, spyburnpalsol.biz,
spycleaner.net, spy-deleter.com, spydetector.net, spyforce.com, spyhunter.com,
spy-hunter-detector.com, spyinator.com, spykiller.com, spykillerdownload.com,
spy-review.com, spyspotter.com, spyvest.com, spywarejunglebee.com, spyware.net,
speedylearning.com, spyware-adware-download.com, spywareassassin.com,
spywarebegone.com, spywareblaster.com, spywareboard.com, spywarecrusher.com,
spyware-destruction.com, spywarehelp.net, spywarehub.com, spywareinfoooo.com,
spywareno.com, spywarenuker.com, spywareonline.org, spywareremovalauthority.com,
spywareremovalutilities.com, spywareremove.org, spywareremover.com,
spy-ware-remover.com, spywareremovercomparisons.com, spyware-removers.org,
spywareremoversreview.com, spywarereview.info, spywarestormer.com,
spywarethis.com, spywarexterminator.com, spywarezapper.com, surfsecret.com,
swanksoft.com, techlistings.net, Theshield, theshopontop.com,
the-spyware-review.com, tkqlhce.com, topspywareremovers.com, toptenreviews.com,
trackzapper.com, trekblue.com, trekdata.com, trojan-scan.com, uant.net,
uninstallxupiter.com, kount.com, xeec.com,.
Another program purporting to be a Spyware fixer is
SpywareNuker
by Trekdata or Trekblue. There is an excellent article on this
at
http://camtech2000.net/Newsletters/a_new_spyware_tactic.htm
July 08 I was even hoaxed myself into downloading a program called Search and Destroy, thinking I was downloading the reputable Spybot Search and Destroy. Even after uninstalling it, it left malware on my laptop. I spent a day getting rid of it, despite the helpful e-mail from Spybot. In the end I used SuperAntiSpyware, which did it. I recommend this free program from HERE. Another useful program is A-Squared from HERE
Microsoft has its own Malicious Software Removal Tool, Windows Defender. See details HERE It is capable of removing a long list of malware. Make sure it is turned ON and you do a scan.
Kaspersky, that reputable Russian security company (well, retired KGB experts have to find something to do) reports that the lines between Adware, Trojans and Viruses have become blurred and existing Adware blockers are failing users.
If you would really like to know which Big Brother is watching you, take a look at the names in the Cookies files. The best way is to right click Internet Explorer. Click Properties. In the first (General) section, click Settings and then View Files. Look down the files listed as Cookies. Most of the cookies are innocent marketing tools. But they are all doing it without your say-so. If it worries you click Cancel and click Delete Cookies (and might as well Delete (IE) files at the same time). If it takes a long time you will know ...... you should have done it before ! To see an explanation of what Adware is about I had a look at one of the company's sites : It said "Commission Junction is a ValueClick company, providing advanced performance-based marketing solutions that help marketers increase online leads and sales. By facilitating strategic relationships between advertisers and publishers, Commission Junction leverages its proven expertise in affiliate marketing, partner marketing and search marketing to drive measurable results for its clients". And the information is mostly collected by Spyware/Adware.
Useful Links : Microsoft's http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm Microsoft is Beta Testing a suite of programs called One Care Live which it will offer on a subscription basis to protect Windows computers See http://beta.windowsonecare.com/ Microsoft has also a new, and very thorough, anti Spyware program. Download it (free) from www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware They also can check your XP computer for malicious programs. See http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx#run
See Microsoft's own pages regarding computer security : http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
Other useful non-commercial sites include www.stopbadware.org, www.antispywarecoalition.org and www.consumerwebwatch.org
Get the latest security patches for Internet Explorer to try to prevent hackers from getting access to your computer. Please click on www.microsoft.com/security/
A contact reports a problem with Winfixer. This is a program (Like Errorsafe) which, if downloaded onto your PC makes multiple changes to it, then displays a message that your PC is badly infected and will you pay them to remove the problems. It is becoming a popular way of making money. To see what a mess it can cause, take a look at http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/winfixer.html Errorsafe and Winfixer are widely advertised on the net and cost $$$. Some people get it by mistakenly searching for Symantic (instead of the legitimate Symantec) There are even Winfixer cleaners advertised. Again they may all be part of the Winfixer industry. Apart from the worry they cause they will install popup advertising and may make your PC run slower. Another program using this technique is Stop-Sign. Also the well know PCTools program will do a scan then ask for dollars to clean your PC, though this one doesn't, as far as I know, leave any trace after your initial scan Also in the same category as Winfixer (and probably produced by the same stable - or should I say slaughterhouse - is Winantivirus, Winsoftware, Winadblocker, Winfirewall. Read here for a report on these dreadful programs.
When I get a request about a problem that I suspect is a virus or spyware intrusion I immediately search the Internet for the main word e.g. "Errorsafe" or "Winfixer". Inevitably I am led to helpful 'Forums' that are having to deal with similar problems. If you get problems, such as regular unwanted pop-ups I suggest that you do a search of the Internet in this way and look for links to sites that appear to be dealing with the problem. But beware of those that merely tell you what you have then charge for their removal.
Make sure you have a Firewall
What is a Firewall ? For a complete description of this essential security element see http://www.askbobrankin.com/do_i_need_a_firewall.html
n.b. NTL users are supposed to have the option for NTL based firewall + anti spyeware program (called Fireguard) However, after agreeing to install this my computer still reckoned it was vulnerable and I rapidly reverted to Zone Alarm. For a while a tried Comodo Firewall but found it TOO fussy and would not let me get on with things
The most famous free firewall is Zone Alarm from Zonelabs. Lately I have found that their newest version has selectively caused problems with (1) NTL e-mail collection (2) Avast anti virus updates and (3) Google Earth but I have now decided to continue with it and try and lick it into shape by allowing those programs through the firewall. The easiest way is to get Zone Alarm is to search for it on on www.computeractive.co.uk/downloads/
If you have a firewall.... and you SHOULD have... do you know whether it actually stops your computer accessing the internet without your permission? There is a small program called the Leaktest from http://www.grc.com/lt/leaktest.htm that will check this. But your firewall may be doing this outward bound check. Certainly Zone Alarm does. So, if you use Leaktest, the correct result is that your firewall should BLOCK it when it tries to access the net
It really is about time all ISP's woke up to their responsibility to protect their customers from malware. If yours doesn't it is time to consider Changing your ISP!
SIMPLE SECURITY RULES :
(1) NEVER download an attachment to an
e-mail (even from a know address) if you are unsure what it is. Infected
attachments most commonly end in Pif, Scr, Exe, Com and lately may be Zip(ped-
compressed versions )of these
(2) Keep your email and web browser programs up-to-date; get the latest updates
from Microsoft from
Http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
.
(3) Get and keep up-to-date an anti virus program.
(4) Install a Firewall program.
(5) Occasionally run an up-to-date anti Spyware program.
(6) If an e-mail says "Pass this warning on", don't bother, it will be a
hoax.
(7) If you are suddenly invited to 'click here', win cash or take an IQ test,
don't. Go off line and get back on again. See below for free
programs that can help.
(8) If you use music file sharing software, expect to get virus
infections.
(9) If you get a spam email then DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINK in it, even one
which say you can unsubscribe with it. It is possible that the link
will lead to a website which will send you a VIRUS ! This is called
V-SPAM
Often the problems are caused by, not one but, a number of 'foreign' files in the computer and the latest technique to get rid of these things invariably involves downloading a program called Hijackthis from www.download.com . When run on your computer this program shows a list of the programs (good and bad) that are running in the background so the forum expert can advise which are the nasty ones and how to get rid of them. They usually also advise the running of the latest versions of programs such as Ad-aware and Spybot and external virus checkers such as the one offered by Panda Software or Housecall (see above). But the Hijackthis log will mean very little to the average computer user and has to be analysed by an expert.
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