Virus/Spyware FAQ(frequently asked questions)

DELL-Richard B — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:49:53 GMT

NOTICE: This post has been recreated for updates Here.

The following information was largely compiled and composed by one of our most valued forum members, "Bugbatter".

This board is for issues with suspected virus, worms, Trojans, spyware or other Malware. It is suggested that you keep an active version of Anti-virus software on your system, and run a scan at least every week. You should keep your anti-virus software definitions up to date.

Preventive measures can be far reaching depending on what you use your computer for. One of the most basic suggestions however regardless of your particular security setup would be to prevent your system from automatically opening any email. Specifically, any emails you receive from an unsolicited source containing attachments or any links should be suspect and avoided.

Downloading software from the Internet is another avenue to approach with caution. It is suggested that you only download from a trusted site and scan your download with your on board anti-virus application before you open or install it.

Please do not post your HijackThis log in this forum; there is a forum for those logs here.

Slow Computer May Not Be Malware Related

Computer and browser slowness are not always caused by malware.
Here are some tutorials with suggestions for things you can do to improve speed and system performance:

Slow Computer/Browser: Check here first!

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic44694.html

Help! My computer is slow!
http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/slowcomputer.html

General Virus/Spyware Information

Support for Dell Installed Security Software

Click Here to Order the Backup Disks for Your System

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Free Security Software for Prevention and Removal

Prevention

Spyware Warriors List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
This is a list of suspicious/rogue anti-spyware solutions and domains currently being marketed on the Web. The alphabetized list includes products that are of unknown, questionable, or dubious value as anti-spyware protection. It includes a comment section explaining why the product is suspect.

McAfee SiteAdvisor
http://www.siteadvisor.com/

SiteAdvisor will warn you before you interact with a dangerous Web site. McAfee offers free and Plus version of SiteAdvisor. Browser supported: IE, Firefox

SiteHound
http://www.firetrust.com/en/products/sitehound

This toolbar will block sites that are known Rogue or Suspect Product distributors. It will also block many other website that pose a security threat to the user. Firetrust offers free and paid versions of SiteHound. Browser supported: IE, Firefox

TrendProtect

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/free_security_tools/trendprotect.php

TrendProtect is a FREE browser plug-in that helps you avoid Web pages with unwanted content and hidden threats. TrendProtect rates the current page and pages listed in Google, MSN, and Yahoo search results. You can use the rating to decide if you want to visit or avoid a given Web page. Supported Browser: IE and Firefox

HOSTS File

By replacing the default HOSTS file in Windows, this will help in stopping the communication with websites that is known to install or inject malware or parasites.
1. MVPS Hosts
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

2. hpHosts
http://www.hosts-file.net/?s=Download

Free Anti-Virus Programs

AVG Free Version
http://www.grisoft.com/us.product-avg-anti-virus-free-edition

avast! antivirus 4 Home Edition
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Avira AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic
http://www.free-av.com/

ClamWin Free Antivirus
http://www.clamwin.com/

Free Anti-Spyware Programs

Ad-aware (Free and Paid Versions)
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Free and Paid Versions)
http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html

Spybot Search and Destroy (Free)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

SpywareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
This will block bad ActiveX and harmful cookies from getting on to your PC in the first place. Just download and install the program. Open SpywareBlaster, check for and download updates, then 'select all' to protect against all items checked. Program needs to be kept updated.

Super AntiSpyware (Free and Paid Versions)
http://www.superantispyware.com/http://
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/SUPERAntiSpyware.shtml

Free Firewalls (Free and Paid versions available)

Comodo Firewall
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/overview.html

Outpost
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/index.php

ZoneAlarm
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en

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Online Scans

(Make sure the one that you choose is compatible with your browser and operating system.)

BitDefender
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

Eset nod32 Online Scanner

http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/

Ewido Anti-spyware

http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/