Hi all,
My computer was infected by virus a few days back and has given me tense moments. I could somehow bring the system back into operation, but the changes the virus has made to the system files has slowed down the system and the hard disk is to be reformatted. But now I have the oppurtunity to back-up my important data files before reformatting.
In the process, I came across a post on the internet where similar virus was discussed. I am giving 'abstract' from the forum, where preventive measures were suggested.
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Below I have included a number of recommendations for how to protect
your computer in order to prevent future malware infections. Please take
these recommendations seriously; these few simple steps can stave off
the vast majority of spyware problems. As happy as we at SWI are to help
you, for your sake we would rather not have repeat customers. tongue.gif
*1)* Please navigate to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and download
all the "critical updates" for Windows, including the latest version of
Internet Explorer. This can patch many of the security holes through
which attackers can gain access to your computer. *Your current versions
are outdated. I cannot stress enough how important this is.*
*2)* In order to protect yourself against spyware, you should consider
installing and running the following *free *programs:
Ad-Aware SE <http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware>
A tutorial on using Ad-Aware to remove spyware from your computer may be
found here <http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial48.html>.
Spybot-Search & Destroy <http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download>
A tutorial on using Spybot to remove spyware from your computer may be
found here <http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial43.html>.
Please also remember to enable Spybot's "Immunize" and "TeaTimer" features.
SpywareBlaster <http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html>
A tutorial on using SpywareBlaster to prevent spyware from ever
installing on your computer may be found here
<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial49.html>.
SpywareGuard <http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html>
A tutorial on using SpywareGuard for realtime protection against spyware
and hijackers may be found here
<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial50.html>.
Make sure to *keep these programs up-to-date* and to *run them
regularly*, as this can prevent a great deal of spyware hassle.
*3)* Please consider using an alternate browser. Mozilla's Firefox
browser is *fantastic*; it is much more secure than Internet Explorer,
immune to almost all known browser hijackers, and also has the best
built-in popup blocker (as an added benefit!) that I have ever seen. If
you are interested, Firefox may be downloaded from here:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
*4)* Also make sure to *run your antivirus software regularly, and to
keep it up-to-date.*
[OR]
Not running Anti-virus software regularly is somewhat suicidal in today's digital world. AVG
<http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5> makes an excellent *free
*antivirus client, as do AntiVir <http://www.free-av.com> or avast!
<http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html>.
Please make sure to *run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep
it up-to-date.*
*5)* Finally, consider maintaining a firewall. Some good free firewalls
are ZoneAlarm
<http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?lid=dbtopnav_za>,
Sygate <http://soho.sygate.com/default.htm>, or
Outpost <http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/download.php>
A tutorial on understanding and using firewalls may be found here
<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/tutorial60.html>.
Please also read Tony Klein's excellent article: How I got Infected in
the First Place <http://castlecops.com/postlite7736-.html>
Hopefully this should take care of your problems! Good luck.
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I forgot to book-mark the thread, will try to retrieve and post the link later.
Wish you all a Worry-free New Year.
murthymsr