Warning: Viruses on the net!

[guest2]

I was training at the library for my new job yesterday and the computers down there started acting up. They had picked up some virus while using Netscape. Last night Josh went to Amazon.com via Netscape here at home and we also got some sort of virus. My antivirus programs did not pick up on it so I had to take everything back to factory settings and start all over again. UGH!!!! I'm now trying to redo all my programs and get downloads for everything. Just wanted to warn you all!

[dolphin]

I'm pretty sure that Netscape is where my virus' originated also. I didn't plan to use it, it just popped up one day as my homepage, wierd.

I finally got rid of Natscape but still have the virus'.

[PrairieRose]

oooh sorry to hear that Deb. Those viruses can be so pesky.

[kimmee]

I was just told that AOL bought netscape - I have AOL!

[forestdale]

Debbie, are you updating your anti virus software? I have to do mine most days. I have it set on auto update and sometimes it will update several times a day - whenever a new virus is detected, your anti virus software should update for it.

[kimmee]

Bethany - which anti virus program did you end up with on your new system - I just bought McCafee and so far at has whooped some bigtime buttox in the virus / spyware land!!

[forestdale]

I have Norton, Kimmee, it's excellent I also have PestPatrol to check my system for spyware or adware - it detects them on your system and deletes them.

Has a parcel arrived yet?

[kimmee]

IT came yesterday - I was waiting for Aimee to come home and open it - She spent the night at a friends yesterday and won't be home til three. Shes going to be so excited!! Is that postage in Dollars??

[forestdale]

of course it's in dollars, what do you think we use here, monopoly money! LOL

[kimmee]

Well I figured you used coral or aboriginee luck charms or roo poop!! Good grief - Thirteen Bucks to mail that?? Aimee's gonna love the stamps as well !! My geography skills aren't what they should be but I just discovered your town is right on the Great Barrier Reef - How COOL is that!!!

:topic: Guess I kindof got off topic on this thread, So what Norton Anti Virus do you have cuz thats what I just replaced with McCaffee and they are actually the same company!! 

[forestdale]

Kimmee, I have Norton AntiVirus 2004 and I've set it to update my virus definitions automatically - it does this usually at least once a day. Installing the software you buy is just the first stage with ongoing updates that they make available free for everyone who has the software. As new viruses are detected, they write updates to counteract them.

BTW, they made me stop using roo poo.

[Gabe]

It does not matter what browser you use.
If you are downloading stuff and running executables from questionnable sites you will have problems.

If you get a virus, you can quarantine it and eleminate the virus. You do not need to get everything back from factory.
Get some help from someone that knows a bit about computers.

[forestdale]

The point I'm trying to make is that buying the software is only the first step. You need to keep your system updated as new viruses are released on the interent everyday. If you have reputable software that company should make FREE downloads available to isolate every new virus.

[Gabe]

Bethany,

Anti-virus and up to date definitions are a must.
It is all about behavior also:
Here is a quick list to keep in mind to prevent getting infected with viruses:

Here is a good ten steps:

Ten Steps to Ensure PC Security



1. Use Antivirus software and keep it updated

Not only should you use an antivirus program but you should keep the definitions updated. Most good programs have updates daily. At the last estimate there are about 80,000 viruses and Trojans on the Net with new ones being released everyday. I personally use Kaspersky Labs and it has never missed a virus nor wrongly tagged a program as one. Another highly rated program is F-Secure. Neither of these are free but I've never found a free one that did the job adequately. Both are actually small investments compared to potential loss.


2. Never open email attachments

That's right, never! Although it may appear to be from a friend it may not be. Most viruses spread by grabbing the address's from the address book and sending itself to everyone in it. It may be that you get one from a friend that never actually sent it. Always verify that your friend actually sent it and even then don't open it. Instead right click and 'save as' to your PC and then scan it for viruses first.


3. Stay clear of so called 'required downloads' and patches

Be wary of any Web site that requires you to download software to view a page, unless it's something familiar like a Flash plug-in or Acrobat Reader. The file may contain a virus, a Trojan horse, or some auto-dialer that calls pay-per-minute numbers via your modem and racks up huge charges.


Never download something from an email or open the attachment that claims to be a 'security patch' or something similar. There's one going around that claims to be from Microsoft and includes a 'critical update'. Microsoft, or any other site I know of NEVER send patches and updates by email. Microsoft does send bulletins inviting you to their site to download but even then only if you've previously subscribed to their newsletter. Get your updates only from a legitimate web site.


4. Block and/or remove Spyware and Popups

Ideally it would be best never to have Spyware installed in the first place but of course that's not always possible. There are many web sites and popup windows that install this Sleazeware without your permission or even knowing it's being done. Camtech's award winning Spyware Inoculator blocks most known Spyware from being installed and in most cases will prevent those already installed from functioning.

But if you already have some installed I highly recommend SpyBot Search & Destroy. This freeware is in my opinion the most thorough remover available and does an excellent job. It is freeware with no strings but he does accept donations through Paypal.

Popup windows are nothing more than a new web browser window without all the trimmings. They are also just as capable of installing Spyware and are used for that purpose quite often. I've tried many popup blockers and have found none better than Meaya Popup Ad Filter. You can block all while allowing the ones you want.


5. Take charge of the Spam you receive

Spam is more than just a nuisance. It's also the major cause of virus infections. There are many anti-spam programs available and over the years I think I've tried just about all of them. I'm happy to say I've been using Firetrust's MailWasher Pro for over a year and it has cut down Spam much better than I thought it could. It lets you bounce e-mail back to the spammers so it looks as though your address is not valid. Once bounced you'll never see Spam from that address again. If they send it again it will be automatically bounced again without you ever seeing it. Most newsletter software is designed to remove bounced address's from the list after a set number of bounces. For instance, Camtech's newsletter software removes an address after 3 bounces. It also has a 'Friends List' so you can receive email from those you want.


6. Keep your Operating System up to date

E-mail-borne worms and other viruses like to exploit security holes in your software--namely Windows and other Microsoft programs. These days Microsoft issues many critical updates to fix these flaws Last January, the Slammer worm exploited a vulnerability that Microsoft had fixed more than six months before. But thousands of infected computers--including some at Microsoft--didn't have the patch installed. Run the Windows Update program once a week and whenever Microsoft issues a warning.


I recently attended a Microsoft event and one of the announcements was that they are working on automated patch management software which will take care of updates. But until then be sure to keep up with their updates.


7. Keep a rescue floppy disk handy

When things go bad, a boot or rescue disk is your first step to recovery. At minimum, you'll want to put the basic elements of your operating system on a floppy disk. They are very easy to make. Insert a blank, formatted floppy disk and go to Control Panel/Add-Remove Programs and click the Startup Disk tab.

For Windows XP insert a floppy disk, open my Computer, right click on that drive (usually A and select Format. In the Format options choose 'Create a MS-DOS Startup disk'

You can also use most antivirus programs to create a rescue disk you can use when your system gets infected. Label it with a date and store it near your system where you won't lose it.


8. Check announcements of patches/alerts to make sure they're not fake.

Rumors spread like wild fire and there are more hoaxers than hackers on the Internet, and more bogus "e-mail virus alerts" than actual viruses. A phony warning could cause you to delete harmless files and then forward the message to others, clogging e-mail servers and causing virus-like damage in the process. When you get one of these e-mails check it out first. Type the name of the alleged virus into a search engine to see if any of the major security vendors have issued an alert, and visit the virus hoax pages at F-Secure and Hoaxbusters.


9. Use a Firewall

A firewall is like a bouncer for your computer. It checks every ingoing/outgoing attempt and won't let anything in or out until you allow it. So a hacker can't access personal information on your hard drive, and a Trojan horse keystroke logger can't steal your passwords and transmit them over the Net. I can recommend two free programs that do a great job. Sygate Personal Firewall and Kerio Personal Firewall offer free versions of their products that will adequately protect you. Although I haven't used these I have heard great reviews for both.


10. Make backups of important files

Simply put: Back up your data files at least weekly. Even if you fall victim to a virus or hacker attack, you'll escape with only minor damage. There are many backup programs available and some are free. (See below for how to search for them) Camtech uses Ghost to backup everything, everyday and have needed it more than a few times.

It's unfortunate that we have to take such drastic steps to protect our property but as long as there's hackers and crackers (losers) we'll have to do so. After all, the Internet is a lot like the Wild West with no Sheriffs or Marshals to enforce the law....yet.

If you'd like to search for more alternatives use any major web site such as Cnet or ZDNet and use search keywords like Spy, anti-spy, spyware, security, virus, anti-virus, Trojan, spam, firewall, backup or popup.

[forestdale]

That is excellent advice, thanks so much, Gabe. My computer tech put me onto Mailerwasher Pro and I've used it ever since. One thing I always put off were the Windows updates, I always download them now.