Yet another virus problem!

siamese0109

Thanks - I'll get this sorted this afternoon. I'm thinking of installing Avast and Comodo with malwarebytes for weekly scans and spywareblaster. I'll get rid of the old ones you mentioned and AVG free. Does that sound ok?

Reluctant_spender

The thing with security is that everybody's requirements are different.

Avast, Comodo, spyware blaster and Malwarebytes does give you a good basis and means you only have 1 of each type.

mal79

I am currently in the process of cleaning a whole load of infections from my fathers PC. He uses Norton 360 which is a paid for Real Time Security Suite (Anti Virus, Anti Malware, Firewall) but has still managed to contract a bunch of infections.

Conversely I use Freeware/ Open Source security and have a clean machine - Clamwin AV, Comodo Firewall, Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware and now Malwarebytes.

My point is that Real Time Security is useless if you don't excersise caution when using the computer and accesing the internet. In my Father's case, I feel that it has actually given him a false sense of security and it costs him about £££'s per year.

As for Real Time protection, both Comodo and Spybot can be set to notify you of any programs trying to modify the Windows Registry. This is useful to block unwanted applications getting in.

Furthermore, Comodo and some other firewalls will notify you of programs trying to access the internet which is a tactic some malware uses. Note Windows Firewall only monitors/ blocks inbound traffic.

Another tip for safe use is that Malware needs to be activated before it can do any damage. This is either by opening a file or attachment, installing a program that is bundled with Malware (usually Adware/ Trackware) or clicking on a webpage carrying malicious script. For an example of how a malicious script website works and how clicking ANYWHERE on a malicious site can let in the baddies, check out the article "Anatomy of a malware scam" at www.theregister.co.uk.

For these reasons, when downloading a new program I always save the .exe or .dll file to desktop rather than runing it directly from the internet. This then allows me to scan it with Anti Virus/ Malware tools before proceeding to download.

So to recap, effective PC security needn't cost the earth. As already stated in the previous posts, the minimum security needed is:

1) 1 x Antivirus (multiple AV can conflict with each other leaving you vulnerable).
2) 1 x Software Firwall.
3) Anti Malware products (having several different programs can help to pick up nasties that others may miss.) Spybot has an "Imunize" feature that works with your browser.
4) Ensure Windows updates are up to date.

Additional measures to consider for safer browsing:

5) Use a Hosts file - this is a list of sites and domains that are involved with Malware activity that your browser wont allow you to visit.
6) Use Noscript plugin for Firefox.
7) Use WinPatrol to prevent unknown applications being installed on your system.
8) Use SiteAdvisor or SiteHound.

Other measures to consider:

9) Disable Windows Messenger (not to be confused with MSN or Live Messenger).
10) Password enable the default XP "Administrator" account.
11) Use a non Administrator account for day to day activities.

That should do for now!

Mal