Is somebody stealing my credit card details?

LionKing

Hi,

i have read some recent articles of how sophisticated criminals can send an exe to your computer so that when you purchase from the internet via your credit card, they can steal your details.

I currently have Adaware and ZoneAlarm. Is there any other freeware i can use to scan my computer to ensure i do not have any of these theiving programs!

From a concerned web shopper

peter_the_piper

Spybot Search and Destroy is essential,also get Spyware blaster to stop most of them getting in in the first place. Also Ccleaner which helps to remove the debris that is left when the others remove programs.
Would also recommend the removal of Kazaa and Windows Messenger(Not MSN messenger), both are usually doorways for spyware..Remember all these programs are only as good as the last update.

opportunity_cost

Unless you told ZoneAlarm to allow unknown program 'x' to connect to the Internet you're ok (x being a keylogger trojan or similar).

If you don't have an antivirus program then get avast or AVG and do a full scan.

To scan for trojans get a²

To add some spyware protection get SpywareBlaster (as pointed out by peter_the_piper). Also scan with CWShredder (stand-alone version). You may also want to get Spybot-S&D.

alexj2002

Would also recommend the removal of Kazaa and Windows Messenger(Not MSN messenger), both are usually doorways for spyware..Remember all these programs are only as good as the last update.

Windows Messenger is not really removable plus it uses the same technology as MSN Messenger. Unless you mean the Windows Messenger Service in which case it's disabled by standard in XP SP2.

As for Kazaa if you use it then try and get hold of Kazaa Lite - kazaa without spyware. If you use GoZilla or Download Accelerator Plus try LeechGet.