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icex _
Premium
join:2004-05-22
USA
clubs: | reply to icex _
Re: [Virus] Virus's and spyware!
Ok, Avast! does have a real-time protection scanner. Is there anything else I should install? I don't want this to happen to this computer again.
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Team Discovery | |
CalamityJane
Premium,VIP,MVM
join:2002-08-27
Eustis, FL
| Yes, both Avast and AVG antivirus do have realtime protection. But only use one running realtime (not good to have 2 antiviruses running at the same time). You can have multiple antispyware programs (and you had mentioned AVG antispyware which is different from the AV program they also offer).
Protection software is a really good idea, but your users also need to understand that one can't expect software to catch 100% of everything. THey need to practice some safer computer habits. I think I noticed a P2P program installed - do they realize the danger in downloading files from a P2P network?
I can't stress enough the importance of having your Windows critical Security Updates. Most malware today uses exploits on unpatched systems to creep onto your system without your even doing anything but visiting an infected webpage!!
Watch what you download, be careful where you surf, and don't trust attachments or even links in email and Instant messages. Even if they come from a buddy, that buddy could be the one infected and it is the virus sending that link from his account. You click on it thinking he is trusted, and *boom* you're infected.
Many "Phishing" attempts are made by cleverly crafted email to look like it is coming from an "official" source (like Microsoft, or your bank, or some other provider). Don't click on links in those. Go directly to the site instead and navigate the menus - don't trust email you think came from a "safe source" unless you are expecting it! There is more in the link I will provide below, but those are the choice avenues of infection these days.
Stay far AWAY from cracks and warez sites - you're sure to get infected files there, and the same can be said for files downloaded from p2p (more than half are usually infected and probably not detectable by your current security software - the newest nasties are always released in those venues).
A word about shared computers and networks.
Share Your PC
»www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/usin···tro.mspx
Not all users need to have Admin Accounts. It is much safer to have most of your users on a shared system running as Limited User accounts. That way, if there is "an accident", it will only affect one user's account and not the entire system.
Next, I highly recommend you get some extra protection to prevent future infections. Here are some things you can do and some free programs to help  .
How do I prevent Browser Hijacks and Spyware?
»Security Cleanup FAQ »How do I prevent Browser Hijacks and Spyware?
I'm happy to see you have SP2 installed. That will address numerous security issues in your Operating System and IE
Make sure that you keep your Operating System and IE updated with the latest Critical Security Updates from Microsoft...they usually come out once a month, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This is the first step in malware prevention, as many nasties now take advantage of new exploits and if not patched, you are vulnerable!
Windows Update
»update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/
And see this link for instructions on how to configure the enhanced security features in SP2:
»www.microsoft.com/technet/securi···cxp.mspx
I also highly recommend to get the free tool, Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) from Microsoft to analyze your PC security for prevention purposes.
MBSA Version 2.0 will scan for common system misconfigurations on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems. This program will identify the system security weaknesses in your browser and operating system and provides easy instructions to correct them. This includes any missing critical Windows security updates, system vulnerabilities and your IE Browser security settings. Get the download here:
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
»www.microsoft.com/technet/securi···ome.mspx
Choose MBSAsetup-EN.msi = (English Version) or the language appropriate for you.
Also visit this Free Online Scanner from Microsoft for PC Health and Safety
»safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm
and Microsoft Security At Home
»www.microsoft.com/athome/securit···ult.mspx
for tips to Protect your Pc, Protect yourself and Protect your Family.
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It takes a disaster to make a woman out of a femaleMicrosoft MVP/Windows Security 2003-2007Proud Member of ASAP (Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals) | |
icex _
Premium
join:2004-05-22
USA
clubs:
 ·Colane Cable
| Yes, I noticed that avast has realtime protection, so I uninstalled AVG since avast! detected more virus's than avg did.
Yep, they had ares installed, about the worst program to install realy. Its gone though, formated. =) It doesent have the service pack 2 anymore, but when I take it back to her, I'm going to immediatly download all updates on her dsl connection.
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Team Discovery | |
CalamityJane
Premium,VIP,MVM
join:2002-08-27
Eustis, FL | Good job, icex_! | |
lilhurricane
Crunchin' For Cures
Premium,Mod
join:2003-01-11
Purple Zone
clubs:
2 edits | reply to CalamityJane
Post that was here
Deserves it's own topic 
»[OT] Kudos | |
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