• Home
  • Download
  • About
  • Support
FixCleaner
  • Home
  • Download
  • About
  • Support
  • Press
Categories
  • Windows 7
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
  • Microsoft Updates
  • Windows Updates
  • Adobe Flash
  • ActiveX
  • Adobe Updates
  • Boot Up Errors
  • Clean Up PC
  • CHKDISK
  • DLLs
  • Error Codes
  • Hard Drive
  • Installer Errors
  • Internet Explorer
  • Virtual Memory
  • Java Errors
  • Java Updates
  • Uninstall Errors
  • Javascript
  • Malware and Spyware
  • Media Player
  • Speed Up PC
  • Speed Up Downloads
  • AOL Issues
  • AOL Mail
  • Slow Start Up
  • Runtime Errors
  • Optimize Windows Services
  • Rundll Errors
  • Outlook Express
  • Drivers
  • Firefox
  • Personal Tech
  • Networking
  • Social Networking
  • In the News
  • Migrating to Windows 7
  • Fixing PC Errors in 6 Steps
  • WINDOWS 8
Archive
Home Malware and Spyware

PostHeaderIcon Malware and Spyware

Help and Prevention of Malware, Spyware, and Adware Scams

PostHeaderIcon Top 5 ways to know that your computer is infected

PostDateIconThursday, 15 July 2010 20:52 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Moses K. | PDF | Print | E-mail

If you use the internet frequently then odds are you are concerned with the ever growing number of viruses, spam and malware applications found online that can infect your computer. These types of programs can hijack your computer, copy your personal information, and corrupt your hard drive. While you may be aware that you should avoid downloading software from unknown sources, or opening emails from suspicious senders, how can you determine if your PC has been affected by a virus that didn’t come from an obvious source? If you suspect that your PC has been infected by a virus, Trojan or other malicious software, how can you tell, and what can you do to prevent them from doing damage?

Computer or Browser Slowdown

One of the most common signs that you may have a virus, or other type of malware on your computer is that it is running more slowly than usual. This may include a slower start-up, reduced speed of your internet connection, and the sound of your fan or processor running more frequently than usual. To find out what programs are running on your PC,

  1. Hit ctrl>alt>delete to start-up the Task Manager.

  2. From there click the Processes tab to get a list of programs currently running on your PC.

  3. Search through the list for programs that are not familiar to you.

There may be quite a few programs that are not familiar to you, but a search online for them will clarify whether or not they are supposed to be running. A good place to start is by looking at the Java and ActiveX applications first as these are typically the usual suspects.

The best method is to verify a strange or suspicious item.  Don't just disable it, but do check online (such as at Google) to see what the suspicious item is.  If you find that it's no good, stop the process and see if you can uninstall the program it belongs to. 

Browser Hijacking

Another sign that you may have an infected computer is that you experience a number of random or unsolicited pop-ups while browsing the internet. This can also be a sign that you have navigated to a site that contains a Trojan, or application that may allow hackers to hijack your PC for a number of reasons. It is always a good idea in these cases to close your browser to prevent the malware from downloading to your computer.

Rogue Anti-spyware or Anti-Malware

A common interface for Trojans or other types of spyware or malware is as fake antispyware or antimalware programs that shows up on your PC, but that you did not purchase or download. Deleting these programs from your computer by properly uninstalling them should work in removing them from your computer.

Unsolicited Browser Toolbars

While there are a number of toolbars from websites such as Google and Yahoo that can offer useful tools to enhance your online experience, if you suddenly notice a toolbar on your PC or as part of your browser that you didn’t install yourself, it may be a virus or other malicious type of software. Locating the program in Task Manager and uninstalling it should work.

“Windows Security Center” Alerts

Windows Security Center is the build-in alert system that is part of your Windows operating system which is designed to inform you when there are updates available for your computer, or when your security settings are out of date. It is also the system that alerts you when a program is initiated while navigating the web. While this application is suppose to protect you, there are a number of malware applications that have use this familiar interface to trick internet users into unknowingly downloading malware to your computer.

The best way to protect yourself from viruses and other unwanted programs and applications from being downloaded to your computer is by making sure that you have up-to-date anti-virus software. It is also important to keep your PC and the programs you run on it updated. Setting up automatic updates is a convenient way to maintain your PC hassle free.

 

 

PostHeaderIcon Guide to Safe Browsing

PostDateIconThursday, 15 April 2010 21:46 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Moses K. | PDF | Print | E-mail

There are a seemingly endless number of risks to our computer’s security on the World Wide Web. From pop-ups to viruses and malware there are many types of programs and applications that can not only access your personal information, but also seriously and permanently damage your computer and its hard drive. Trojans are some of the most common and most serious risks to your computer. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from downloading a Trojan, and on keeping your online activities safe.

What is a Trojan?

A Trojan or a Trojan Horse is a type of non-replicating malware that makes your computer vulnerable to hackers. It allows hackers access to your computer and, depending on the actual program itself, can allow access to your personal information, install software that can make your PC part of a botnet or spamming scam, or viewing your online activities, just to name a few.

Trojans are often unknowingly downloaded to your computer in a number of ways. They include

  • · Software downloads from unknown or suspicious sources
  • · File sharing on torrent networks
  • · Active X scripts that can run automatically on various websites
  • · Email attachments

Drive-by Downloads

One of the most common ways that you can encounter a Trojan online is also one of the trickiest to avoid; the Drive-by Download. In most cases these types of Trojans are activated when you simply navigate to a webpage that contains an ActiveX script or Java applet that will automatically run the malware and upload it to your PC. The best and easiest way to stop a Drive-by Download is to shut down your browser. This will stop the application from completing the download, though this will only work in Internet Explorer or Chrome. It is also a good idea to disable these types of applications from automatically running on your computer via your browser’s security settings and your antivirus software.

Unsafe Email Attachments

Another common way that you can upload a Trojan to your PC is through email attachments. While setting up spam protection for your email account is a good way to protect you from malicious emails, it is also a good idea to not open emails from unknown senders. This will help prevent these types of programs from being downloaded on your PC.

In general, making sure that you have up-to-date and effective antivirus software on your computer is the most effective way to protect it from downloading a Trojan. It is also a good idea to only open emails from individuals or companies that you trust and that you have given your email address to. It is also a good idea to stay away from websites that look suspicious and always have a pop-up protector in place.

 

 

PostHeaderIcon Top 5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Spyware

PostDateIconMonday, 15 March 2010 17:04 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Moses K. | PDF | Print | E-mail

Spyware is a generic term for a specific type of software that can either display unwanted advertisements or track your personal information, all without your consent. One of the more serious dangers of spyware is that it can collect information about you, including your web surfing habits and even worse, your usernames and passwords. Obviously, spyware is not good for your PC or yourself, but there are ways that you can protect yourself from it.

Some Common Spyware Symptoms

If you notice your PC running slower than usual or exhibiting any other unusual behavior, it may be a sign of spyware. Spyware has been known to bounce back e-mails or send emails without your knowledge. It can also appear to “haunt” your PC, opening your CD drives or placing unknown icons on your desktop.

Read more...

 

PostHeaderIcon How to Choose a Security Scanner

PostDateIconThursday, 11 March 2010 00:00 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Moses K. | PDF | Print | E-mail

Let’s start with the basics including: What is a security scanner? So glad you asked! Security, or vulnerability, scanners are tools used to determine whether and where your PC is vulnerable to, shall we say, outside “influences.” Interestingly enough, security scanners actually originated as tools for bad guys trying to break into PCs. The scanners were so effective, they soon became a proactive defense for good guys.

Today PC owners run security scans to find out where the problems are in their system before a bad guy exploits them. Security scanners are preventative, they will not help you once your system has already been infiltrated. They are purely detectives that predict weaknesses in your system so you can fix them before someone or something exploits them.

How Do I Choose a Security Scanner That’s Right for Me?

There are hundreds of these tools out there for sale. So it’s important to know which one will work best for your needs.

Hardware vs. Software Scanners

Security scanners come as both software products that run through Windows and actual appliances that you plug into your PC. You’ll find a little more flexibility with software scanners as you can choose what you are running the scanner on, while still performing other functions with the PC.

Hardware scanners on the other hand are very easy to set up and install. Generally you are able to just plug it into your network and voila! Often you’ll find that the hardware scanner is faster than the software.

Normal Scan Vs. Deep Scan

There are two different types of scans that can be performed, a normal scan (aka passive) and a deep scan (active). Normal scanners perform their passive scanning in the background, running continuously and constantly monitoring systems checking for security issues. Your PC may slow down a bit, but you’ll still be able to use it normally while the passive scan is running.

Deep scanners run a more aggressive scan that can interrupt network services because they are actively trying to break into the system. This is a much more thorough kind of scan for your PC.

We recommend running both, with the normal scan running continuously and a regularly scheduled deep scan for times when you don’t need to be using your PC.

Results, Data, and Support

Running a security scan will usually begin with the discovery phase. Devices on your PC are identified, data is collected, and the vulnerability is tested. A good scanner will provide a report of its results so you can figure out the best way to prioritize potential threats and future security issues. Often, discovered problems can be fixed with appropriate patches or system updates.

You will want to choose a security scanner that is backed by solid customer and technical support. When looking to purchase a scanner, make sure you do extensive research to find the right match for you and your PC.

 

PostHeaderIcon Prevent Email Scams

PostDateIconThursday, 25 February 2010 16:59 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Moses K. | PDF | Print | E-mail

What is a Phishing Scam?

I don't know if you've ever heard of Phishing before - but it's essentially what it sounds like. A fraudulent group of hackers, advertisers or scammers will write up an email that pretends to be from some well-known vendor. They then send out thousands of these emails all over the world, fishing for a response. The email will say something that is likely to elicit a reaction out of sheer habit. Examples include:

Read more...

 
feed-image

Copyright © 2010 Slimware Utilties Inc.
All Rights Reserved.