Please help! Trogan SwfDL.A

  1. #1
    redbadger is offline Newbie

    Please help! Trogan SwfDL.A

    Detected by Bitdefender...so I follows the post about Down loading cccleaner..which I did and then went into safe mode ...but in analyze it did not show all entries by Bitdefender...my trojan was found in guest...but I ran the cleaner and it was not gone when I re ran Bitdefender.....
    C;\Document and settings\guest\local settings\temp\temporary Internet files\contenet.IE5\Eg9TGN1V\sp2-adtegrity-728[1].swf=>[SWF command]Trogan.SwfDL.A...my hard drives is whining for help!!!!!!!!!!Doctor,Doctor Help!!!!!!!

  2. #2
    VopThis is offline Senior Member (Canada)
    THERE ARE SEVERAL STEPS IN the proper setup and use of CCleaner:

    Clean out TEMPORARY FILES procedures:
    To clean your temp folder, recycle bin, etc..please download this free tool:

    CCleaner http://www.ccleaner.com/downloadbuilds.asp

    Install Options:
    • Don't install any Toolbars, or other programs, should it ask you!
    • Just uncheck the option of installing the Yahoo toolbar.

    It will put a shortcut on your Desktop.

    Do not run CCleaner until requested later.




    Run CCleaner in SAFE MODE (reboot tapping the F8 key after the beep).

    Select the ‘Options’ BUTTON option (top LEFT), ‘Advanced’ BUTTON, and then UNCHECK the ‘Only delete files in Windows Temp Folders older than 48 hours’.

    Select the ‘Cleaner’ BUTTON option (top LEFT), if not already selected. Use the ’Windows’ TAB up front by default.
    • Uncheck ‘Cookies’ option (advisable)
    • Optionally, Uncheck ‘Recently Typed URLs’ option (potentially still useful)
    • Click the ‘Analyse’ button.
    • Thereafter, click ‘Run Cleaner’ after you have reviewed what it proposes to clean.


    You will be asked to post a Hijackthis LOG - see instructions here - http://www.d-a-l.com/help/showthread.php?t=32403.



    Antivirus tools are not generally very effective against trojans:


    We will be restarting into Safe Mode later on in the fix and you might not be able to access the Internet. Accordingly, it is probably a good idea to print out the following directions or copy them to a text file on your desktop using NOTEPAD. Read these instructions carefully and feel free to ask if you're unsure about anything.




    Download and install AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 (AVG AS - formally known as Ewido anti-spyware 4.0 - uninstall any previous version first).
    • Click the Download BUTTON. On the next page click the Download now BUTTON.
    • Save and then install (Run) from the save location.
    • Open/Run AVG Anti-Spyware
    • Wait a few moments and AVG Anti-Spyware should Auto update itself (note date of last update). If it doesn't update, click the update ICON at top of screen:

    • Click on the Update now LINK at the top of the window
      • Click on the Start update button
      • Wait for the update to download and install
  3. This is very important to get the LATEST updates.
  4. Click on the Status ICON
    • Under "Your computers Security"
      Click change status on Resident shield to inactive (ONLY consider activation of that feature once you are clean)
  5. Click on the Scanner ICON at the top of the window
  6. Click on the Settings tab then select Recommended Actions and choose Quarantine
  7. When updating has finished. Close AVG Anti-Spyware.



  8. We will be using this tool in a later step.




    Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.
    • If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power.
    • Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
    • Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
    • Ensure that the Safe Mode option is selected.
    • Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
    • Login on your usual account.
    ______________________________


    Close ALL open Windows / Programs / Folders. Please start AVG Anti-Spyware , and run a full scan:
    • Click on the default Status ICON and select the Scan now LINK.

      OR

    • Click on the Scanner ICON . Select the Scan TAB.

      • Select Complete System Scan. AVG Anti-Spyware will now begin to scan your system.

    • If AVG Anti-Spyware finds anything it will list them in the Preview WINDOW:
      • Make sure that Set all elements to: shows Quarantine, if not click on the link and choose Quarantine from the popup menu.
      • Select Apply all actions at the bottom of the window (and the items found will be quarantined – and recoverable, if any items are needed back).

    • When the scan has completed, click on the Save Scan Report button and save the scan to your Desktop where it can be easily found.
    • Copy and paste the AVG Anti-Spyware scan results into your next post.
    • Close AVG Anti-Spyware.


    REBOOT and Post your latest HijackThis log. And, let us know how your PC is now behaving – any changes in behavior.

  • #3
    redbadger is offline Newbie
    Thank you!!!! ...I have read your sticky notes and your post ...and am proceeding....as instructed!

  • #4
    redbadger is offline Newbie
    Ok...I have already downloaded ccleaner...and ran before you gave me these instruction...but you want me to follow the instructions and set it up per your request...and not run till later ..right? and then download / install avg anti spyware 7.5....and follow your set up...then run Avg anti spy ware in safe mode?...Do I need to uninstall bitdefender v10 or do you want me to disable bitdenfender anti spy ware?....and do I still need to wait till instructed to use ccleaner again?......Bye the way thanks again for your help!
    Last edited by redbadger; 22-02-2007 at 06:29 PM.

  • #5
    VopThis is offline Senior Member (Canada)
    Do I need to uninstall bitdefender v10 or do you want me to disable bitdenfender anti spy ware?
    bitdefender v10 should stay as is if that is your antivirus tool of choice. 'Bitdefender antispyware' should not normally be running at the same time as another antispyware tool is being running especially if it has real-time protection components. Antivirus and antispyware tools are different tool categories.

    Run 'Avg AS' in SAFE MODE and run CCleaner afterwards with the suggested modifications applied. If related spyware is running that is either protecting the TROJAN TEMP file or replacing it, then the HijackThis LOG may expose such additional issues.

    Optionally, you could also try to locate all FOLDER occurances of 'Content.IE5' and delete all such FOLDERS.

  • #6
    redbadger is offline Newbie
    Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
    Scan saved at 8:15:50 PM, on 2/23/2007
    Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Communicator\xcommsvr.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Scan Server\bdss.exe
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Update Service\livesrv.exe
    C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
    C:\Program Files\Softwin\BitDefender10\vsserv.exe
    C:\Program Files\Digital Media Reader\readericon45G.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
    C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
    C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\jusched.exe
    C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
    C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
    C:\Program Files\Softwin\BitDefender10\bdmcon.exe
    C:\Program Files\Softwin\BitDefender10\bdagent.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
    C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.2.1128.5462\G oogleToolbarNotifier.exe
    C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe
    C:\Program Files\BigFix\bigfix.exe
    C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
    C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
    C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\jucheck.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
    C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Program Files\hijackthis_sfx.exe
    C:\Program Files\HijackThis.exe

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://start.earthlink.net
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://www.earthlink.net/partner/mor...on/search.html
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://start.earthlink.net/
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
    R3 - URLSearchHook: SrchHook Class - {44F9B173-041C-4825-A9B9-D914BD9DCBB3} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\ElnIE.dll
    R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - ~CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
    O2 - BHO: EarthLink BHO Guard - {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000002} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\EScamBlk.dll
    O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
    O2 - BHO: EarthLink ScamBlocker V3 - {15F4D456-5BAA-4076-8486-EECB38CD3E57} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\EScamBlk.dll
    O2 - BHO: EarthLink PopUp Blocker V2 - {512ACF1B-64D9-4928-B382-A80556F28DB4} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\ElnkPuB.dll
    O2 - BHO: IE_PopupBlocker Class - {656EC4B7-072B-4698-B504-2A414C1F0037} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Accelerator\prpl_IePopupBlocker.dll
    O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
    O2 - BHO: Earthlink Protection BHO - {9579D574-D4D8-4335-9560-FE8641A013BD} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\ProtctIE.dll
    O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar4.dll
    O2 - BHO: Browser Address Error Redirector - {CA6319C0-31B7-401E-A518-A07C3DB8F777} - c:\windows\system32\BAE.dll
    O2 - BHO: Uninstall Legacy Earthlink Toolbar - {E713904C-DF05-4C79-BBAD-02DB923253BE} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\uninsttb.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: EMBARQ Toolbar - {C7768536-96F8-4001-B1A2-90EE21279187} - C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\Toolbar.dll
    O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar4.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [readericon] C:\Program Files\Digital Media Reader\readericon45G.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] %WINDIR%\SMINST\RECGUARD.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] %WINDIR%\Creator\Remind_XP.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\jusched.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BDMCon] "C:\Program Files\Softwin\BitDefender10\bdmcon.exe" /reg
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BDAgent] "C:\Program Files\Softwin\BitDefender10\bdagent.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [!AVG Anti-Spyware] "C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\avgas.exe" /minimized
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_0_7 -reboot 1
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [swg] C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\1.2.1128.5462\G oogleToolbarNotifier.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Coast to Coast AM] C:\Program Files\Coast to Coast AM Media Center\Coast to Coast AM Media Center.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [E6TaskPanel] "C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\TaskPanl.exe" -winstart
    O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: BigFix.lnk = C:\Program Files\BigFix\bigfix.exe
    O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
    O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present
    O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
    O8 - Extra context menu item: EarthLink Google Search - res://C:\Program Files\Embarq TotalAccess\Toolbar\Toolbar\SearchUI.dll/search.html
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_09\bin\ssv.dll
    O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
    O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
    O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
    O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
    O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
    O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/sh...1/mcinsctl.cab
    O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsof...?1162873504625
    O16 - DPF: {90C9629E-CD32-11D3-BBFB-00105A1F0D68} (InstallShield International Setup Player) - http://72.32.179.44/filter/cameraviewer/isetup.cab
    O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
    O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG Anti-Spyware Guard - Anti-Malware Development a.s. - C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5\guard.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
    O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
    O23 - Service: BitDefender Scan Server (bdss) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Scan Server\bdss.exe" /service (file missing)
    O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
    O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
    O23 - Service: BitDefender Desktop Update Service (LIVESRV) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Update Service\livesrv.exe" /service (file missing)
    O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
    O23 - Service: PrismXL - New Boundary Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
    O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
    O23 - Service: BitDefender Virus Shield (VSSERV) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Softwin\BitDefender10\vsserv.exe" /service (file missing)
    O23 - Service: BitDefender Communicator (XCOMM) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Communicator\xcommsvr.exe" /service (file missing)

  • #7
    VopThis is offline Senior Member (Canada)
    There are no outstanding issues of concern evident in your HijackThis LOG. Did you manage to remove the TROJAN TEMP file? Did AVG AS pick up any infections which you allowed it to clean - can you post a log of what it found?


    You are runnng two instances of HijackTHis. Suggest you remove:

    C:\Program Files\hijackthis_sfx.exe



    Cleanup the following entry in HiJackThis:

    SELECT HijackThis FIX ITEMS: Scan with HijackThis and place a check next to these items:

    R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - ~CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)

    Make sure that all browser windows and internet links are closed, even this one!
    CLICK ’FIX CHECKED’ with HijackThis.


    If you are running two (2) real-time antivirus tools at the same time, you will be best advised to remove one of the them - BitDefender or AVG. They will conflict with each other and/or cause system performance issues.

  • #8
    redbadger is offline Newbie
    Avg AS picked up nothing...so I did not post....but I have followed your other instruction...everything seems better but still have a high whining sound from my computer(not me)..sorry for not replying sooner but was struck with my own virus...the flu

  • #9
    VopThis is offline Senior Member (Canada)
    Save 20% on AVG Internet Security 2012 Suite!
    still have a high whining sound from my computer
    Any unusual sound like that should be thoroughly investigated as to potential and eventual problems with your hard drive and/or fans (outright failure or over-heating). Open your case and try to pin-point the source or take the PC box to a repair shop.




    To help avoid serious infection again, please look carefully at this post for some excellent preventative measures. Prevention must be made the first line of defense to improve upon.



    ONLY ONCE you are as clean as possible from any needed cleanup steps - As a final cleanup step (after serious infection), it may be advisable to Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove any bad files that MAY have been backed up by Windows . The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programs changing them. And, this is the only complete way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which could likely be infected, anyway.)

    PLEASE NOTE: you will need to log into your computer with an account that has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account. Accordingly and of further note; it can be very unsafe to run with admin rights on any PC that you browse the Internet with.


    (Windows XP)
    FOLDER LOCATION: c:\System Volume Information\_restore….
    To Turn OFF System Restore.
    1. Click the Start button.
    2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
    3. On the System Restore tab, check Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives.
    4. Click Apply.

    REBOOT.

    To Turn ON System Restore.
    1. Follow the steps in the previous section, but in step 3, uncheck Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on all drives. Then click OK.
    2. Create new System Restore points.


    (Windows ME)
    FOLDER LOCATION: c:\_RESTORE\TEMP\….
    See the following link for instructions:
    http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...rc=sec_doc_nam




    To reduce the re-infection potential for malware and protect your PC against spyware, here are a few helpful suggestions:
    1. Keep Windows and Internet Explorer current with the latest critical security updates from Microsoft . This will patch many of the security holes through which attackers can gain access to your computer . You CANNOT complete this update using an alternate browser – you must use Internet Explorer.
      http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/v5co...t.aspx?ln=en-us
      http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
      • http://www.securityfocus.com/news/11273
        If you surf to questionable (blockable) parts of the Web, you could encounter sites that compromise your PC without any user interaction. In experiments [reported Aug 2005], Microsoft identified 752 specific addresses owned by 287 Web sites that contain programs able to install themselves on a completely unpatched Windows XP system. Also, be aware that the WinXP Service Pack 2 was an update that focused almost exclusively on security. Also reported was that a fully patched Windows XP SP2 system cannot be compromised by any such discovered rogue Web sites.

    2. Run your antivirus software regularly, and to keep its definitions up-to-date. If you are thinking about switching (using a real-time AV tool only one at a time), there are some good free Antivirus programs that are decent, including AVG and Avast!.
      AVG: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
      Avast: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

    3. In addition to using Ad-aware, consider using another free malware scanning/removal program :
      Adaware SE: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5
      Spybot S&D: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...tml?tag=lst-0-1


      AVG Anti-Spyware : http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5


      Microsoft Windows Defender beta 2 : http://www.download.com/Microsoft-Wi...ml?tag=lst-0-1

    4. Consider using a free firewall if you are not already using one (use only one firewall at a time – normally you will need to disable the MS firewall). Some good free ones (for incoming and added outgoing traffic protection) are:
      Kerio Personal Firewall: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm
      *** After 30 days, Kerio shuts down selected features, but will continue to run in 'free' mode.
      Zone Alarm: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/comparison.jsp?lid=ho_za

      It is not a bad idea to also consider using a Router/Hardware firewall device where you have a High-Speed Internet access connection. A software firewall may occasionally need to be disabled or it gets/remains disabled by someone or something. Such an added layer of security consistency has a lot of merit to it.

    5. Consider using an alternate free browser for general web surfing but you must use IE for windows updates. The use of Firefox (or similar alternate) mitigates the many types of malware that are now possible when using IE ActiveX based components.
      Mozilla Firefox: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

    6. Consider increasing your browser security by using these programs:
      SpywareGuard will help protect your homepage from being hijacked: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html
      SpywareBlaster will increase browser protection by blocking access to thousands of known malware sites by adding them to IE's restricted sites zone. It essentially blocks known- bad ActiveX program items from being installed or running on your computer. Download it here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
    7. A HOSTS file can block Internet access to thousands of known-bad sites by not allowing you any easy browser access to such sites knowingly or unknowingly. Use HJT to determine if a current HOSTS file exists and any contents therein:
      • Run the HiJackThis tool and select ‘Open the Misc Tools section’.
      • Next select ‘Open host file manager’ button.
      • Use the ‘Open in Notepad’ button in XP/W2K or use WORDPAD if necessary [type wordpad.exe in the RUN box (Start>Run)] and load the FILE PATH identified in HJT.
      • Go to http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt . # Read the initial instructions #. Copy and paste (append or replace) the RELEVANT host address entry contents of that file into Notepad or Wordpad and save the updated file contents.

        EXCERPT:
        #start of lines added by WinHelp2002
        # [Misc A - Z]
        127.0.0.1 phpadsnew.abac.com
        127.0.0.1 a.abnad.net
        127.0.0.1 e.abnad.net
        127.0.0.1 www.accoona.com #[Adware-Accoona][Adware.Atoolb][Panda.Accoona]
        .
        .
        .
        #end of lines added by WinHelp2002




    *Remember just like your primary anti-virus software, it is important to:
    • Keep all of these programs up-to-date (using auto-updates where possible), and
    • Use them on a regular (minimum weekly) basis.




    REALITY CHECK:
    • Who else uses your PC? What are the potential risks created by multiple (potentially loose cannon) users and why?
    • What about bad luck, simple mistakes, and bad browsing choices (SEE: www.siteadvisor.com and their BLOG)?
    • SEE: The Dangers of Popularity (for Popular SEARCH TERMS):
      http://blog.siteadvisor.com/2006/08/...pularity.shtml
      The correlation of search term popularity and search term riskiness illustrates how malicious activity tends to follow and exploit consumer behavior. Users demand "free," and bad actors flock to fill corresponding search results with their deceptive offerings. All too often, users don't realize the detrimental consequences of these sites until their systems crash from spyware or their inboxes become choked with spam.


    ABOVE ALL, it is most imperative that users exercise "safe surfing" habits such as banning or at least verifying email attachments (with scanning tools) before opening, and by not executing programs unless obtained from a trusted (or researched) source, etc.



    In general, always research any unfamiliar links or products that you might want to access or download. In particular, the SiteAdvisor site and other links listed in my signature have continued to make a significant difference to my clients’ PC health due to better-informed browsing habits and choices. Peer-to-Peer and FREE download sites add a level of risk that many should seriously take into account and adjust their behavior accordingly.

    Additionally, TEMPORARY files are both a significant source of clutter and potential hiding places for MALWARE content. Clean out those areas periodically - at least weekly.




    Those that continue to want to use ‘Limewire’, 'BitTorrent', 'Bearshare', ‘Morpheus’ or other P2P applications, can expect to see the possibility of more malware issues (such as bad executables):

    http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/bearshare.com


    You would be well-advised to at least consider strengthening your real-time prevention tools and use either Spy Sweeper or Spyware Doctor, and possibly also run AVG Anti-Spyware - formally known as EWIDO (mainly for anti-trojan defensive purposes) in real-time, as well (paid version=realtime). No combination of tools, however, can ever be completely fail-safe for all possible issues.

  • + Reply to Thread

    Similar Threads