Help. Life is being ruined by spyware

Re: Re: Re: Anti-Virus IS in fact, the best advice....

Be thankful your CIOness doesn't hinge on your spyware strategies.

I spent 4 hours cleaning up spyware-riddled machines last night, each of which had fully updated installations of Norton AV.

I could list for you a hundred different pieces of spyware that happily coexist with Norton, but I get the impression my words wouldn't carry to such great heights.

 

Preview pane

I find it helpful to turn off the preview pane in Outlook or Outlook Express. In Outlook, click on View in the menu bar then click to turn off the preview pane. In Outlook Express click View from the menu bar, then Layout, then in the lower half of the window that appears, uncheck "Show preview pane". I recall that some malware got in through this route, and besides, I don't want to look at much of the trash that arrives.

Of course, this means that if you send me e-mail without a meaningful subject, and I don't recognize your name, your message is discarded unread.

 

Better yet, try this:

In Outlook Express, go to Tools - Options

Click on the "Read" tab

Select "Read all messages in plain text"

That stops web bugs (Little things that let spammers know you got their spam), etc. without losing the functionality of the preview pane. Messages with legitimate HTML content can be opened by clicking on the attachment "paper clip."

 

In the past few days I've followed through with many of the suggestions in this thread with remarkably good results. Thanks to all.
Jack

 

I did all of the above, still had something called "look2me.com" popping up with all sorts of ads for Viagra, stuff to enlarge various body parts, and trying to sell me videos of Paris Hilton performing assorted kinky acts. I finally went to the "Traffic Logs" on my firewall, found the url of that one, and blocked it. Then a few days later, the ads started coming from "l00k2me" (note zero, not letter o) so I blocked that one also. Haven't been bothered by popups for a couple of months now.

 

AOL removal

Thanks everyone for your advice.

My computer (XP) came with AOL installed--anybody know how to delete this software (I can delate all other unwanted files/software except AOL).

Incidently AOL advertises on TV that is virus proof, but several of my neighbors keep getting infected.

 

Ian,

see my post above regarding uninstalling programs. XP also has a tutorial under "Accessories". Even after you uninstall AOL, entries will remain in your registry but shouldn't affect your computer. You mentioned in your previous post about certain deletions. XP also uses a "Prefetch" (its a folder under "Windows"). You will need to remove these entries.

Happy computing,

Regards,

 

I know you have already received tons of information but wanted to throw in my two cents worth. I too have been in the IT business for quite a number of years.

Spybot is great, it is provides cleanup and a blocker, but they are VERY slow in updating their database. Adaware is good for detection, but in order to block, you have to purchase the license and it is not a very good purchase for the money, and I think its database is lacking. The freeware/shareware stuff is better than nothing, but a licensed version with continual online updates is a must for true protection.

Spyware (especially keyloggers) have become extremely advanced and well hidden in your registry. You need to have an equally advanced tool.

A combination of four things is a must if you stay connected (as most with high speed connections do).

1) a good router -- you can buy a mutliport linksys for less than $75. This will help mask the IP on your local network and only "publish" the IP to your local modem. Great protection against the casual hacker. You don't need any knowledge at all to set it up. It will work (and provide some basic protection) right out of the box.

2) Anti-Virus software (Norton or McAfee) - I use McAfee Viruscan. It must have continued, online updates from a trusted and well mainted database of information. Don't try to save money here.

3) A Personal Firewall - I use McAfee Personal Firewall Plus. It has a great, easy to use wizard for setting up your firewall.

4) Spyware Blocker - I wish I knew all the reasons why, but keyloggers, spyware, adware, etc. are NOT generally blocked by even the best Antivirus software. The "Gold" version is Spy Sweeper. This software catches/blocks stuff that nothing else will. I speak from experience. I keep my options set to display everytime an application is blocked. Even sites such as msnbc.com and foxnews.com attempt to install "Doubleclick" and "Avenue A" -- two of the most common spyware applications.

Here is the website from toptenreviews.com
http://www.anti-spyware-review.toptenreviews.com/

Also, if you or anyone else is interested. The link below is to a free online course on security fundamentals. It provides general information on security threats. It is not great, but very useful if you want some introductory stuff about to recognize threats and basic precautions and actions you can take.

http://staysafeonline.info/enroll.adp

Hope some of this helps.

 

Spyware

This is a terrific thread - I keep copying info to share with others.

I agree that Firefox (Mozilla) is a great browser - much faster than IE. I've been so happy with Firefox that I'm also using the Mozilla e-mail program, Thunderbird instead of Outlook Express. Both are fast and responsive programs.

I'm not a techie type, but techies I work with all recommend McAfee for anti-virus and firewall protection over Norton. Service Pack 2 (Windows XP) just released also has a firewall program and I'd be interested in any comments from our technical members.

I also have Spy Sweeper on my computer and agree with KB that it's a great program. It takes about ten minutes to run a full scan. I keep the datebase updated - the cost is minimal.

 

Re: Spyware

In my previous computer was Windows 98 and McAffee did not stop me from being infedted by virus. I switched to Norton was trouble free.

Now I have a Window XP computer and still virus free. Norton checks for updates from both Norton and Microsoft every time I turn on my computer. Once a week it automatically scans my computer (takes it about 3 hours). And it checks every file I download.

I use Earthlink as my internet provider and they also do some limited screening.

Now if only someone could do somethoing about SPAM. Bill Gates proposed charging a small amount for each e-mail sent above a certain quantity (like cell phones).