These are My Personal Instructions about what should be Regular Preventive Practices for everyone who "Surfs the Internet" Especially if You Decide to Use Internet Explorer. Read this if you'd like recommendations for Alternative Browsers for Internet Explorer.
You SHOULD HAVE, at the very least, both Anti-Virus (AV) and Firewall (FW) software installed on your computer to protect your computer while "Surfing the Internet." For the Best Over-All Security Defense, you should have Anti-Virus, a Software Firewall, and Anti-Spyware (AS) software along with a Hardware Firewall (such as one included with a Router).
A hardware firewall is much more superior than a software firewall because current viruses, Trojans, and spyware can easily disable a software firewall, if they infest your computer. However, a software firewall can inform you about programs on your computer attempting to accessing the Internet, allowing you the chance to stop them before they make contact, while a hardware firewall cannot. Having both a hardware and software firewall is best.
But none of this is any good unless you keep the AV. FW and AS running continuously while connected to the Internet, and Keep Them Updated DAILY!! Even with safe practices such as these, there's still a chance that your computer could easily be compromised, but it will make it harder for a Hacker to do so and it just might be enough to make them pass on trying to hack your computer and move on to easier prey.
Browser Security Test - Scanit's Browser Security Test automatically checks your browser for various security problems. When the test is finished you get a complete report explaining the discovered vulnerabilities, their impact and how to eliminate them.*
Disable Windows Messenger - At one time many users of Windows XP were receiving spam by means of something called "Windows Messenger." Before Windows XP SP2, this service was turned on by default. Most people don't need it so here is how to turn it off and block those pop-up spam messages.
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You can also read the Microsoft article on how to stop Messenger spam. If you prefer a different route, Steve Gibson has written a little program to allow messenger service to be easily turned on and off. The free download and a discussion of the messenger problem is here.*
Langa Letter: 5 Essential Steps To PC Security - As the new year begins, Fred Langa says keep these items in mind to help prevent data theft, identity theft, and private information falling into the wrong hands. These steps will give you 365 days of safe computing.*
Robear Dyer, AH-VSOP & MS-MVP, says "We've gotten to the point now, in the war with malware, that for an AV scan to be effective it needs to be done after (1) manually updating definitions, (2) after enabling Show Hidden Files, and (3) in Safe Mode. See http://aumha.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5878" In fact, it's best if you run all your anti-malware tools in this environment.*
Mike Healan, of SpywareInfo.com, says, "Open Internet Options from the Windows control panel and click the "Security" tab. Highlight the "Internet" icon and then click "Custom Level". Choose "Medium" from the drop-down box at the bottom, then click the "Reset" button. Click "ok", then click "Custom Level" again. Set your options just as I have..."*
Now Mike says, you can "Surf The Web In Complete Safety" - It is becoming more and more difficult to surf the web safely. Consider the WMF flaw, which made the headlines in late 2005. The simple act of loading an image led to thousands of people becoming infected with malware.
It didn't matter if they had all their patches installed and if they had all manner of protective software running. It didn't matter which browser they were using. All it took was one bad graphic and they were infected.
Although it may seem hopeless, you still can surf the web in safety. In fact, you can surf in complete safety, without the slightest worry that something bad is going to happen from it. Let me introduce you to the VMware Browser Appliance.*
MalwareHelp.org - Step-by-Step visual guides for Cleaning and Preventing Malware for those new to Online Security. Learn about cleaning Malware which includes Spyware, Adware, Trojans etc. Their methods, symptoms, how to cure and prevent recurrence.*
Wanna know what "Programs and Services on your PC are listening for data on Open Ports?" - Open Task Manager - Processes Tab - View - Select Columns - check PID (Process Identifier) - OK. Click Start - Run - type cmd - press ENTER. "Now type netstat -ano to list the ports your system is listening to, along with the PID of the program or service that's listening. Match the PID to the processes listed in Task Manager to see which programs are listening to which port. If something looks suspicious, a Web search should help easily identify the culprit". CPU Magazine, July 2004 Edition, DIY Networking, page 59.* (Magazine Subscription Required.)
I am currently using these first four programs, along with AVG and Kerio Personal Firewall (I'm using Kerio Personal Firewall ver. 2.1.5 on 3 of my computers.), on my PCs and STRONGLY suggest that you do too!! If you want a commercial anti-virus program instead of a freebie, then use NOD32.
If your browser has been hijacked, download and run HijackThis! - HijackThis™ is a free utility which quickly scans your Windows computer to find settings that may have been changed by spyware, malware or other unwanted programs. HijackThis creates a report, or log file, with the results of the scan.
IMPORTANT: HijackThis does not determine what is good or bad. Do not make any changes to your computer settings unless you are an expert computer user.*
HijackThis! Log Tutorial - On the forums of SpywareInfo, a lot of people new to browser hijacking post topics asking for help analyzing logs from HijackThis, because they don't understand what stuff is good and what is bad.
This is a basic guide as to what the log means, and some tips on reading it yourself. This should in no way replace asking for help in the SWI forums, but help you somewhat in understanding the log yourself.*
HijackThis! Quick Start - Many people download and run HijackThis after visiting a Computer Tech Help Forum. This section is designed to help you produce a log, post the log at that Forum and finally remove the items as directed by the Member helping you. This involves no analysis of the list contents by you. That will be done by the Help Forum Staff. It is a Quick Start.*
After you download, install and run HijackThis!, post the Log File it creates in one of the following forums for assistance:
AumHa HijackThis Logs Forum
BleepingComputer.com - HijackThis Logs and Malware Removal
CastleCops Hijackthis - Spyware, Viruses, Worms, Trojans Oh My! Forum
Tech Support Guy Forums - Malware Removal & HijackThis Logs
SpywareInfo Malware Removal Forum
MajorGeeks Support Forums has an awesome article about what to do before posting on any web forum - READ & RUN ME FIRST Before Asking for Support - Please do not cheat by skipping any steps. You are only hurting yourself if you do. The goal is to get your PC fixed. Completing the steps in this generic guide may or may not resolve all of your malware problems, but in all cases it gets your PC into a known state to help make it easier for us to fix your problems. Before you post a new thread requesting support, make sure you have completed all of these steps and tell us you did so! After completing them, if you still need help, please start a new thread. Do not send private messages to any of the helpers! These private messages will be deleted and ignored.*
Browser Hijacking Information - There is a despicable trend that is becoming more and more common wherein the browser settings of web surfers are being hijacked forcibly by malicious web sites and software which modifies your default start and search pages.
Sometimes internet shortcuts will be added to your favorites folder without asking you. The purpose of this is force you to visit a web site of the hijacker's choice so that they artificially can inflate their web site's traffic for higher advertising revenues.
In some cases, these changes are reversible simply by going into internet options and switching them back. Not always, however. Sometimes it's necessary to edit the windows registry (gasp!) to undo the changes made. Sometimes there is even a combination of registry setting and files clandestinely placed on your hard drive that redo your settings every time you reboot the computer.
No matter how often you change your settings back, they are changed again the next time you restart. There have even been cases where internet options have been removed from the tools menu by registry hacking to prevent you from controlling your own computer!* 11/01/2003
All About Spyware by Sandra Hardmeier, a MS MVP since 1999, and more at Sandi's Site. She has a LOT of information about Browser Hijacking and how to get back control of your browser. Updated: 02/02/2008
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites - Do you have "Spyware" on your system? Parasites or an Unwanted Search Engine? Don't panic -- this is a learning experience on how some of these so-called friendly companies treat you as a valued customer! Many of us are totally amazed (including myself) at just how sneaky and underhanded some of these companies are.
IE Restrictions - Have you had problems with sites hijacking your Home Page or other Internet Explorer restrictions? IE Restrictions will remove most common restrictions that may have been set by a sleaze web site as well as other methods. I do not guarantee this will remove all types available as there are just too many to put in one program but this will take care of 24 of the most common ones. Of course you can also use it to set any restrictions you'd like to have on your PC.* 04/20/2004
How to remove any Spyware / Adware Toolbar - by Dennis Faas, editor http://www.infopackets.com.* 05/28/2004
Invasion of the Browser Snatchers - Beware of typos that lead you to malicious sites--and here's how to break free if you get caught at one. By Lincoln Spector, special to PCWorld.com, Thursday, February 14, 2002.* 06/26/2003
Kephyr.com has an awesome site dealing with Spyware including their Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner and The File Database that has more than 800 file and startup entries. 04/11/2004
Spyware—It's lurking on your machine - By Cade Metz, April 22, 2003* An article that also notes a PC Magazine Editor's Choice with a 4 out of 5 Stars Rating for Spybot Search & Destroy. 06/26/2003
Eric Howes' Privacy & Security Page - On this web site you'll find links to thousands of web sites and programs. When adding links to web sites and programs I try to be as inclusive and non-judgmental as possible. The programs and web sites you do see listed here may vary widely in quality, but I do not personally endorse or recommend any web site or program over another. Nor do I accept money or any other form of compensation for product placement or listing.
I do occasionally see complaints in newsgroups or on web boards about some of the programs and web sites you'll find here. Unless a program or web site does something absolutely intolerable or is a flat-out scam, however, I will list it and let the users themselves sort it out. I have encountered programs and web sites that I've refused to list for one reason or another, but those are rare cases. There are plenty of web pages out there that list only a few "pet favorite" web sites and programs, but I want to do something different with this site. My policy is simply to say, "Here they are," and let the users investigate.* He has an awesome List of Spyware/Adware/Hijackware Tools! And here's his Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings Instructions! Updated: 01/25/2006
NoMoreSpyware - This site is dedicated to informing the public about companies that employ unethical marketing schemes, the programs used to administer such marketing, the servers that said programs are operated on, and the people behind these operations.
Unfortunately, this is not a tech help site. It exists only to relate my personal experience with spyware and the discoveries my research has turned up. If you are experiencing a specific problem and need assistance in removing it, please visit http://spywarewarrior.com for help and advice on removal. Another help forum is located at http://forums.spywareinfo.com
Although no one is immune from ever contracting an unwanted nuisance on their computer, the best rule of thumb is: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Many spyware programs and even trojans are bundled with other seemingly innocent programs and the end user is seldom aware of what is actually being downloaded. Always read the EULA (End User License Agreement) before downloading anything. I strongly recommend reading http://www.womelsdorf.com/TIPS/adspyware.html as a means to educate yourself about spyware and adware, the methods of how it finds it's way onto your computer, and helpful suggestions on removing it.* 10/16/2007
Spyware Warrior - Spyware/Adware/Hijackware Tools - Spyware Warrior Weblog - Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites - Note: "Rogue/Suspect" means that these products are of unknown, questionable, or dubious value as anti-spyware protection. Some of these products simply do not provide proven, reliable anti-spyware protection. Others may use unfair, deceptive, high pressure sales tactics and false positives to scare up sales from gullible, confused users. A very few of these products are either associated with known distributors of spyware/adware or have been known to install spyware/adware themselves. Users are advised to rely on anti-spyware applications with deserved reputations for trustworthy performance.*Anti-Spyware Family Resemblances - One surprising and depressing aspect of the anti-spyware scene is the sheer number of applications that are either knockoffs or rip-offs of Ad-aware or Spybot Search & Destroy (two of the most recognized and trusted anti-spyware apps on the Net) or are simply re-branded clones of other applications released under different names and by different companies. In many cases, the "family resemblances" among these applications are all too easy to detect.* 09/13/2004
AumHa Forums
Bleeping Computer Forums
CastleCops Forums
MajorGeeks Support Forums
Malware Removal
Safer Networking Forums
Spyware Info Forums
Tech Support Forums
Tech Support Guy Forums
Tom Coyote's Support Forums
Wilders Security Forums
An Arsenal to Combat Spyware By Michelle Delio, an article on Wired News - They/She tested a few anti-spyware programs, both Commercial and Free, that are supposed to be able to block spyware programs from being installed on a PC. This is a MUST READ!! http://www.wired.com/news/infostructure/0,1377,63978,00.html?tw=wn_9techhead
According to the story, at least in part, in a Post by Doc, one of our Regular Posters at TMF HWTSC;
".......The best of the bunch were Spybot and Ad-aware, which are available as free downloads. Both are dedicated anti-spyware products that removed every trace of all nine spyware programs we purposely installed.........
...........Other steps can protect against spyware. One simple way is to switch from Microsoft's browsers, which have security holes for spyware programs to exploit. A good alternative is Mozilla Firefox. A not-so-simple step is switching to the Mac or Linux operating systems, which don't have spyware problems......."
Nice little article about ways to combat spyware. Interestingly enough they compared some antispyware programs that you pay for to ad aware and spybot. The ones you buy from like Norton and Mcafee are not very good when compared to ad aware and spybot. The other interesting point is the recommendation to use alternative browsers instead of IE. Personally having used both Mozilla and Firefox - I wish they would have recommended the Mozilla browser instead of the Firefox as it seems to have fewer problems for me...doc* Thank you for giving me permission to use your post Doc!! 07/05/2004
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