DEALING WITH MALICIOUS PC-SOFTWARE ATTACKS

Republished: 22 Apr 14
Posted:  21 Sep 13

IS YOUR PC (Not for Apple Computers*)

SLOWING DOWN 

OR BEHAVING WEIRDLY? 

It could be due to a stranger's sneaky mischief.
Sadly, malice or too-hasty downloads should be early suspicions.

A little preventive & corrective 

house-cleaning should save the day!

A.  Purpose

1.  To share some tools and experiences that might be well worth adding to your PC Security Toolboxes and regular computing routines.  I often use these daily, sometimes more or less -- usually, in combination -- depending on what I'm working on -- or on the problems that have cropped up. These tools help you to both find and remove the trouble-makers.

*(Sorry, no Apple experience.  

I've only used tons of PC's over 35 years -- circumstance dictates all!)

2.  Here's what's in my basic security arsenal, so far. They all have their strengths and weaknesses -- but, together, they make a strong and winning team for our side.  Your added suggestions and opinions -- in the comment section, below -- are most welcome.

3.  Surprisingly, it almost takes more time to tell than to actually use.  A breeze, once you become familiar -- and even that's a breeze.

4.  To make it easy for you to get these programs, I've attached handy hyperlinks to the vendors' websites, below (except for Norton Security Suites -- you'll need to get your own high-speed provider's security software directly from them)

4.  CNET.COM is a good, reputable, well-documented source or gateway for free and paid downloads, but note the precautions in paragraph 2, below.

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B.  The Straight Scoop

1.  STANDARD GEAR -- Norton Security Suite -- came free (meaning, at no extra charge -- it's built-into total cost) with my Comcast subscription.  Been around a long, long time. Proven reliability. Well-maintained.  Saved my bacon, countless times. Set to run automatically.  Good basics, but sometimes needs help.  Whatever came with your high-speed service is probably just fine for this purpose.

Be sure to look at all things your various security software can do for you.  Sometimes you need to start things, deliberately, in order to optimize -- like de-fragmenters, registry cleaners, back-ups, file clean-ups, memory and processor behaviors, and the like.


2.  A PRECAUTION ON THE FREE DOWNLOADS -- Be alert -- don't rush to click check-boxes without looking closely --  Here's where you can hassle yourself -- a hasty click might give you unwanted programs, piggy-backed with the ones you wanted -- which can result in a lot of time-wasting surgery to remove them.  Open eyes will reduce open-mouthed screams.

For example:  You might get to a choice like this, during the downloading process: "recommended" versus "advanced or custom" checkboxes. If you wisely ignore the recommendation, you'll get to see exactly what you're getting. by clicking "custom" -- when it opens, simply uncheck what you don't want -- then, proceed with the download.  I find UNWANTED TOOLBARS to be especially annoying to remove.

Some downloads offer freebies with an option to "DECLINE."  I use that option often.  If I want it, then I accept it -- or would have asked for it.  Usually, I don't -- so, "decline" is a good buddy.


3.  MALWAREBYTES -- An awesome free program -- I've loved it for years. I run this daily, to augment Norton Security Suite and the others.  It finds and fixes many things that are missed.  Very quick, too.  It has more powerful paid versions, but the free one is satisfactory for most uses. I had used it so often, I began to feel guilty, so eventually, I bought the paid version from this loyal, reliable friend (fair is fair)
.

4. HITMAN PRO -- A phenomenal "second opinion" program -- I'm in love with it -- it does the really deep detective work for me -- This super-power is free to try for 30 days.  It's so good, I had to reward them (and myself) with a purchase, for even more power (and longevity of use).  You'll see.  AND, IT'S FAST, FAST, FAST. (I run this automatically, on reboot and during idled periods.


5. CCLEANER --  in their own words:

"CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. [Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner (pay attention when using this).]  But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!"

'Nuff said -- except that it's all true.  (I run this every week or so)

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C.  Finally -- a fantastic, different-purpose program 

-- and a MUST for your toolboxes, 

called BELARCADVISOR.  

In their own words: "The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, network inventory, missing Microsoft hotfixes, anti-virus status, security benchmarks, and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server."

• This magnificent free program is an absolute blessing.  
• For your own troubleshooting or to inform help-desks, here's the information you'll want to have handy -- information you might not be able to get, even if you opened your machines and looked -- so cool!   So thorough!  So clear!  So precise!  ELEGANT'S THE WORD!
• I've loved it for years, now.   
• This one you won't need to run every day -- only after big changes or every few years.
• Just run it the first time and when you need to freshen up the information it provides.  
• Print the results for your equipment history files. 

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HERE'S TO HAPPIER COMPUTING 

-- the world is much better that way.  

David Nelson


All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

ALERT!!!! MALICIOUS SOFTWARE!!! "SNAP.DO"

Posted: 1 Dec 12

INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS IS A VERY HARMFUL ONE which captures personal information, passwords, etc. and sends it to places it shouldn't be. 

A. PROBLEM: I just cleaned off this nasty piece of work and thought I should mention it to you and what I did, based on advice from the "Norton (leading security firm) Community." 

Item #1, below, gives you an idea of the dangers and Item #2 gives you the solution, which seems to not only fix the problem, but improves performance (at least in my case).

B. SYMPTOMS: Here's how it manifested for me: Whenever I clicked "new tab" in my browser (to create a new tab), instead of my usual page, I had a page called "Snap.do" in it's place, complete with a search box. 

Apparently, it came with a free download, yesterday. When I went behind the scenes to remove it, I found there was no way to make it go away for sure. Alarm bells. Investigation. More and worse alarm bells. Finally, a solution (whew!)

C. FIXING IT: For me, Item #2 not only appears to have fixed things -- everything seems to run even FAR, FAR faster than before -- even all my different browsers never loaded so fast before (I may start using them again). 

As far as I'm concerned, the magnificently elegant and blazingly fast anti-malicious software (French, but translation is available at the top of its web page) IS A KEEPER for future daunting threats.

D. SPECIAL PRECAUTION: Since it appears that all passwords have been compromised, I have begun changing mine -- I'll finish after posting this. Thought I should hurry this one to you.

GOOD LUCK!

#1 -- THE DANGERS -- ABOUT THIS BAD BOY-- the solution given here is quite technical, so I searched for a safer approach. So far, the solution in the paragraph #2 is as slick as ice.

http://guides.yoosecurity.com/manually-remove-snap-do-virus-completely-uninstall-snap-do-toolbar/

#2 -- THE SOLUTION I JUST USED -- WHICH ALSO PROVIDED PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS (probably cleaned off legacies of previous programs and infections) -- the report of deletions was HUGE, after this program had done its work on all my computers. 

The below link will take you to the Norton Community, which will link you to the heroic French anti-malware program:

http://community.norton.com/t5/Norton-Internet-Security-Norton/Remove-snap-do/m-p/821642#M219935

All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

HOLIDAY SCAMS AND MALWARE ALERT!!!!

Posted: 13 Nov 12

Purpose

To help you preserve your well-being in this "brave new world," by laying out a big problem (hopefully in time for you) and by giving you some links to helpful problem-mitigating information.  It is still true that knowledge is power.

It is hoped that you will find power here, as easily as possible, so you don't have to disrupt your days, too much, by searching so hard for it or learning the hard way.  It's sort of a reminder to look both ways before crossing.

Your attention is also invited to another relevant article on this blog, entitled "SCAM ALERT! Work From Home Scam."

What's Up?

They're at it again.  You didn't think they'd stop, did you?  Who?  I mean the poisoners of the great Internet achievement, and thus, our very lives.  And, just as all humans, they are learning how to do their "work" ever more efficiently and convincingly.

Until good ultimately conquers evil (which it shall), we're going to have to stay alert, keep each other informed, learn what the enemy is up to -- at every opportunity, AND HELP PROTECT ONE ANOTHER.


What sparked all of this?

This morning, I received a warning from one of the many computer industry watchdog groups to whom I subscribe.  It caused me to drop what I'm doing, to get this out to you, without delay.  Here is that article, but there is more I can offer you:

http://www.zdnet.com/cybercriminals-start-spamvertising-xmas-themed-scams-and-malware-campaigns-7000007178/?s_cid=e550


Scope of the Problem

There are so many ways that the enemy can fool and trap us -- if we give them a tiny opening --playing on our various needs for more and better goods and services, bargains and savings of precious dollars, our sympathies, our mutual trusts -- anything that they know a good human possesses inside  -- or on our inevitable weaknesses and failings.

Because we humans tend to be ingenious, the variety of assaults on our well-being are countless.


Limitations

Ideally, my desire is to cut snippets from all the various articles and warnings and to place them all in one convenient article.  But, I not only must respect copyrights, it's my desire and duty to respect the creativity and hard work of fellow humans -- and insure that they get their fair due credit for their efforts.  Besides, they can explain far better than I.

Since, I can't maximize your convenience in that way, the next best thing I can think of is to offer you a trail to follow, so that you can see the lay of the land, as efficiently as possible.


Therefore

The following are links that I have either examined myself or are from sources I consider to be unimpeachable.  Please examine them carefully and as soon as possible.  Eventually, you will understand at least some of the patterns and specifics that will allow you to minimize your risks.

And, please alert ALL OTHERS WHOM YOU CARE ABOUT.  You may certainly distribute this article as freely and widely as you wish.  I do ask that you consider my own copyright statement, at bottom.  For I have big plans for our futures and need to protect the integrity of the organization I am forming.

Here's to the safe and peaceful and wonderful holiday season you deserve -- as you renew yourself and others, to better play our unique parts in our society's vital work -- toward better days ahead.  We will get there.  We will.


The Links

• I always ask Google, first, and he or she never lets me down.  Here you go: "scams and malware."   Just go on down the list.  Check a few at each opportunity, till you feel you've gone far enough.
• Facebook scams -- here is a quick read that should keep you from stepping on land mines in that magnificent Facebook garden of growing friendships and wisdom.
• For Android users
• My favorite handy-dandy -- Be sure to keep "Snopes.com" in your tool box.  Like everything, unfavorable rumors can float to the top.  But, you can safely ignore any negatives concerning this fabulous public service.  I have checked them out thoroughly, have used them for years to sort out hoaxes and worse, have read the highly favorable reviews in the "fact-checking" industry and KNOW them to be good, reputable, reliable, and as honest as possible.  You can trust them.

More to Follow

• This is as far as I can go, right now, because I really wanted to rush this into your hands.
• As I learn more, so shall you, my friends.
• Check-in, here, from time to time.
• And, please tell us what you learn.  You are welcomed and encouraged to share what you know in the comment section below this posting
• I look forward to the day when I don't have to say, "be careful out there."  And, that day is coming.  We have to believe that and in each other.

David Nelson

Editor & Publisher

All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.