Warning: virus/spam/malware Alert
Tags: Technology
From Kit: There are two virus/spam/malware problems making the rounds that are proving to be a real problem.
The first are fake anti-virus programs such as Internet Security 2010, AntiSpyware 2009, PC Privacy Cleaner, System Security etc. (The full list of identified programs contains 149 entries).
Several people have recently been infected by these programs and it has taken extreme measures to remove them.
These programs typically identify dozens of problem files on your computer, lock you out of many programs, and then ask you to use your credit card to buy the program to "fix" the problems. If you try to navigate to a website to get removal information, you are redirected to sites that then install other malicious software on your computer.
The best solution to these problems is to keep your anti-virus program and run and install Spy Bot Search and Destroy. (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html) At the first sign of one of these programs, shut down everything you are doing, reboot and then run a virus scan and a spybot scan. The second problem is a set of very cleverly designed phishing messages targeted at your personal information.
These types of messages have been around for a long time but what is unique about this new Phishing scam is that it uses enough personalization and randomization to confuse the recipient into believing it might be a legitimate message from the user’s own email administrator. The spam filtering service company that we use is reporting that these messages are so convincing that even when they are blocked, people will take them out of quarantine because they are convinced they are legitimate.
Again, the best defense is to be suspicious and verify any message that asks you to disclose information. As a rule, any legitimate company will include a customer service number that you should be able to call and verify.
From me: This morning I allowed an entry in my spam filter to be delivered to my inbox, only to find that it probably was infecting my computer, possibly even without opening it. It said it was from a reputable greeting card company. Instead of a link to a reputable greeting card site with a password to access it, it had an attachment, which is not how the greeting card sites work.
The message here is that if anything looks different in even the least little way, be suspicious, don't open it. If you think it has started to infect your computer, close out the site as quickly as possible, reboot and run a program to clean your computer.
It's a good idea to keep your anti-virus/spam/malware programs up-to-date, just in case you need them. Once your computer is infected, accessing the necessary programs can be just short of impossible. If it's gone too far for you to fix, call Kit. His rates are better than places like Best Buy and Future Shop.
From Kit: There are two virus/spam/malware problems making the rounds that are proving to be a real problem.
The first are fake anti-virus programs such as Internet Security 2010, AntiSpyware 2009, PC Privacy Cleaner, System Security etc. (The full list of identified programs contains 149 entries).
Several people have recently been infected by these programs and it has taken extreme measures to remove them.
These programs typically identify dozens of problem files on your computer, lock you out of many programs, and then ask you to use your credit card to buy the program to "fix" the problems. If you try to navigate to a website to get removal information, you are redirected to sites that then install other malicious software on your computer.
The best solution to these problems is to keep your anti-virus program and run and install Spy Bot Search and Destroy. (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html) At the first sign of one of these programs, shut down everything you are doing, reboot and then run a virus scan and a spybot scan. The second problem is a set of very cleverly designed phishing messages targeted at your personal information.
These types of messages have been around for a long time but what is unique about this new Phishing scam is that it uses enough personalization and randomization to confuse the recipient into believing it might be a legitimate message from the user’s own email administrator. The spam filtering service company that we use is reporting that these messages are so convincing that even when they are blocked, people will take them out of quarantine because they are convinced they are legitimate.
Again, the best defense is to be suspicious and verify any message that asks you to disclose information. As a rule, any legitimate company will include a customer service number that you should be able to call and verify.
From me: This morning I allowed an entry in my spam filter to be delivered to my inbox, only to find that it probably was infecting my computer, possibly even without opening it. It said it was from a reputable greeting card company. Instead of a link to a reputable greeting card site with a password to access it, it had an attachment, which is not how the greeting card sites work.
The message here is that if anything looks different in even the least little way, be suspicious, don't open it. If you think it has started to infect your computer, close out the site as quickly as possible, reboot and run a program to clean your computer.
It's a good idea to keep your anti-virus/spam/malware programs up-to-date, just in case you need them. Once your computer is infected, accessing the necessary programs can be just short of impossible. If it's gone too far for you to fix, call Kit. His rates are better than places like Best Buy and Future Shop.