An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

The first thing you should do is ask yourself, "why am I here?"
No, not the proverbial 'why am I here, why are we all here', but why am I here reading this topic?

• If the answer is that you were advised to read this topic after receiving help in the removal of a virus or other malware, then there's good reason for you to read on.
• If the answer is that you are trying to learn about ways to better protect your computer from becoming infected, there's good reason for you to read on.
• If the answer is that you want to avoid another frustrating encounter with infections, with our malware removal folks (despite them being friendly, helpful folks) requesting log after log and having you run tool after tool, and countless hours of waiting for this scan and that scan, then there's good reason for you to read on.

Well, what are you waiting for ........... read on!


The following is a list of tools and utilities that we recommend to people. This list is full of great tools and utilities to help you understand how you got infected and how to keep from getting infected again.

1. Windows Updates - It is very important to make sure that both Internet Explorer and Windows are kept current with the latest critical security patches from Microsoft.
   To do this just Click > Start > All Programs Click on > Windows Update, and follow the online instructions from there.
   (It is recommended that you have Windows Updates set to download and install automatically.)
   
   
2. One of your first defenses against infections and hackers is an Anti-virus and Firewall
   These are a Must Have to help keep you protected in today’s Internet world.
   Here are some good ones and the best part, they are Free!
   
   Please Download and run only 1 AV and only 1 firewall.
   
   Anti-Virus
   Avast
   Avira
   AVGFree
   
   Firewall
   Comodo Firewall > During the setup process you will be given a choice, Please choose: Install the Firewall as a standalone
   Zonealarm Firewall
   
   Download, Update and scan your computer with the AV. Quarantine/Delete anything it finds.
   Check for updates at least once a week and do regular scans. Most AV’s can be scheduled to scan at a given time, this is also recommended.
   
   Also I suggest you read this.
   Understanding Firewalls
   
   
3. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM)
   http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php (Home page)
   Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware.
   Some Key Features:
   Operating Systems: Microsoft ® Windows 2000, XP, Vista.
   Database updates released daily.
   Works together with other anti-malware utilities.
   This is a free program with the option of Activating a full version, unlocking realtime protection, scheduled scanning, and scheduled updating. It is a one time fee of $24.95 for the full version.
   Remember to ALWAYS check for and install available updates prior to scanning!
   
   
4. Spybot Search & Destroy- A well known and reputable, FREE (for personal use) adware, spyware and malware removal program. Spybot has some great features to help protect against future infection too, as well as several other useful utilities built in. Check out the FAQ and Tutuorial pages while you're there!
   Remember to ALWAYS check for and install available updates prior to scanning!
   
   
5. Ad-Aware - Another well known and reputable, FREE (for personal use) adware, spyware and malware removal program, Ad-Aware and Spybot S & D compliment each other very well, each finding and/or removing things the other doesn't. Regular scans with these two applications will help to ensure that many nasties managing to sneek in get caught and removed. The first in anti-spyware packages, Ad-Aware has the experience to provide a powerful cleaning tool. Also available in a feature-rich Professional version, making Ad-Aware an attractive package for everyone from Home user to Enterprise.
   Remember to ALWAYS check for and install available updates prior to scanning!
   
   
6. SpywareBlaster is a Freeware (for personal use) application that will help to prevent the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software. It accomplishes this by blocking the installation of many known bad ActiveX controls, spyware and tracking cookies, and restricting the actions of potentially unwanted sites. SpywareBlaster does not require any running or background processes to work once protections are enabled, which means it will not slow down your system in any way.
   
   
7. SpywareGuard - A Spyware "Shield" to protect your computer, acting much like your antivirus real-time protection. It's features include scanning files for spyware before you open them, blocking spyware downloads in Internet Explorer and monitoring/preventing attempted browser hijacking. Small and lightweight, yet powerful! Compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000 & XP
   FREEWARE (for personal use)
   
   
8. The MVPS Hosts File or similar HOSTS file will actually block a list of known bad sites from even loading in your browser. It can also be used to block ads, banners, 3rd party cookies and more. Operating system compatibility and installation instructions are provided.
   
   
9. Install WinPatrol to monitor some key registry locations, file system changes, and other important areas, and have it alert you of the changes BEFORE allowing them to take place.
   
   
10. Another thing we would suggest is to install SiteAdvisor. It gives sites a few different 'ratings' and while not fool proof, a good additional layer of information about many sites. When using a search engine, The Ratings show up as small dots next to the web site. Green for Good, Yellow for Caution, Red for bad. Set your cursor on the dot for a small pop up window that provides more information on that web site.
    Web Browser: Internet Explorer 6 or 7. : Also works with Firefox.
    Operating System: Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4) Windows XP and Windows Vista
    
    
11. If you would prefer something other then McAfee SiteAdvisor, you can go with this.
    WOT Web Of Trust.
    This is also free and is a well respected tool.

Now just because you have security applications installed, they are useless unless updated regularly.
Most of the above recommended applications are updated periodically, and it's up to you to check for updates. Set aside time in a day each month to update all of your protections.


To find out more information about how you got infected in the first place and more great guidelines to follow to prevent future infections you can read
this article by Grinler

Surf Safely!

WindowsBBS Team