Re: Spybot

From: Chuck (none_at_example.net)
Date: 10/22/04


Date: 22 Oct 2004 14:58:12 -0500

On Fri, 22 Oct 2004 12:37:01 -0700, "Michael"
<Michael@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I've ran Spybot and Ad-aware in safe and normal modes.

Good start, Michael. What results did you see?

Neither AA nor SSD (nor any other crapware scanner known) is 100% effective.
BTW, did you update each before scanning?

You may need HijackThis, and expert advice.
Start by downloading each of the following additional free tools:
CWShredder <http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4086.html>
HijackThis <http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=3155>
LSP-Fix and WinsockXPFix <http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm>
Stinger <http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=stinger>

Create a separate folder for HijackThis, such as C:\HijackThis - copy the
downloaded file there. CWShredder have install an routine - run it. The other
downloaded programs can be copied into, and run from, any convenient folder.

First, run Stinger. Have it remove any problems found.

Next, close all Internet Explorer and Outlook windows, and run CWShredder. Have
it fix all problems found.

Next, run AdAware AGAIN. First update it ("Check for updates now"), configure
for full scan (<http://forum.aumha.org/viewtopic.php?t=5877>), then scan. When
scanning finishes, remove all Critical Objects found.

Next, run Spybot S&D AGAIN. First update it ("Search for updates"), then run a
scan ("Check for problems"). Trust Spybot, and delete everything ("Fix
Problems") that is displayed in Red.

Then, run HijackThis ("Scan"). Do NOT make any changes immediately. Save the
HJT Log.
<http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=227>
<http://www1.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/prevent.php>

Finally, have your HJT log interpreted by experts at one or more of the
following security forums (and please post a link to your forum posts, here):
Aumha: <http://forum.aumha.org/index.php>
Net-Integration: <http://forums.net-integration.net/>
Spyware Info: <http://forums.spywareinfo.com/>
Spyware Warrior: <http://spywarewarrior.com/index.php>
Tom Coyote: <http://forums.tomcoyote.org/>

If removal of any spyware affects your ability to access the internet (some
spyware builds itself into the network software, and its removal may damage your
network), run LSP-Fix and / or WinsockXPFIx.

Finally, improve your chances for the future.

Harden your browser. There are various websites which will check for
vulnerabilities, here are three which I use.
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/
https://testzone.secunia.com/browser_checker/

Block Internet Explorer ActiveX scripting from hostile websites (Restricted
Zone).
<https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/main.htm> (IE-SpyAd)

Block known dangerous scripts from installing.
<http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html>

Block known spyware from installing.
<http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html>

Make sure that the spyware detection / protection products that you use are
reliable:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Harden your operating system. Check at least monthly for security updates.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Block possibly dangerous websites with a Hosts file. Three Hosts file sources I
use:
http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(The third is included, and updated, with Spybot (see above)).

Maintain your Hosts file (merge / eliminate duplicate entries) with:
eDexter <http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html>
Hostess <http://accs-net.com/hostess/>

Secure your operating system, and applications. Don't use, or leave activated,
any accounts with names or passwords with trivial (guessable) values. Don't use
an account with administrative authority, except when you're intentionally doing
administrative tasks.

Use common sense. Yours. Don't install software based upon advice from unknown
sources. Don't install free software, without researching it carefully. Don't
open email unless you know who it's from, and how and why it was sent.

Educate yourself. Know what the risks are. Stay informed. Read Usenet, and
various web pages that discuss security problems. Check the logs from the
security products that you use regularly, look for things that don't belong, and
take action when necessary.

How did I get infected in the first place?
http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?showtopic=3051
Essential tips for infection prevention
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=24339

Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.



Relevant Pages

  • Fwd: SF new column announcement: Microsoft Anti-Spyware?
    ... If by some real chance an average user in the world was using Linux, ... I heard so much hohum about MS's security record. ... "Don't install it". ... spyware as you want for Linux/Unix/Freebsd whatever. ...
    (Security-Basics)
  • Re: Adware "Hijacker" Situation...
    ... I'm using Netscape browser and apparently some sort of adware has been ... Most adware and spyware does NOT come with an un install applet in Control ... First update it, ...
    (alt.computer.security)
  • Re: Spyware on WinXP
    ... It will take a longer time to install, ... > Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines ... Keep your machine current with Security and Critical updates using ... > Windows XP Security Homepage: ...
    (microsoft.public.security.virus)
  • Re: Networking XP home & PRO computers w/Linksys Router
    ... I also have Nortan Internet security and Norton Antivirus. ... > Other bad stuff that you need to defend against is spyware and viruses. ... use of the Guest account ... Don't install software based upon advice from unknown ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: Screen Freezing
    ... I did a clean install yesterday. ... loaded Norton AV CE and scans, I have been protected with Internet Security ... > as adware, spyware, viruses, worms, and hijackers. ... > Symantec Online Virus and Security Scan: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)