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Spyware

Updated 22. June 2008 - 5:24 by Gaji

 I am an inexperienced computer user. Recently I got a pop up from a spyware company who said they did a quick scan and that I have three or more viruses. Then below they requested me to download their product. I didn't.

I ran an AVAST check on my pc, and it repeorted that 9080 items were unable to scan, including codets etc.Being unclear what that meant I was wondering if in fact there may be three viruses, or if that was a scam, and then why and how can these 9080 items can be checked?

Is this a limitation of AVAST?Or can you tell me what to do next?

by cy (not verified) on 23. June 2008 - 19:12  (2990)

About sites declaring your PC malware infested, check also with:

Spyware Warrior

Please bear in mind that you will not buy a security product, if you do not feel your security is threatened ;)

by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 8:43  (2874)

Hi

If you use AntiVir, you should run a Full System Scan and a Rootkit Scan.
by Anonymous on 22. June 2008 - 14:17  (2896)

Be carefull on rootkit removal as your system may become unbootable.

If you use Antivir - on of the recomended AV - go to their support forum, explain the problem and wait for instructions.
by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 14:43  (2897)

Hi

Yes that's a good point. You should back up all your data before proceeding with any scan.

But after backing up, I think you can just run it.
by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 8:41  (2873)

Hi

If you use SUPERAntiSpyware, go the Preferences, Scanning Control, Scanner Options, make everything unticked except for the bottom six (Scan Alternative Data Streams to Display Scan Option in Explorer Context menu) and check "Scan for tracking Cookies" and "Resolve Links/Shortcuts during scan (.Ink)

If you use AntiVir free, go to Configuration, check Expert mode at the top of the screen, then:
Scanner, Scan, Archives, tick Scan Archives and All Archives Type
Scanner, Scan, Heuristics, Win32 Detection, change it to High Detection Level
by Anonymous on 22. June 2008 - 14:14  (2895)

This "Someone" poster...

If you use Heuristics set to high, it is better to use the Antivir support forum as you should expect a lot of false positives.

"High detection level
If this option is enabled, Avira AntiVir Personal detects a large number of unknown viruses, worms or Trojans, but you must also expect false positives."

The better option is to go to their support forum, open a thread a wait for instructions. Tech Support Alert is not a specialized anti-malware support forum.
by JonathanT on 23. June 2008 - 7:17  (2950)

Hi

"Tech Support Alert is not a specialized anti-malware support forum." I know that, but I think members should still give advice if they feel they can help.

"The better option is to go to their support forum, open a thread a wait for instructions." That's also an option.

And personally I do not experience a lot of false postives with High.
by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 8:33  (2872)

Hi

Here are the links for the programs I mentioned.

SAS
http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-105238...

MBAM
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html

AntiVir
http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_...

Panda AR
http://www.download.com/Panda-Anti-Rootkit/3000-8022_4-10717196.html?par...

Fs Bl
http://www.f-secure.com/security_center/
(at the bottom of the page)

TM RB
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/rbuster.asp
by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 8:28  (2870)

Hi

I think you should run SUPERAntiSpyware free and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware free.

Just install, update, and full scan.

You could also install AntiVir free. Do a custom install and UNcheck "Enable Guard". This will make it an on-demand scanner and should not conflict with Avast!.

Oh and you can also run some anti-rootkits. I recommend Panda Antirootkit, F secure Blacklight and Trend Micro Rootkit Buster.
by Gaji on 22. June 2008 - 7:00  (2862)

Is the Avast virus cleaner useful to support the removal of possible viruses?
by Gaji on 22. June 2008 - 6:59  (2861)

That is a lot to take in. I tried.The eset would not download. it said the browser in not supported.
by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 12:15  (2887)

Hi

I think for most online scanners you need to use IE, though Trend Micro HouseCall has a version that works for Firefox.
by peter on 22. June 2008 - 7:13  (2864)

I know it's a lot to take in. Providing remote support isn't easy either. Which O/S?
Read about Avast here:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm
by peter on 22. June 2008 - 7:10  (2863)

Which browser?

Try this for an online scan:
http://www.bitdefender.com/
by peter on 22. June 2008 - 5:35  (2854)

I would suggest you immediately use this free online service:
http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/

Then read these:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-hips.htm
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-adware-spyware-scumware-remove...
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-browser-protection-utility.htm
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-to-secure-your-pc.php
by JonathanT on 22. June 2008 - 9:21  (2877)

Hi

I think you forgot Best Free Anti-Trojan?

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