Malware

[Guest]

Hello. How do I prevent malware from downloading on my computer when surfing
sites? Are there programs out there that can prevent it? I have ad-aware
which is good for fixing the problem after it develops, but how do I prevent
it?

 

[Kelly]

Try: SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware. It prevents it
from ever being installed.
http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html


/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[Guest]

Try spyware blaster and Zone alarm. Spyware blaster has a free fully
functional version and keeps things off and Zone alarm is a great firewall
also.

 

[Guest]

Oh yeah, I haven't installed SP2 yet (too long a download for my 56k). I
heard that might help, but to what extent? If I did install SP2, would I
still need a program running to safeguard against malware?

Thanks.

Ari


(e-mail address removed)

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

SpywareBlaster:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

See section:
How To: Prevent this from happening again?
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


Hello. How do I prevent malware from downloading on my computer when surfing
sites? Are there programs out there that can prevent it? I have ad-aware
which is good for fixing the problem after it develops, but how do I prevent
it?

 

[Guest]

You can order an xp sp2 cd if it's too large of a download. sp2 comes with a
better firewall but i beleive it's still a one way.

 

[Guest]

i believe that's what he wanted was something to prevent it.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. I checked out the website. Best things in life are free.

I don't suppose one needs to install and run BOTH Spyware Blaster and Zone
Alarm at the same time, right?

A.

(e-mail address removed)

 

[Guest]

Thanks to all for their input and help. Spyware Blaster looks like it'll work
out fine.

The government should crack down on malware spreaders and companies that
advertise through them. It's mass trespassing.

Thanks again, everyone.

Ari

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

Besides spyblaster, you can also try Spyguard. I also have PestPatrol and
use Guardbar as well. Spybot Search and Destroy is nice, especially if you
use the teatimer function as well. Spyblaster, Spyguard, TeaTimer works in
the background. I have on my systems 5 programs to prevent and detect
spyware running at all times. It might be overkill, but can never be too
safe

Jeff

 

[Kelly]

Great, glad to hear it. You are most welcome and I hear you. Good luck
with the latter! )

/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[Jeff]

For the past 9 months I've been using a registry hack called IE-spyad. this
hack creates a list of undesirable items and prevents them.
its free, works great, easy to update, easy to remove.
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm

 

[Guest]

Hello. How do I prevent malware from downloading on my computer when surfing
sites? Are there programs out there that can prevent it? I have ad-aware
which is good for fixing the problem after it develops, but how do I prevent
it?

This will help as well


To help stop unauthorized downloads via your activex controls change your
default settings.
These settings are good for XP. The wording should be close for other systems
as well.
Go to control panel and open "internet options.
Click on the security tab then custom level.
make sure these settings are as follows.

Download signed active x controls>set to prompt
Download unsigned active x controls>set to disable
Initialize and script active x controls not marked as safe>set to disable
Run active x controls and pluggins>set to enable
Script active x controls marked safe for scripting>set to enable
Java permissions>set to high
Launching programs and files in a IFRAME" > Prompt
Installation of Desktop items"> Prompt
Navigate sub-frames across different domains>prompt

 

[Alex Nichol]

Oh yeah, I haven't installed SP2 yet (too long a download for my 56k). I
heard that might help, but to what extent? If I did install SP2, would I
still need a program running to safeguard against malware?

Yes. Most malware manages to get in piggy-backing on something you
deliberately download, or sometimes in mail. You need to do regular
checks - Adaware and Spybot for much of it, but also a good Antivirus
like AVG or eTrust against contaminated email. eTrust for me detects
about 10 infected spam emails a day

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I don't suppose one needs to install and run BOTH Spyware
Blaster and
Zone Alarm at the same time, right?

Yes, you should run them both. They protect against two different
things.

 

[jch]

Try spyware blaster and Zone alarm. Spyware blaster has a free fully
functional version and keeps things off and Zone alarm is a great firewall
also.

Zone Alarm does nothing to prevent malware from loading on to your system.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello. How do I prevent malware from downloading on my computer when
surfing sites? Are there programs out there that can prevent it? I
have ad-aware which is good for fixing the problem after it
develops,
but how do I prevent it?

Neither adware nor spyware, collectively known as scumware,
magically install themselves on anyone's computer. They are almost
always deliberately installed by the computer's user, as part of some
allegedly "free" service or product.

While there are some unscrupulous malware distributors out there,
who do attempt to install and exploit malware without consent, the
majority of them simply rely upon the intellectual laziness and
gullibility of the average consumer, counting on them to quickly click
past the EULA in his/her haste to get the latest in "free" cutesy
cursors, screensavers, "utilities," and/or wallpapers.

If you were to read the EULAs that accompany, and to which the
computer user must agree before the download/installation of the
"screensaver" continues, most adware and spyware, you'll find that
they _do_ have the consumer's permission to do exactly what they're
doing. In the overwhelming majority of cases, computer users have no
one to blame but themselves.

There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.

The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people
have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be
no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All
too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches
in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
they're about to click.

Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.


To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

Home Computer Security
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

List of Antivirus Software Vendors
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500

Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/

Scumware.com
http://www.scumware.com/

--

Bruce Chambers

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