Outlook

[Anita Zubac]

Hello,

Every time I log onto my machine messages like "a program
is trying to automatically send e-mail on your behalf..."
start poping up. Also, when IE is started it goes to a
strange web page (not my homepage) and it starts trying to
open some addresses unknown to me.

Is this a virus? I ran a virus check, but it showed
nothing, and there is nothing unusual in my startup folder.

What could I do to remedy these issues?

Thank you in advance,

Anita

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

What antivirus product, and are you keeping it updated with the latest
pattern files?

*** Good security housekeeping tips, in no particular order: ***

* See http://securityadmin.info/faq.htm

* Go to www.lavasoftusa.com and download AdAware...install, launch, update &
run it. This will rid your computer of spyware/adware.

* Use antivirus software (www.grisoft.com has a freebie) and update it
regularly - at least once a week; daily if possible.

* Use a good firewall to block access to your computer from the Internet
(www.sygate.com is a decent freebie for a standalone workstation; hardware
appliances are a better choice for networks). For software firewalls, see
BlackIce or the freebie at www.sygate.com - but you do get what you pay for.
For a good hardware firewall, see NetGear or Linksys or DLink - they all
make easy to use products, but make sure they're true firewalls and not just
NAT devices, as those are not going to stop anyone. Expect to pay about
$100-$120 USD for a good hardware firewall.

* Get a popup blocker to stop IE popups, such as www.panicware.com (they
offer a free one) or try the new Google toolbar 2.0 which does the same
thing (and is just plain cool)

* Run Windows Update regularly (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) to get
all the latest patches for your operating system.

* See http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm for lots of information on
browser hijacking and how to stop it

* Do not use Imesh or Kazaa any other peer-to-peer file sharing software,
ever.

* Do not use Hotbar.