What to do in case of a Malware Attack

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What prompts me to write this is today I clicked on a link in Digg and I launched a malware attack on my computer. Luckily when the pop up happened I knew what to do – which was NOT click on anything in the webpage, open my task manager and stop Internet Explorer. I’m fortunate it was a lower grade attack and that solved the problem.  I’ve dealt with shit before so hopefully this may be helpful to some of you

For those not familiar with Malware – it is a malicious software that can attack your computer via an e-mail attachment or script running on a web page. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs.

 

One of the most common attacks I see lately is when a web page seizes control of your browser (like Internet explorer) telling you your PC is infected – here is a screenshot of one of the variety of different attacks also known as scareware. Once infected your machine will be locked out of websites, your antivirus turned off and most, if not all, internet communications blocked.

The goal of this particular product is not just to load your PC with virus, but to also con you into paying the website for the “cure” to fix the Malware. You’d be surprised at how many people actually do this.

Here are a few easy steps to prevent Malware attacks and also to deal with them if you become infected

Prevention

Not getting the Malware is the best possible option, but you’ll find it hidden in some of the most popular websites including Digg, Reddit and Google image search results. Here are a few tools, listed in no particular order you may want to install

1. Firefox Browser – No Script and Adblock + pop-up – Both of these tools are pretty effective in preventing scripts from running on web pages

2. Internet Explorer – No scripting plug ins available but you can filter active x components and has a pop up blocker that works sometimes

3. Web of Trust  – a plug in warning system that blocks known Malware websites (also works well for Parental controls) in IE or Firefox

4. Malwarebytes – a Free Malware identification and elimination tool. Running a scan weekly is a good way to identify and kill malicious software. This is a great product and they even offer forums full of people very willing to try and help

5. Spybot Seek and Destroy – Another free Malware tool that works very well

Some of the Malware out there can totally disable any of these tools. In those cases there are a couple things you can try.  Restart the machine in Safe mode then run Malwarebytes or Spybot is the first. Depending on the Malware it may fix the problem or you may have to try to restore to a previous date.

The worst case scenario is a total wipe of your machine and starting over. This is quite painful and, if you have to do it, hopefully you have all of our files, documents, pictures, etc. backed up

Good Luck and please feel free to ask any questions

 

10 Responses to “What to do in case of a Malware Attack”

  1. Haha! You are still on Digg!!!

  2. Why isn’t our federal government do more to stop malware? My mother lost her computer this way, she is not that tech savvy..

    Why can’t web servers scan ads and links? Maybe they do…well this is one area that needs more attention by industry.

    When the great cyber attack comes it will likely be malware….

    • It’s funny how the Govt will worry about piracy and shut down sites, but ignores shit like this that does far more damage.

      Maybe beacuse us regular folks don’t have a lobbbyist up there buying lunches and playing golf

  3. Agree on the help sites; run by very knowledgeable people willing to spend whatever time it takes to help out.

    Here’s my hint: If you have another computer that is still working you can create a boot disc that will run a virus scan of an infected computer before the virus loads. This is time consuming but pretty effective. Go to any of the free anti-virus sites and download the boot files, which generally run some version of Linux. You will need to be able to write an ISO (bootable) CD; the common drag-and-drop disc writers will not create a bootable CD, but there is free software available for this, too. The instructions tend to be sparse but still worth it.

    Worst trojan I ever had flew right by Norton. It took 3 different boot discs and Malwarebytes to get rid of it.

    • Good idea on the boot disc -thanks for adding it. Just not sure how many folks reading this have the technical apptitude to do that

  4. Numbers 4 and 5 are must for anyone they have to be the best free programs out there and at most times catch things that the paid stuff doesn’t.

    • Agreed. I have Trand Micro and it’s really kind of useless when it comes to blocking incoming scripts

  5. … hopefully, there’s a special place in HELL for these “evildoers” … that seem to think this is a worthy endeavor !

    Wasted talent !!!

    I’m sure I speak for ALL of those who have seen these “pop-up screens” … unexpectedly appear !

    As you say, OH SHIT … you begin … trying to bring up “Task Manager” as quickly as possible

    … trying to start a complete “System Scan” with your anti-virus Software

    … trying frantically to bring your machine back from the netherworld of Trojans and Viruses and Worms … Oh my !!!

    So malicious and destructive !

    I just don’t get it !

    .

    • My kids have gotten some really bad stuff on the home PC beacuse they do a lot of gaming. There’s one more program that’s even rougher than Malwarebytes – I had to use it on a really bad virus on that machine.

      I didn’t list it here beacuse it has the potential to wreck your files as well as killing the virus and didn’t want to have folks use that first

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