Author Topic: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack  (Read 4165 times)

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Offline Jim

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It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« on: May 19, 2008, 08:53:42 PM »
Sometimes, even though you take some precautions, it is just not enough. 

I had previously installed all the programs that I recommend in the topics here on Aunt Bonnie's computer to help protect her from Spyware and Virus attacks.  The anti-virus program (AVG) updates everytime the computer is turned on but the others require manual updates (Spyware Blaster and SpyBot Search and Destroy, and Ad-Aware 2007).  In addition AVG is set to run a full system scan every day if the computer is on.  I'm not sure how often that was allowed to run but all the other software, I updated when we were there on the weekends. 

Two weeks ago, I updated, ran all the scans and got a couple of hits on a Backdoor Trojan.  This was cleaned by AVG and the other programs reported no problems.  This was on Friday.

On Saturday (two weeks ago), Aunt Bonnie's step-granddaughter was there and the computer was on so she sat down and was soon doing what 16 year olds do on the internet.  After she left, Aunt Bonnie said "What is this screen on my computer?".

The desktop had been changed to a pastel blue and the printing was in yellow.  There was a big message on the screen that said "Your computer has been detected to contain Spyware.  Press this link to begin a complete scan".  Pressing the link is the worst thing you can do because it will lead you right to the site that installed the spyware and most of the time it will ask for your credit card number in order to remove it.  See where this is going?

Anyway, I restarted the computer in safe mode, ran Spybot Search and Destroy and it hit on lots of spyware.  At least 10 different ones.  It would find them, I would say fix selected and it would not be able to fix everything.  I couldn't get back on the internet to download any additional cleaning software because of the popups that the spyware was generating.  If I disconnected the internet, it would generate so many errors that you couldn't do anything.

I restarted in safe mode again, ran all the cleaners I had and nothing worked.  The main spyware was something called SpywareMaster.  That's the cleaner software they wanted you to buy.  It was a really nasty bugger in that it even made ctrl-alt-delete useless.  You could not bring up the task manager, instead you would get a dialog box that said "Task manager has been disabled by your administrator".

I spent close to 4 hours trying to clean this spyware and Aunt Bonnie decided that was long enough.  The computer we were working with is a emachine so she had a restore disk.  She decided, that as a last resort we could use the restore disk and reinstall everything like it was when the computer was new.  This would wipe out all her data and pics that she didn't have on backups. That's what we ended up doing.

Aunt Bonnie has just started getting things back to normal.  We didn't have time 2 weeks ago to get all the protection software reinstalled so she had been scarce around here for a while.  She was able to ask her step-granddaughter where she went and she said My Space and some music sites.  I'd bet that she don't get on Aunt Bonnie's computer anymore.

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Offline Triss

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2008, 09:26:29 PM »
Oh no what a horrible mess you all had to deal with.  If my kiddos did that to our, they would not be using it for a while either.

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Offline Tina

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2008, 09:30:20 PM »
Every time Jonni gets on my computer (daily) I end up with problems. so far the things I have have been able to clean them up. But thanks for the warning.
 
« Last Edit: May 19, 2008, 09:50:11 PM by Dianna »
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Offline Peggy

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2008, 12:31:25 AM »
I totally understand how Ms. Aunt Bonnie must feel!

I have a 17 year old son, who is technically not allowed on my computer.  He has learned about "warez" and other types of illeagle software.  He downloads it and installs this stuff on my computer and it's full of viruses and spyware.

I'm constantly trying to get rid of something and a few months ago finally just gave up and did a format and reinstall of everything!

And yes, since the format he's already messed with it, and I've got spyware that I can't seem to kill.

Can't wait till he's 18!!!!! LOL, only 231 more days! Hehehehehe!!!!
Hugs, Peggy
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Offline Jim

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2008, 07:55:11 AM »
Yes, the "warez" sites and the music file sharing sites are really bad.  Kaaza and Limewire have been known to propogate malware just because of all the file sharing.  Those sites may have gotten better but I don't take the chance by going there.

When he's 18 he'll just bring his computer over for you to clean off.   :thspeechless-vi:
« Last Edit: May 20, 2008, 08:04:07 AM by Jim »
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Offline Tina

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2008, 07:22:52 PM »
I will be getting Jonni her own computer. Then she will not be allowed near mine. She actually has a computer on a par with mine now. But no modem. I am clueless about how to install one.
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Offline Jim

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #6 on: May 20, 2008, 09:14:04 PM »
I am clueless about how to install one.

If she has an open PCI slot, just unplug the computer, insert the modem into the slot, put the case back together and turn on the computer.  In most cases Windows will find the hardware and install the driver. 
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Offline Tina

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #7 on: May 20, 2008, 10:14:50 PM »
I had heard that it was that easy. I wasn't too sure that I wanted her online much when we first got on the net. So I never tried too hard. She had to earn it. I think she has now. And if she messes up a computer it would be hers and not mine. I'm liking that idea more and more.
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Offline Jim

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2008, 07:21:14 AM »
Yep, that is the way to go.  Give her some basic protection.  The new AVG 8.0 (still free) comes with the AVG-Spyware.  That along with the other programs we have listed here should help.
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Fat Tam

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2008, 11:56:09 AM »
I use Sygate firewal on my main computer , it is on 24/7/365 and Sygate allows nothing to pass without an instruction from me. best of all its FREE     http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160

Offline Peggy

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Re: It could happen to you - Spyware Attack
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2008, 12:39:29 PM »
Yes, the "warez" sites and the music file sharing sites are really bad.  Kaaza and Limewire have been known to propogate malware just because of all the file sharing.  Those sites may have gotten better but I don't take the chance by going there.

When he's 18 he'll just bring his computer over for you to clean off.   :thspeechless-vi:
LOL! No he won't bring it to me to fix... I've been working on his computers for too many years...and I'm DONE! LOL

:) Mom who's tired of her son's computer antics.... Peg
« Last Edit: May 23, 2008, 10:50:32 AM by Patty S »
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