Computer newbies: Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware
Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware
by Traceyy - 5/12/06 3:57 PMHi,
Am going to connect to broadband this weekend, however everyone I know who has, has got hit bad by spyware/malaware and web browser hijacks. I am currently running spywareblaster, zone alarm fire wall, corporate norton anti virus and use both adaware and spybot, is there anything else I can use so I dont create a huge problem for myself?
Any advise would be helpful
Traceyy
What I Use...
by Grif Thomas
- 5/12/06 4:13 PM
In reply to: Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware by Traceyy
Read the link below:
How To Use A HOSTS File
The HOSTS file contains a list of "banned" websites and included in those are many of the sites that contain spyware and virus drive-by installers.
One more option, if you aren't already using a different browser such as Firefox, Mozilla, or Opera, download, install, and use it. Although not perfect, they prevent many of the ActiveX and scripting vulnerabilities from running. I use Firefox which can be downloaded for free at the link below:
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
Hope this helps.
Grif
Running Windows 98
by Traceyy - 5/12/06 5:21 PM In reply to: What I Use... by Grif Thomas
Can I use a host file with Windows98?
Thanks for the advice though, when my daughter gets her lap top I will note that for when we set it up.
Trace
Yes, It Works The Same...
by Grif Thomas - 5/12/06 5:47 PM
In reply to: Running Windows 98 by Traceyy
..and it's actually easier. Read the information in the link I provided.. On Windows 98, simply place the HOSTS file in the C\Windows folder and you're ready to go.
Hope this helps.
Grif
You can also add
by PudgyOne - 5/13/06 2:22 AM In reply to: Yes, It Works The Same... by Grif Thomas
You can also add websites to the hosts files that you do NOT want your daughter to go to. She'll just get a message that website not responding. You can also add any tracking cooking that the other programs find. Then the next time you go to that website, the tracking cookies will not work.
Hope this helps.
Rick
Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware
by PFurball - 5/15/06 2:33 AM In reply to: You can also add by PudgyOneHowdy Tracey,
You say you use Spybot Search and Destroy, make sure you use the Tea Timer guardian that comes with this programme. It will let you know if something is trying to hijack any of your settings like the browser home page, hosts file, programme permissions and will notify you and ask if changes are allowed/denied and you get to choose. I also run WinPatrolPlus which is pretty much the same thing, and When I am using Internet Explorer for my browser, I run IE Spyad as extra protection and prefer to use Firefox whenever possible running SiteAdvisor as an extension to let me know if the sites I am visiting are safe or not.
I have changed to ZoneAlarm Security Suite which combines my antivirus and antispywareprotection into one unit.So far I have had no problems at all but when you first use it it send 50 million alerts to get your settings how you like them.Another helpful programme comes free from ASquared which helps protect against trojans but your other programmes should help with these too.Make sure you update at least once a week as that is one downfall even with all the anti nasty equipment available!!
Regards Paula 
Spyware/ Malware protection- Try these.
by jerry816 - 5/19/06 2:28 AM In reply to: Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware by TraceyyFor real time protection I can advise good results using 'SpywareBlaster'- You can update manual/ Auto and it is FREE. It will not remove existing issues, as it blocks new threats. To clean up your PC- I advise using 'AD- Aware SE' and 'Spybot Search & Destroy'. Both provide updates and are FREE. The FREE versions do not provided real time blocking, but with 'SpywareBlaster' in place you should keep out any new threats once 'AD-Aware SE & SBSDestroy' have scanned & removed existing threats on your PC. 'Spybot' also has a useful 'Shredder tool' when in Advanced mode, so you can erase your IE history. You can even choose how many 'shreds' etc. Hope this helps! Andy
Andrew, SBS&D DOES have Real Time Protection
by btljooz - 5/19/06 3:52 PM In reply to: Spyware/ Malware protection- Try these. by jerry816It's the Tea Timer function. You have to enable it by going to the Resident section of the Tools menu and checking its box.
The only thing is, is that there is a graphic that comes up to ask you if you want something installed or not that doesn't look right. The programmers of SBS&D have known about it for a long time and are working on a fix for it.
In the mean time: In order to Allow a particular thing to install simply press the "A" key on your keyboard and if you don't want it to install press the "D" key.
Protection
by Bill Veik - 5/19/06 5:01 AM In reply to: Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware by TraceyyIt would certainly help to upgrade to Windows XP if you have the resources, both monetary and CPU. Windows XP is no great bargain overall as far as security, but it still is a far cry above Windows 98/ME. Do that if you can, but disable Windows Firewall in the security settings, and stick with ZoneAlarm for protection in that area.
Other possible programs include Privacy Guardian (system cleaner, allows you to choose to save the cookies from your allowed websites), CCleaner, and make sure you run the defrag occasionally to reduce fragmentation. I would assume your machine is older since you are running 98. Use CTRL+ALT+DEL, then shut down the background processes that stop defrag from working (close everything but systray and windows desktop). then run the defrag.
Upgrading to XP will also allow you to run Windows Defender, plus your future Security Updates from Microsoft will have the potential to be much more effective in future attacks.
I have a machine several years old, 60 Gig, 1Gig RAM, 1.8 Processor, Windows XP. Using the programs you have (AVG instead of Norton), plus the programs I mention, running the cleaners every four days, my sytem still scores 80 percent on PCPitstop. On a dial-up connection. With virtually NO problems.
Sceurity Apps
by JMan2 - 5/19/06 6:37 AM In reply to: Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware by TraceyyI use several of the popular freeware security apps:
Ad-Aware
Spybot
A-Squared
SpywareBlaster
CWShredder
Bazooka
Avast A/V
SUPERAntispyware
I will also use online security scans occasionally.
My purchased security apps are:
Zone Alarm Pro
Webroot Spysweeper
I recently found a free malware app named Doctor Alex.
After a session of running all of my older apps with clean results I ran a scan with Doctor Alex and it found two trojans and a keylogger. This app might be a good addition to anyones arsenal of security applications. Can be found at http://www.doctor-alex.com
good luck-surf safe
Dr Alex
by Traceyy - 5/19/06 8:40 PM In reply to: Sceurity Apps by JMan2Thank you JMan I just downloaded the DrAlex and after spending an hour running all my other programs, I thought ha ha ha wont find anything, but it did, interesting, so very interesting that you need all these programs to just to surf the internet.
Traceyy
Most important of all, ...
by ZenWarrior - 5/19/06 8:38 AM In reply to: Broadband Protection against Spyware/Malaware by Traceyy...use your brain. I always find it the weakest link in any security system. Think about what you are doing. Do not click blindly. Do not visit sites known to spew cooties (e.g., gaming, gambling, fornicating, etc.). And although I am certain it has been suggested somewhere in these responses, use a router and its built-in firewall. (Oh, and did I mention to always use your brain?)
Use a non-admin account
by byker49 - 5/19/06 1:27 PM In reply to: Most important of all, ... by ZenWarriorWhen generally web browsing,you may want to consider using a guest or non-admin account. This way programs and other nasties won't be installed since you are not running with administrator rights.
Use of non-admn account
by imaudi - 5/19/06 2:56 PM In reply to: Use a non-admin account by byker49Can anyone confirm that by logging in through a guest account one can prevent adware, spyware?
Nope...
by John.Wilkinson - 5/19/06 9:18 PM
In reply to: Use of non-admn account by imaudi
The guest account has limited capabilities, such as the installation of software, but even while running with limited functionality you can still be infected by malware, which can affect all users of the PC. That's why a good firewall, AV, and spyware scanner are essential tools for those wandering through the jungle commonly referred to as the internet.
John
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