subject: Virus and Spyware Troubles… Beware [print this page] Virus and Spyware Troubles Beware Virus and Spyware Troubles Beware
Many of today's computer virus and spyware issues are classified as "Rootkit" virus. These are extremely dangerous to your security of the computer and all the information it holds. Many of us do online banking, make credit card purchases, complete forms with our vital information straight from our computers.
Why having a virus on that computer is so dangerous? Consider this definition of "rootkit";
"A program (or group of programs) designed to take fundamental control of a computer system, without authorization of the system's owners or legitimate managers. Typically, rootkits act to hide their presence on the system by subverting or evading security systems. ..."
Once that virus is planted all information you enter in your computer can be fed to the hackers that generated the virus. Once they have your information it is typically sold to any and every one.
I had my machine cleaned so I am safe, right?
That depends, if the Tech missed any portion of the virus or spyware it will regenerate back to the full blown vulnerability. So a week or a month down the road the machine is infected again.
I have been a Technician for over 15 years and recently I have become a firm believer in using a system called "Windows Renew" to clean machine of virus and spyware infections. With this system I am 100% sure I have not missed any of the infection. Consider the steps below which make up the "Windows Renew" system.
Move personal data (document, pictures, music, ect.) to a backup drive. The drive is then thoughrly scanned for virus / spyware infections.
The Hard Drive in your computer is then completely formatted. Some do a quick format which does not give a 100% guarantee of removing the virus. We always do a full format.
Windows Operating System is then reloaded. We don't reload all the "junk" programs the factory loaded on the machine originally which nobody ever really uses.
Load all current Drivers for the computer to run optimally.
Load a good Antivirus program that will protect your machine without slowing it down.
Load your personal data back on the clean machine.
Through this process we know your machine is 100% free of virus and or spyware infections.
As mentioned above there are cheaper solutions out but we don't take those shortcuts! We feel your personal information is too important to take chances!
If you think you currently have an infection please disconnect the computer from the internet and get it cleaned before using it again. Your data is at risk!
James Phillips Always On I T Service Specializes in all types computer repairs www.AOITS.com Located in Dallas Georgia
