subject: How to Deal with Malware on Your Computer [print this page]
An Article by Hayden Williams for Green Dragon Solutions Computer Repair
Many people are more than aware of the virus element of the internet, but frequently they are unaware of an even bigger threat.
Malware of various types, add a new dimension to internet security. They encompass a large group of threats, from simple tracking cookies through to bots and trojans.
These threats are usually installed secretly and when discovered should be removed quickly. The authors of these threats, are continually attempting to outwit the security programs which in turn attempt to keep up. A real cat and mouse game.
Discovery is the first issue, as the authors, are using more sophisticated methods of keeping their programs hidden from the software that could remove them.
Typical methods are
Cloaking, that is hiding and creating many copies of itself under various file names
Preventing the known removal software from accessing their site to get updates which would remove the author's software (the infection)
Preventing access to all known removal software sites
Preventing the removal programs installing (if putting on to the system after the infection has made its presence known
Preventing any existing removal program from running
Hiding in restore files and re-infecting the system on reboot
Running removal software in 'Safe Mode' will help in some situations. Some free (for personal use) software programs which will can detect and remove or prevent the installation of malware, include
Superantispyware
Spybot Search and Destroy
Adaware
Spywareblaster
These programs require installation and then updating MANUALLY if you use the free versions. In most cases the software also needs to scan your PC, again this must be started MANUALLY if the software is the free version. Spywareblaster is the odd one out here in that it just requires updating and 'activating' the updated database.
Getting these programs (or some of them and I suggest Superantispyware and Spywareblaster as a good combination), installed before you get seriously infected, would be a good move on your part.
Now these will help, but in some circumstances cannot remove the worst infections, or types of infection.
Please get help if you are unsure or cannot remove the infections
