Spy-Sheriff & maybe more [Archive] - Safer-Networking Forums

View Full Version : Spy-Sheriff & maybe more

aurelio

2005-12-27, 06:51

Hello,
Earlier this evening, I was infested with Spy-Sheriff. The following events or actions on my part too place:

Surfing the web when a red-and-white Norton A/V (or what looked like a NAV) alert notified me that I had been infected with downloader.trojan and that NAV could not repair the file. It did not give me an option to quarantine the file as always, so I left the pop-up window displayed.
I noticed a red and white 'X' in my icon tray (bottom right next to speaker icon). The 'x' looked similar in color to the alert so I double-clicked on the 'x'. That was a mistake.
A minute later, the Spy-Sheriff icon appeared on my desktop.
I immediately went into add/remove s/w programs and was able to remove it from the program list.
I then tried to right-click on the 'x' to see if I could exit it, but it would not.
At this time, I noticed my wallpaper had changed to display a red-and-white message that my pc was infected with spyware. I tried to change/delete the wallpaper but it wouldn't let me.
So, I updated NAV detection files and ran a virus check on entire PC. NAV found some problems (mostly spyware/adware). I fixed/deleted all of those but the wallpaper and the 'x' in icon tray remained.
Next, I tried to update Spybot S&D but kept getting an error downloading latest detection files. So, I downloaded an entire new copy of Spybot S&D v1.4 and deleted the old one. I also updated the detection files for v1.4 just to be safe.
I ran Spybot s&D and it found 48 problems, including SpySheriff. I had it fix all the problems, and the wallpaper disappeared as well as the 'x' in the bottom right.
However, when I open IE, my start page has been reset to secure32.html on my C drive. It lets me change it and allows me to surf, but when I return home or close/re-open IE, the start page is again set to secure32.html.
I did a file search on secure32.html and deleted the instance it found, but it keeps re-appearing.

I have read the instructions on what to do before posting here and have downloaded the latest copy of HJT. Pasted below is the most current HJT Log. Thank you in advance for your help!

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 12:07:20 AM, on 12/27/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\WG511SCU\Utility\Gear511.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPMon32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\paytime.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\paytime.exe
C:\Program Files\Handspring\HOTSYNC.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN0\YCOMP5_3_19_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN0\YCOMP5_3_19_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AS00_Gear511] C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\WG511SCU\Utility\Gear511.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BJCFD] C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightLAN 01] "C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPClient.exe" -l
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightMonitor 01] "C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPMon32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\system32\paytime.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [aCxqRVa4g] avmcomupd.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\system32\paytime.exe
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Handspring\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: dcfssvc.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\KODAK\HYDRA_DR\dcfssvc.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

shelf life

2005-12-28, 21:58

hi aurelio,

sorry for delay. if you still need some help do this:
first we will use hjt, then get ewido security suite.
--------------------------------
scan with HJT, put a checkmark beside the items below, close all windows and click fix checked.

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = c:\secure32.html

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = c:\secure32.html

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = c:\secure32.html

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [aCxqRVa4g] avmcomupd.exe

4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PayTime] C:\WINDOWS\system32\paytime.exe
----------------------------------------
next; look here;C:\WINDOWS\system32 and delete>> paytime.exe if present.

last: go out and download ewido security suite, install, update and run it. afterwards update and run spybot search and destroy.

ewido:
1. Download Ewido and install
Ewido Security Suite. It is a free trial version of the program:

http://www.ewido.net/en/download/

2. Install ewido security suite
3. Launch ewido, there should be an icon on your desktop double-click it.
4. The program will now go to the main screen

You will need to update ewido to the latest definition files.

1. On the left hand side of the main screen click update
2. Then click on Start Update

The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.
If you are having problems with the updater, you can use Ewido manual updates

Once the updates are installed do the following:

1. Click on scanner
2. Click on Complete System Scan and the scan will begin.
3. NOTE: During some scans with ewido it is finding cases of false positives.**
o You will need to step through the process of cleaning files one-by-one.
o If ewido detects a file you KNOW to be legitimate, select none as the action.
o DO NOT select "Perform action on all infections"
o If you are unsure of any entry found select none for now.
4. Once the scan has completed, there will be a button located on the bottom of the screen named Save report
5. Click Save report.
6. Save the report .txt file to your desktop.

Now close ewido security suite.
------------------------------------------
reboot computer once, rescan and post anew hjt log..............

aurelio

2005-12-28, 22:09

No problem. I understand you guys are probably busy and have lives. I'll do this right now and post back in a few.

aurelio:bigthumb:

aurelio

2005-12-29, 00:08

Okay, done. Everything seemed to go smoothly. Here is the new HJT Log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 6:05:56 PM, on 12/28/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\WG511SCU\Utility\Gear511.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPClient.exe
C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPMon32.exe
C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\HJT\HijackThis.exe

O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM

FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN0\YCOMP5_3_19_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat

7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM

FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN0\YCOMP5_3_19_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AS00_Gear511] C:\Program Files\NETGEAR\WG511SCU\Utility\Gear511.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BJCFD] C:\Program Files\BroadJump\Client Foundation\CFD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightLAN 01] "C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPClient.exe" -l
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IPInSightMonitor 01] "C:\Program Files\Visual Networks\Visual IP InSight\SBC\IPMon32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: HotSync Manager.lnk = C:\Program Files\Handspring\HOTSYNC.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: dcfssvc.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\KODAK\HYDRA_DR\dcfssvc.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA9.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program

Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec

Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec

Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec

Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton

AntiVirus\navapsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Firewall Monitor Service (NPFMntor) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton

AntiVirus\IWP\NPFMntor.exe
O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe
O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation -

C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec

Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec

Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe

shelf life

2006-01-03, 03:18

hi aurelio,

sorry for delay. lost track of the post for some reason. that last logs looks ok, but that dosnt mean you arnt having problems. how are things on that end?
if your still having problems update ewido and rescan with it. save the log file and post the ewido log and a new hjt log in next reply............

aurelio

2006-01-03, 04:23

Everything seems good on my end. No pop ups, redirects, hijacks or slow downs. I think I'm okay. If I notice any problems, I'll be back.

I think we can close this post. I will donate right now.

Thank you for your help! As always... life savers!

Aurelio
:)

shelf life

2006-01-03, 12:14

hi aurelio,

good.glad to help. some reference material for you:

All it takes is a few changes:

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp)
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs. With out these you are leaving the backdoor open.

Also download, install and keep updated- Antivirus Software (and use only one):
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download (http://www.avast.com/eng/free_virus_protectio.html)
AVG free version 7.0 (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/)
AntiVir Personal Edition (http://www.free-av.com/)

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/btw/ie/ie-opts.htm)
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/using/howto/security/settings.mspx)
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser.
Like Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/),
And Pegasus Mail for a safer e-mail, no tweaking needed. (http://www.pmail.com/)

Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser.
look here (http://www.codecutters.org/outlook/)
and here (http://www.tames.net/security/oesettings.htm)

Install a firewall. A firewall will control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection. Microsoft XP firewall only provides inbound protection. SP2 adds in and out bound protection which is better than nothing, but is not as robust as third party firewalls, Be sure to run only >one< firewall.If you use another, be sure to disable XP's built in firewall. If you use Zone Alarm learn what needs/uses your internet connection. If something unusal or out of the ordinary "asks" deny it access until more investigation is done.
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp)
Kerio Personal Firewall (http://www.kerio.com/us/kpf_home.html)
Outpost Firewall (http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/)
Sygate Personal Firewall (http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm)
Tiny Firewall (http://www.tinysoftware.com/home/tiny2?s=5375286922906434776A0&&pg=content05&an=tf6_home)
BlackIce (http://www.digitalriver.com/dr/v2/ec_dynamic.main?SP=1&PN=10&sid=26412)

Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy (http://www.sunbelt-software.com/)Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition (http://www.lavasoft.de/)
Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta version) (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx)
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm) programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard (http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/) stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=49) add security to IE
IE-SPYAD (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm#IESPYAD) adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
CleanUp (http://www.stevengould.org/software/CleanUp/index.html) cleans out temps,history, autoforms etc

AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/)
Ewido Security Suite (http://www.ewido.net/en/)
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version) (http://www.misec.net/)
TDS-3 trail version (http://tds.diamondcs.com.au/) discontinued as of 07/05
Tauscan trial version (http://www.agnitum.com/products/tauscan/)

Learn More:
Browser Checkup (http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/)
Parasite Free (http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/prevention.html)
Safe Hex (http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html)
Shelf Lifes site (http://security-central.us/SafeHex/index.htm)
Home Computer Security (http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/)
Wilders Security Advisors (http://www.wilders.org/index.htm)

Watch what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Make sure you understand what it is you will be downloading and installing to your computer. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits?. Read the EULA agreement, you know, that paragraph of stuff you "agree to" before the software installs? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is. Do you trust the source?

aurelio

2006-01-07, 15:26

Thank you, I am taking most of those pre-cautions except for the security level of allowing Active-X controls. I have changed that, now, too. Thanks again.

Aurelio

tashi

2006-01-11, 07:03

Hi.
As the problem appears to be resolved this topic will be archived.
If you need it re-opened please pm me or one of the forum mods.

Glad we could help. :bigthumb: