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Spyware &
Viruses
This page contains absolutely no commercial links. Its
purpose is to help you out with the various scams that you will
encounter surfing websites.
Go to our "TECH
PAGE" for more...
Introduction
Surfing internet is becoming quite risky
nowadays. You often have to browse through many unwanted popup windows,
decline repetitive dialers install programs, sometimes your start page
is changed without your consent, or new bookmarks are added without you
knowing it. Actually, it is getting worse to the point we are getting
emails everyday regarding those problems from our surfers.
Your computer can be infected by programs
called adware (unsolicited advertising), spyware
(recording your surfing activity to sell your information). Those
programs come from many sources, webpages can make you install them
unknowingly, or popular softwares like Kazaa or Divx can
install them onto your computer.
Before going further, let us give you
some information on our site, and explain to you why our links are not
totally free of the scamming stuff we just mentioned. Experienced
surfers probably know this already, but if you are new, read this.
We provide links to many other Websites
but we CANNOT and WILL NOT be responsible for what any infections you
may download to your computer from other Websites. They may contain
popups, dialers, anything, but the worst of all : they can install
trojans and control your pcs from outside. If you don't know what it is
you must absolutely read what follows.
TIP!!
if you use Windows, make sure you update all the patches and updates
as often as possible (you can even set it to automatic).
You can go here for your windows updates:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Most of today's
dangerous spyware and viruses are downloaded to your computer (without
your knowledge) from various Web Sites you visit while surfing the Web.
To help prevent infection to your computer you should always delete
cookies, temporary Internet files and history folders BEFORE you shut
your computer down.
There are different ways to do this. Two
easy ways are:
1. RIGHT click on the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop and then
click on PROPERTIES - At this point you will see the deletion options.
2. Download this little program below to you desktop and it will do it
for you.
Download ATF Cleaner
More information on ATF Cleaner...
I will first briefly explain some common
problems and terms you hear about when you surf the internet:
Virus
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a set of computer codes that overwrites,
replaces or attaches itself to some part of a program or operating
system in order to make a copy (or copies) of itself. It comes with
instructions that set off some task(s) that affect the infected
computer. These may range from the comparatively harmless to really
destructive. Some viruses display text or pictures, but other than
that, they are relatively harmless. Others, reduce memory space,
modify existing data, or use up CPU processing time. But the
destructive ones may overwrite or destroy all your files or even
crash your hard disk!
How does a computer get a virus?
A virus can be introduced to a computer in various ways. It can be
attached to any file or programs that you copy from floppy disks, or
download from the Internet. While many viruses today spread through
email, and they are released not only by opening the attachment but
also by simply opening the email itself.
The virus can be activated the minute it is installed on your
computer; but in many cases, it can remain inactive until you run or
execute the program that contains it. You will not usually be aware
of the presence of the virus, and may innocently spread the virus to
others.
An ounce of prevention
A virus can do its dirty work on your personal computer or your
network; but there have been many cases that a particular virus
wreaks havoc on the entire world, severely compromising many
corporate businesses and government functions. Thus, it is important
to take the necessary precautions before it is already too late.
As the world gets connected with today’s intricate cyber world,
viruses spread faster than ever. So when you notice that your
computer is acting a bit weird or erratic, you should immediately
scan for a virus.
Recommended downloads to prevent and delete
Viruses
Trojans
What is a Trojan?
A Trojan is a type of program that enables a hacker to intrude and
make changes to your computer. It is a threat in disguise. Like the
Trojan Horse popular in the Greek history, it appears safe (in the
form of software program and e-mail attachment). But once opened,
the Trojan may install itself on your computer and gain access
without your consent.
Generally, the initial objective of a Trojan is to browse your hard
drive to determine anything of worth such as credit card
information, passwords, confidential documents, email addresses,
confidential designs or pictures, or even calendar information
regarding the user’s whereabouts. Once found to be a potential
source, the intruder then gets inside and manages your files
totally. The intruder can do the following: rename, create, delete,
view and even transfer files to or from your computer.
Trojans will enable the intruder to open and close your CD-ROM
drive, spam and gain control to your keyboard and cursor. Trojans
can also use a program manager that will allow the intruder to
install, execute, open or close any software programs. Indeed, it is
big threat to security.
How does it affect your computer?
The business starts first by the user installing the Trojan itself.
This is done by deceiving the user with a seemingly useful system
enhancement or perhaps a free game containing Trojans. By installing
a free game, for example, Trojan will be automatically installed
too. Trojans can also come in common disguises such as files from
unknown sources, e-mail attachment from unknown sources, and files
from any online activity client like ICQ. Once contaminated by
Trojan, any distant user will inevitably have free access. The dirty
work then starts.
Other types of Trojans are: Remote Access Trojans, Mail Trojans, FTP
Trojans, Telnet Trojans, Keylogger Trojans, Fake Trojans, and Form
Trojans.
Protect your Computer from Trojans
Trojans can also be distributed as email attachments, or bundled
with other software programs. You should always be wary of opening
attachments and downloading programs from the Internet unless you
are sure it is from a secure and trusted source. If possible,
confirm with the sender.
Recommended downloads to prevent and delete
Trojans
Dialers
What is a dialer?
A dialer is a type of program that can alter the settings of a
user’s dialup connection. Dialers can disconnect your computer from
your local Internet provider and then reconnect you to other sites
usually connected with expensive pornography, toll, or international
phone number. A connection to international phone numbers happens
instead of connection to local internet provider.
What does it do?
Dialers will generally grant you access to pornography by dialing a
country like AFRICA from YOUR HOME PHONE. Once they are connected,
charges as high as $5.99US per minute can occur. Now-a-days, most
dialers will ASK YOU TO CONNECT, be sure to NEVER ACCEPT these
charges. Unlike other viruses, it does not scout your files and
other personal belongings on your computer but rather may rack up
these significant long distance phone charges. Some dialers will
turn off your PC speaker and dial these far off countries without
you knowing!! So....
Be Aware
Any time you happen across a POP-UP AD or Program on your PC asking
you to connect/dial a phone number to get access to porn, CLICK
CANCEL or restart your PC!!. Also verify the number you use to
access the internet, be sure it was the one provided by your ISP or
Internet Service Provider. Another easy way to tell if you have
become a victim is unexplainable tremendously high bills!!
Recommended downloads to prevent and delete
Dialers
Spyware
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a software that attacks the user’s internet connection at
the background without the user’s knowledge. Spyware can do a lot of
things that you wouldn’t generally want to happen, such as: capture
all the information that you enter through the web; add unknown
sites to your internet favorites or to your desktop (as icons);
hijack your default settings and homepage, monitor your browsing
activity, and; append unwanted and disrupting search bars and
toolbars to your browser. Your privacy will be compromised because
Spyware makes it possible for someone to sell any of your personal
information that you entered on your PC, and with all of these
occurring either in combinations, your hard drives become stuffed.
Thus the PC slows down.
How does it attack the computer?
Spyware can enter your computer in different ways. It may be pop-ups
or window ads, through an instant messenger service, attachment of
spam through your e-mail, by sharing files, music and photos, or it
can be installed by a hacker or someone who uses your computer. At
times Spyware is bundled with a preferred program which is being
unveiled in hidden text as a component of the end-user-license
agreement (EULA).
Once the programs have entered your PC, they will find their way
onto your system and install themselves in various potential
dwellings like your registry, start up menu, folders and files.
Most Spyware programs ensure their survival by sprinkling traces of
the program throughout your system to make full removal more
difficult (and sometimes nearly impossible). Once installed, Spyware
operates insidiously in the background.
The problem with Spyware has gone a long way. It can even invade
your privacy like your bank account numbers, social security number
and even passwords can’t get away with it.
What can you do?
There are some very good programs that can help you protect your
computer from this threat. Install, run, and update them regularly
to ensure your system’s protection.
Recommended downloads to prevent and delete
Spyware
Adware
What exactly is Adware?
Adware is a software application that can show advertisements on
your computer in the form of pop-ups, pop-unders, and banner ads.
Usually they disrupt the user -- giving an option to either continue
on the web or click the pop up. Certain Adwares have the ability to
track down the surfing habits of any user, without prior knowledge
or consent, thus being a threat to your own security since it is
being sent to unauthorized parties.
How does it work?
Adware applications technically run in the background of the
computer and function as a spy watching all your moves. The
information gathered will then be logged and used to create a user
profile that is relayed to advertisers. The user profile may include
unrelated personal information too and then sent to a data
collection site. It is extracted on to narrow online search results
to match the profile or, as a data mining tool, to evaluate the
surfing habits.
Adware attacks usually start by attaching it to an installed program
like a freeware, software that is available for free. Freeware
installers inadvertently sign up for unlimited pop-up ads supply.
Common examples of freeware that may include Adware are computer
games, unusual mouse pointers, instant news or weather updates,
applications boasting to improve efficiency of your computer, and
even the smiley's being used on e-mails.
What can you do?
You can block unwanted ads by installing a reputable Adware scanning
and removal tool. Make sure that you update it with the latest
version because new versions of Adware are cropping up in as short
as a week’s time.
Recommended downloads to prevent and delete
Adware
Very important : your
hosts file can be hacked and modified
There is a way for dishonest webmasters
to add popups and other nasty stuff to almost every page you visit. With
the use of an exploit they can hack your computer files and modify a
very important one :
- Windows 98:
c:\windows\hosts
- Windows 2000:
c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
- Windows XP:
c:\windows\system32\drivers\hosts
By editing this file they can steal
traffic from any site they want, they can block your access to any site,
or they can add advertising (popup(s), dialers) to them. To hack your
hosts file cheaters only have to have you visit their page, be it a TGP
or simply a thumb nailed gallery! You don't have to click anywhere on
the page, you don't have to install anything, it is a very malicious
hack; you will not even notice that a flaw in
your computer settings has just been
exploited...
Open your hosts file (it has no
extension) with notepad. It should contain only this line :
127.0.0.1 localhost
If you see other domain names below it,
it has been changed illegally. Just delete everything but 127.0.0.1
localhost. Save the file and close it, and you should be fine
again. If you are unsure, you can simply delete the file from your hard
drive, it will be ok. I have heard that making your file read-only
can protect you, but I am unsure.
If you really don't understand how to do
this, or if you want a more advanced protection against this problem and
others, read the next topic.
Free anti adware and
spyware tool : Spybot, Search & Destroy
NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED
FOR EXPERIENCED USERS!
Here
are some others
Do you have some crap toolbar installed
on your explorer? Do most of the pages you visit contain annoying
popups? Can't you access some of your favorite sites anymore? We have
something for you, and it is totally free. It's called Spybot Search &
Destroy.
Click here to download Spybot
It is very easy of use and will remove
most of the adware, spyware and dialers from your computer. It will also
tell you if your hosts file has been
hacked and will automatically remove invalid entries. Even if your
computer is fine, I highly recommend you to download
and install Spybot, because if your hosts file happens to be hacked in
the future, you might not even be able to access this page again. We
have already found several cheaters redirecting and stealing surfers
trying to access al4a.com to scum pages, and there is no doubt it will
happen again.
This is NOT a commercial program, but
feel free to support them by doing a donation. Their software is very
helpful for everyone.
Don't forget to update your spybot
frequently, you can find the update button on the first window when you
launch the program.
Better safe than
sorry : update your Windows system and IE browser
Cheaters use security flaws to install
unwanted programs. Update your softwares frequently and you will be
fine. We are talking about Microsoft systems and browsers because they
are the target of cheaters, being the most popular.
Keep your browser up to date, visit
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp and get the latest
version and patches for MS Internet Explorer.
Go to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and download the latest upgrades
and security patches for Windows systems.
If you update regularly you can really
avoid a lot of surfing problems.
The parasite test
online
Click
on this link (opens in a
new window), this will launch the parasite test (javascript), then read
the results below detection script. If your computer is
infected they will tell you how to uninstall the parasite.
You might prefer to
download and install spybot, though, as
it is much more simple of use and can detect much more unwanted
programs; the parasite pages often only tells you how to remove the
parasites manually, meaning editing the registry, typing dos commands,
etc.
Shortcut :
test your computer.
Tricks and Free
Popups-Killer
Against popups your best and most easy to
use weapon is a simple keyboard shortcut : ALT +
F4. Press them simultaneously and it will immediately
close the active window. You can do it fast enough to close very fast
opening popups.
You might find some windows that you
cannot close with ALT+F4, try another shortcut : control
+ w. If you still can't close them, use control
+ ALT + Del to open the task manager
to select and kill the application manually.
But, if you prefer, we found that
Google, the world #1 search engine
has included a great popups-killer ability with its latest toolbar :
Google Bar.
With it you will be able to stop popups entirely, or allow popups only
from specific sites (white list). Best of all, it is 100% free, and does
not require any signup or anything.
Installation is extremely easy and only
takes a few seconds : click here to visit
Google Bar's Homepage
and install it.
For a detailed help regarding their
popups-blocker ability, just visit this page :
Google Bar Popups
Help.
Another option is to upgrade to Service
Pack 2 of Windows XP, it auto blocks popups as well.
We recommend
Popup Killer
- The Original Version
Removal of the
browser hijacker known as CoolWebSearch
This 'hijackware' has many forms and is
very hard to remove so the best we can do is point you to this complete
information page :
The
CoolWebSearch Chronicles, thanks to
Spywareinfo.com.
If you surf TGPs a lot chances are you
have encountered or will encounter a site run by a scammer that will use
CWS to steal traffic (redirect you when you try to access some pages).
Remember the best to keep safe is to always
have your browser and operating system up to date.
Anti-adware/spyware/popups/ viruscanners/dialer links
Anti SPYWARE software -
Anti ADWARE software
There are many anti
virus programs available. Some require a purchase but there are many
good FREE programs available that will work just as well.
We recommend
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- Click
HERE for more
information and to download.
SUPERAntiSpyware is another good one!
Download AFT Cleaner
This a good little program you should run daily to remove
temp files.
Anti VIRUS software -
Anti DIALERS software -
Anti TROJANS software
NOTE:
NEVER INSTALL MORE THAN ONE ANTI VIRUS PROGRAM ON YOUR COMPUTER AT ONE
TIME
There are many anti virus programs available. Some require a purchase
but there are many good FREE programs available that will work just as
well.
We recommend
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
- Click
HERE for more
information and to download.
Do you have questions? Do you have
additional information that could be useful for everyone? email the
webmaster here
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