Virus heading out

[groom]

Listening to the news last night and this morning, there seems to be nasty virus that could strike in a couple of weeks and people are being warned to make sure their computer is safeguarded.

I have Free AVG and it is up to date on my laptop, is this enough or should I think about adding a stronger program?

[trystan]

AVG (Free) gets very good press, as with all antivirus software make sure the "virus definitions" are up to date by keeping your antivirus programs updated.

Don't install another antivirus program if you already have one running as they could conflict.

You can however (and it's suggested you should) install tools that seek the particular threats caused by the malware which is described in the getsafeonline link below.

The best advice is probably from the BBC News article that goes into what it is, and how best to protect your computer:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27681236

Also more comprehensively from:

http://www.getsafeonline.org/nca

Trystan

[groom]

Thank you Trystan. I'm unable to access that getsafe site, perhaps everyone is trying to get on it.

[Gadget]

Hi Jan

The man who was interviewed by the Beeb said the  Getsafeonline site was being overwhelmed. I did get in but not to the nca section.  I think the main pointers (from the Beeb interview)  were to do what we all do - make sure all our progs (OS. AV, Java, Adobe, etc ) are up to date and not to open any e-mail attachments.  Also do regular (weekly) backups.

Most vulnerable seem to be online banking but if they find that you've not got that then they try to install the encryption prog (usually via attachments) and get ££s that way.

Stay safe 


Gadget

[groom]

Thanks Gadget, sounds as if we all do what we normally do anyway, things should be safe enough.

Hopefully the banks will also be on the alert for any abnormal activity from accounts. My bank froze my bank card the other year after I tried to order something online from a different computer and from a different area. They said it was because their computer had picked it up as unusual. It was a nuisance at the time, but good to know they are security conscious. 

[trystan]

As you may be struggling accessing that site, here is a summary / paraphrase, but with all the links that it gives for the general public. 

Basically, it affects only Windows computers, or other computers that use Windows in a virtual environment, or Windows servers.

Here are the resources given to scan for these immediate malware threats:

(This needs to be done before an attack is launched - you may have these on your machine already but they have not been 'deployed' to take control of your machine)


Free tools to scan for and then remove CryptoLocker software and Gameover Zeus malware


You can (and it's suggested you should) use these in addition to whatever internet security you also currently use:

Trend Micro
www.trendmicro.com/threatdetector
(Windows XP, Vista, Windows, Windows 8/8.1, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2).

McAfee
www.mcafee.com/stinger

Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx Microsoft Safety Scanner (Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP)

Heimdal Security
http://goz.heimdalsecurity.com/ (Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1.)

Sophos
http://www.sophos.com/VirusRemoval (Windows XP (SP2) and above)

Kaspersky
http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/utility#kasperskyvirusremovaltool (Malware removal tool)
http://support.kaspersky.com/8005  (WindowsUnlocker utility if computer is infected with CryptoLocker)

F-Secure
http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_global/online-scanner (Windows Vista, 7 & 8 - online scanner)
http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/labs_global/removal-tools/-/carousel/view/142 (Windows XP - Rescue CD)

Symantec
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/international-takedown-wounds-gameover-zeus-cybercrime-network


UK: If you suffer financial loss from the malware CryptoLocker or Gameover Zeus, contact Action Fraud http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call them on 0300 123 2040


Trystan

[Gadget]

Thanks, Trystan

Just got this on a scan of laptop.


Gadget

[trystan]

Gadget,

That's a relief! Which of those links I posted did you use?

Trystan

[Gadget]

I used the Microsoft one.  Got to do 3 more machines yet!

Gadget