Spyware?! help me

[MikeJones123]

Ok there was some dumbass guys posting spam in here last night and I clicked on it just to see it. My other laptop doesnt have zone alarm, it just has macafee and it wasnt updated. When I clicked on it, it didnt even go to a website it said "Browser failed" or something. or "Cant find this page" but yea I was using firefox, do you guys think I have some spyware on that laptop? well I used adaware and it took out some "tracking cookies" iono what those are but whatever

[Soluzar]

Try SpyBot - Seach & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/).

[Suiko Eiji]

If you couldn't connect to the website (Browser fail, Can't find page, 404), then I doubt it but I would take Soluzar's advice and run S&D just in case.

[VidelCoolGirl]

And next time, don't click on ads in Spam threads, its asking for trouble.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Try SpyBot - Seach & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/).

I've always been careful on the net. But I'd heard alot about spy ware. So I did as you suggested Soluzar. And there were 33 ... somethings spying on me! http://www.evacommentary.org/forums/images/smiles/fume.gif

BURN IT WITH FIRE...and whatnot.

I may be imagining it but my computer seems to be working faster now.

[Soluzar]

I've always been careful on the net. But I'd heard alot about spy ware. So I did as you suggested Soluzar. And there were 33 ... somethings spying on me!
It's hard not to pick up a few, unless you avoid the net altogether.

I may be imagining it but my computer seems to be working faster now.Some of them are resident at all times, and do consume resources.

[Dark_Shiki]

Ad-Aware by Lavasoft is also something I use on my pc for getting rid of spyware and viruses. There's a freeware available and you can update virus definitions every so often to keep things clear. Go to http://www.lavasoft.com

[master terrence]

Ad-Aware by Lavasoft is also something I use on my pc for getting rid of spyware and viruses. There's a freeware available and you can update virus definitions every so often to keep things clear. Go to http://www.lavasoft.com

I use this too, I find it very good.

[superplough]

^what they said

[CrossboneGundam]

"Hey guys, I clicked on a link thinking I could get $25 for diapers from the link, but all it did was give me adware and spybots!"

:lol:

There really was a spam thread promising diaper money here last night or the night before, by the way.

[Bernard_Monsha]

For laypeople you need three programs two have been listed. Adaware and SBS&D should be run together as each will pick up a few things the other missed. You also need to download Spywareblaster by Java Cool (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html)which is an innoculation program.

[earsofdoom]

Im not sure if it will help or not but try useing those 3 programs in safe mode (Since it helps when dealing with virus's it may help when dealing with spyware.... i always do it just to be on safe side)

[Bernard_Monsha]

Well that is mostly true some of the newer nastier spyware imbeds itself with the hook files so they load before the registry and will not let you touch them in safe mode. You have to hunt those down in dos and beat them to death with a sledge hammer.

[Hajime Saitou]

Ok there was some dumbass guys posting spam in here last night and I clicked on it just to see it. My other laptop doesnt have zone alarm, it just has macafee and it wasnt updated. When I clicked on it, it didnt even go to a website it said "Browser failed" or something. or "Cant find this page" but yea I was using firefox, do you guys think I have some spyware on that laptop? well I used adaware and it took out some "tracking cookies" iono what those are but whatever

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pot_calling_the_kettle_black

[MikeJones123]

Is "Trojan.Peacomm" a spyware? cause it turns out my cousin got it and I logged in to my bank account online. But can they like take all my money out or something? I just want to know if its spyware or not, from the descreption from google it doesnt seem like it x)

[Leader Desslock]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pot_calling_the_kettle_black
Agreed. And from a technological standpoint, there is not one single security program, spyware or virus detector or security setting that can protect your computer against improper use.

The best protection for anyone's computer is not being an idiot.

[VidelCoolGirl]

Ah, it sure is nice to have a Mac...*cough*

[Samurai Drifter]

Ok there was some dumbass guys posting spam in here last night and I clicked on it just to see it. My other laptop doesnt have zone alarm, it just has macafee and it wasnt updated. When I clicked on it, it didnt even go to a website it said "Browser failed" or something. or "Cant find this page" but yea I was using firefox, do you guys think I have some spyware on that laptop? well I used adaware and it took out some "tracking cookies" iono what those are but whatever
Hard to say, use SpyBot: Search and Destroy. It should catch most problems.

Of course, I think think the dumbass was you for clicking on the links. This is what we in the computing business call an ID10T error, or PEBKAC.

Ah, it sure is nice to have a Mac...*cough*
*high fives*

[DazzleKitty]

Is "Trojan.Peacomm" a spyware?

I'm pretty sure it is. Norton has been giving me these messages that I'm protected from it whenever it updates, so I'm assuming it's spyware or virus.

I'm also curious about your other question. Can they really take your passwords and credit card numbers and successfully steal from you? Is that where most cases of identity theft comes from?

Kinda freaks me out...I'm always paranoid of getting spyware. It's not really that easy to get it if you don't download a lot of things and go to 'free' sites a lot, is it?

[Hajime Saitou]

I'm pretty sure it is. Norton has been giving me these messages that I'm protected from it whenever it updates, so I'm assuming it's spyware or virus.

I'm also curious about your other question. Can they really take your passwords and credit card numbers and successfully steal from you? Is that where most cases of identity theft comes from?

Kinda freaks me out...I'm always paranoid of getting spyware. It's not really that easy to get it if you don't download a lot of things and go to 'free' sites a lot, is it?

This one I'll answer seriously. You're referring to a keylogger. They record your keystrokes when you go to certain target sites, and then report them back to a database where someone goes through the data and picks out your login and password. Yes they can get your private information.

As for your last paragraph, all I'm going to say is you would be surprised at what you should actually be worrying about, and it isn't keyloggers.

[Leader Desslock]

As for your last paragraph, all I'm going to say is you would be surprised at what you should actually be worrying about, and it isn't keyloggers.
Honestly, it's people like this that I just want to take by the hand and tell them they're not ready to use the internet. It's nothing against them personally, but... gods.

The internet should come a single instruction: If You Don't Know What A Button Does, Don't Push It. This is common sense in every other aspect of life; why people forget it the moment they go online is beyond me.

[Samurai Drifter]

The internet should come a single instruction: If You Don't Know What A Button Does, Don't Push It.
I want that on a t-shirt.

[Hajime Saitou]

Honestly, it's people like this that I just want to take by the hand and tell them they're not ready to use the internet. It's nothing against them personally, but... gods.

The internet should come a single instruction: If You Don't Know What A Button Does, Don't Push It. This is common sense in every other aspect of life; why people forget it the moment they go online is beyond me.

I'm not sure what I did to offend you...but sorry? I was just trying to offer some advice to someone and I don't see how that response was necessary.

[Leader Desslock]

^ Haha... I wasn't talking about your reply. I was talking about the person to whom you were responding, the original poster, etc. Sorry for the confusion; that wasn't directed at you.

[DazzleKitty]

As for your last paragraph, all I'm going to say is you would be surprised at what you should actually be worrying about, and it isn't keyloggers.

Umm....could you please tell me what I should be worried about then?

[Hajime Saitou]

^ Haha... I wasn't talking about your reply. I was talking about the person to whom you were responding, the original poster, etc. Sorry for the confusion; that wasn't directed at you.

Then it was a misunderstanding on my part. The "people like this" part and the fact that it came right after my quote made me think it was directed at me. I am also rather tired so my perception is a bit out of whack at the moment :).

Umm....could you please tell me what I should be worried about then?

It was a subtle way to say user-error is the biggest threat to computer security. People are always worried about getting that nasty virus out there, and they don't think about the steps they can take to prevent that from happening.

Edit- Ok that's it. Now I'm making sex-ed references. I'm going to sleep :lol:.

[DazzleKitty]

I figured you meant something else. :P I think I have what I need to prevent from getting them. I don't go a website if I feel like it may contain crap, and I have one of the supposedly best firewalls out there (or so I've been told).

My old comp got lots of crappy viruses on it and we always had to fix it. Since we've gotten this one and and new firewall, we haven't gotten any.

[Hajime Saitou]

I figured you meant something else. :P I think I have what I need to prevent from getting them. I don't go a website if I feel like it may contain crap, and I have one of the supposedly best firewalls out there (or so I've been told).

My old comp got lots of crappy viruses on it and we always had to fix it. Since we've gotten this one and and new firewall, we haven't gotten any.

Which firewall do you use?

[DazzleKitty]

Which firewall do you use?

For one, I have Norton (which I know a lot of people hate). I also have another one. I'm not very computer savvy, but it's a 2Wire product. My brother works for SBC so he got us a good deal on their most expensive modem (normally costs over $200). It has a built in firewall and self-updates. He said it also won awards. Do you know about it?
I dunno if this is going off-topic...I still must know. If this convo should be continued in PMs, that's fine too. I actually get very, very paranoid about spyware and viruses. Seriously. Like, everyone says I'm too careful.

[ryushe]

Is "Trojan.Peacomm" a spyware?
Yes.
I had that a few days ago, But my Norton snuffed that b*tch out.

Also, You seem to be curious, So I would like to suggest getting an external hard drive (If you don't have one already) to back up your data. So if something severe happens next time, you have all of your things backed up.


ryushe's Final thought; Just think of the Internet like women. You don't go out "exploring" without proper protection, 'Cause your likely to wake up in the morning with something you didn't want or expect...

[Hajime Saitou]

For one, I have Norton (which I know a lot of people hate). I also have another one. I'm not very computer savvy, but it's a 2Wire product. My brother works for SBC so he got us a good deal on their most expensive modem (normally costs over $200). It has a built in firewall and self-updates. He said it also won awards. Do you know about it?
I dunno if this is going off-topic...I still must know. If this convo should be continued in PMs, that's fine too. I actually get very, very paranoid about spyware and viruses. Seriously. Like, everyone says I'm too careful.

Norton is ok for getting the job done. I have it and it works fine. I only have 2 criticisms about them. First, weekly updates instead of daily(or faster) compared to other companies. The second one is actually a universal complaint about all commercial firewalls, and that is that they let at least 2 well known nasty things into your computer. They come from the government of all people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Lantern_%28software%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oasis_%28software%29

Not the best sources, but it gives you an idea at least.

For that other thing you mentioned, I haven't ever heard of it. When you say built in firewall I assume you mean it's a router. SBC does DSL if I remember correctly, and most DSL modems are also routers(and a pain in the ***). I wouldn't really rely on a router for a firewall though. Stick to Norton if you can.

When I think of security, I think of several programs working in unison to keep you safe. A firewall on it's own is pretty useless. You should also get some kind of spyware blocker. Spybot is not the best thing out there, but for what the average user will run into it should get the job done. If you don't mind paying for one though, I use Webroot Spysweeper. I just picked it up when I decided to start securing my computer without knowing if it's good or not. The best way I can describe it is like bringing a machine gun into a fist fight. It's a very good program. There are certainly free alternatives out there, but they don't work as well(even though you may not need the added protection). Edit- Something Bernard said earlier. Spyware Blaster is a good free alternative for that kind of protection.

I personally have Norton Antivirus, Webroot Spysweeper, and two other programs running that cover my security. I'm not going to mention them seeing as everytime I do I get the feeling my words fall on deaf ears. If you really want to know, then I could send you a PM if you want.

I'm not going to beat around the bush. I download anime, manga, etc. I also put my computer at risk going to certain sites(nothing illegal or risque at all). But frankly, my computer goes through the internet like a steamroller due to the two extra programs I use. I have had this setup for three years and I have never had any form of malware, no matter where I go or what I download.

Edit- I forgot to mention the ultimate technique in cleaing your computer. Back your stuff up and format. If you are worried that formatting doesn't get everything(because it doesn't), there are solutions to that problem as well. Start from scratch with all of your security programs installed and you should be fine.

[Leader Desslock]

It has a built in firewall and self-updates. He said it also won awards. Do you know about it?
I'm sure it won awards. So has Norton, so has MacAfee, so has every other TECHNICAL form of self-protection available. And for every one of those solutions, there's someone who has devoted 100% of his free time to bypassing that security measure. And while the people devoted to making these security solutions are limited to the restrictions of a full development process (including backward compatibility, full QA, etc.), the people devoted to bypassing these systems are not. Their hacks don't have to work on X% of systems. Their hacks don't have to be stable, nor do they have to be pretty. They just have to mess things up as best they can on some machines. Thats it.

I actually get very, very paranoid about spyware and viruses. Seriously. Like, everyone says I'm too careful.
If you are entrusting your computer's security to a technical solution and saying "I can do anything because I've got [solution X] in place", then in my estimation, you aren't being nearly careful enough.

Technical solutions and safeguards are great for those moments when you accidently let your guard down - think of them as a safety net. If you rely on them for any more than that, then you're putting your own self at risk, and there's not a shred of technology on this planet that's gonna help prevent that.

PIBKAC = Problem In Between Keyboard And Chair. That's the single biggest security risk of any machine, and that's the one on which you should concentrate first.

[DazzleKitty]

I'm interested in the extra programs, if you care to tell (you can PM me if you like)

Does Norton Internet Security cover some spyware too? I have both IS and Antivirus.
I don't know if what I have is a router or not. This (http://www.cablemodeminfo.com/2Wire1000CWReview.html-ssi) is the modem I have that has the firewall in it.
As for a spyware blocker, I have one currently running on my comp - Windows Defender. I also have the free versions of Spybot and Adware I run once a day (since I don't get full-time protection from them).

Thank you Hajime Saitou for all that info. It's nice to see Norton works for you....everyone else has so much complaints about it and it makes me feel unsafe online.
Heh....sorry for steering this into major off-topicness.

[Hajime Saitou]

I'm interested in the extra programs, if you care to tell (you can PM me if you like)

Does Norton Internet Security cover some spyware too? I have both IS and Antivirus.
I don't know if what I have is a router or not. This (http://www.cablemodeminfo.com/2Wire1000CWReview.html-ssi) is the modem I have that has the firewall in it.
As for a spyware blocker, I have one currently running on my comp - Windows Defender. I also have the free versions of Spybot and Adware I run once a day (since I don't get full-time protection from them).

Thank you Hajime Saitou for all that info. It's nice to see Norton works for you....everyone else has so much complaints about it and it makes me feel unsafe online.
Heh....sorry for steering this into major off-topicness.

Before I say anything else, Desslock said something really important. Don't rely on these programs as your only line of defense. Like I said earlier, just make sure you know what you're doing before you do it.

Once again Norton works fine. The complaints are usually aimed at the time it takes to update, which is a valid concern, and that it is a resource hog. I have never experienced it taking up too much of my computer. Granted, it is annoying having it pop up for every little thing, but I am the one who changed all of the options to their highest setting.

Norton Internet Security, if I remember correctly, is simply a package of Norton Personal Firewall(nice program), and Norton Antivirus. It covers adware and spyware vaguely, but even Norton themselves have said that it doesn't work that well and that they are moving out of that market(the adware and spyware market).

I just read about that modem you linked, and I saw a lot of fluff. I have not used it so I can not personally comment on it, but from the description and review it is a normal modem in terms of security.

Adaware and spybot are what I used to use before I got what I have now. They do their jobs well enough. Spybot has improved somewhat since I used it, but I have not been following adaware. Oh, and don't use Windows Defender. It's crap. That's all I'm going to say there.

I'll send you a PM shortly, after I go get something to keep me awake :lol:.

Edit- I forgot that Norton products are insanely difficult to uninstall unless you use a special uninstaller from their website, so that's another complaint against them.

Second Edit- Be careful with the external hard drive idea. Don't put infected files on it or it completely defeats the purpose. Also, something I forgot to mention, is to make sure you run Windows Update(if you are using Windows). There are lots of security patches in there that will help you keep your computer safe. And finally, if someone is spamming the forums at 3:00am, don't click on their link that offers money for diapers.