Possible Threat to Our Computers

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:09 pm

I just read about this in the local newspaper and thought I would post it here hoping to get some discussion from those who are more computer savey than I.

swampgator · Post by **swampgator** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:38 pm

I have been a firm believer in antivirus software for 20 years. I started using Norton's antivirus in 1991, used it until we think it caused my XP OS to crash. Restored the OS and loaded Bitdefender. There are several programs available and I think of it as an insurance policy. For about $80 for 2 years and 3 computers similtanously, its a fair price to keep viruses away, scanning daily and cleans up what comes. The newer programs will alert you to someone trying to peep or install something on your machine. I do not trust Microsoft defender. Since it was made to be open to other software companies by Judge Jackson, it has far too many holes. The better antivirus software programs will block many things and it is a bit of a nusiance to have to allow executions of webpage. For instance, if you want to follow a link, a bar will pop up and ask if you want to allow that link to open. Then it will do a virus scan on that page and warn if such exists. Its almost like taking a walk in the mall and before entering the store, you get to observe the windows and the type of merchandise and the name of the store. Then you get to decide if you wish to enter. So the antivirus software gives you the same options. Some pages will load a virus to your computer before the webpage actually loads up. Others who are far more experienced and knowledgable will give more insight.

dickg1 · Post by **dickg1** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 2:53 pm

I have read that the virus Dusty mentions is only affecting Apple computers. Is that correct?
I have given up on paid anti-virus software. I use the free versions of AVG and Adblock Plus both available for download from cnet.com and Secunia PSI which is free from secunia.com.
AVG scans your system periodically for bad stuff that might creep in and scans your e-mail as it is received.
Secunia keeps your installed software up-to-date automatically. One source of malware is outdated software and another is the ads that appear on web pages. Adblock does not allow those pesky ads to download to your system.
Dick

brad_nalor · Post by **brad_nalor** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:28 pm

Pleased for years with the free Avast (still works on an old laptop w/ Win 2000 in the house) to Win 7 on the others. For the Win 7 OS, I also use the built-in Defender. Never had an issue. When you think of it, why would Avast or AVG give a free version that doesn't do the job and risk reputation? Also, Lastpass is another excellent freebie.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:49 pm

brad_nalor wrote:Pleased for years with the free Avast (still works on an old laptop w/ Win 2000 in the house) to Win 7 on the others. For the Win 7 OS, I also use the built-in Defender. Never had an issue. When you think of it, why would Avast or AVG give a free version that doesn't do the job and risk reputation? Also, Lastpass is another excellent freebie.

I believe this virus was specific to the Windows OS.

The newspaper article states that the hackers took advantage of the vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows Operating System to migrate the virus.

dickg1 · Post by **dickg1** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:17 pm

For those who may be interested in the MAC virus problem the following is a link to a ZD-Net analysis of the malware and it's construction. One attack method is via Microsoft Word for the Mac.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/new-flashback-variant-silently-infects-macs/11686?tag=nl.e589

Dick

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 6:02 pm

Only part of the reason that I run only Linux...

I played with a whole bunch of them but now run Ubuntu current version just because it is easy. A whole lot of problems just went away, stuff just runs... Of course it isn't for everybody.

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:17 pm

I read this in our paper yesterday. Went to the web site, but did not run Detect
Find out if you have been violated and infected with DNS Changer. No software will be downloaded to perform the check. I am a little leery to let some web page scan my computer.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:08 pm

I never let a website check my computer.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:53 am

The problem is many times the cure is worst than the threat. So many of the big name anti virus programs have gotten so big that they have become a burden to the computer.

If you are like me and running XP on an older machine many of the popular antivirus programs will slow your computer down to the point of making them useless but safe from a virus.

Most viruses come on computers from people thinking they are getting something for FREE or going to sites they probably don't want their spouse or children to know they ever visited.

The last virus I got was gotten when I searched the web for a movie that I wanted but didn't want to pay for. A site offered it for FREE and I went there. The instant the site came up on my computer I knew I had a virus.

I instantly did everything I knew to do and the virus depended on this because all my steps to prevent the virus from getting worst actually feed the virus and within 30 minutes I over my head. I immediately took the computer to my friendly neighborhood computer wizard that did everything he knew and within 30 minutes was in over his head.

We threw up our arms and formatted the harddrive and rebuilt.

What surprized me is the other day I ran into nearly the same web site. You know how? I was looking for a way to watch a movie without paying for it.

I'm such a smuck I will never learn!

Practically any antivirus will keep you safe from attacks but again that is not how most people get viruses on their computer. They often open the door to them by going places they shouldn't be.

Also remember the best computer virus program has to have someone catch the virus before they know it is out there and build a removal tool or defense against it. So even if you are running the A++ virus program and your web surfing habits are lousy you will eventually get a virus.

I use Microsoft Windows Defender which is free and as effective as any of the others even the ones that claim they are superior.