Remove Flashplayer.hta From Skype Queued Download

Hi guys,

I need to check and see if a file called flashplayer.hta installed on my computer. The download came through Skype or something literally when my computer loaded up. I clicked on a "Baidu" (Chinese Google) link a while back, and it seems to be causing more trouble. The link was sent to me from a "friend" on Skype who had his account compromised. I think every connected device I have may have been compromised from my router, computer, cellphone, to PS4 and WiiU.

I'm looking for a guide to:

1. Clean and lockdown my AT&T router (should reject packets instead of not respond etc.)
2. Secure and create custom rules for PrivateFirewall (never found out how to do this on MajorGeeks)
3. Adjust and secure issues in Windows 10 (basically lockdown my computer).
4. Scan and secure my cellphone if that's even possible.
5. Get a reliable free VPS (I've thought about this for a while).
6. Completely clean every USB in the house.
7. Completely clean my Skype install and remove all traces of the compromised program.

I'm not so worried about the PS4 and WiiU right now because I don't think there's much personal control over those systems.

I had to create a new MajorGeeks account because my last account was pwned when the site was compromised I believe.

I'm not sure if anyone can help me with all the steps. If you can't help then will you point me in the right direction? I don't think I covered all the bases I need to cover. I'm pretty sure my Google Drive program has been compromised too because the folder for it only shows the windows white paper like it has no icon.

I'd be grateful for any help on the list of tasks. I'm willing to contribute to the community in anyway possible after I get my help.

 

WELCOME to MajorGeeks

I can suggest some things for some of the points:

Router - set a new log in and password for it. Seek any further advice from AT&T Technical Support

Win 10 Security - follow the Major Geeks guide 'How to Protect Myself From Malware'

Skype - create a new skype account, close the old one/s. Uninstall Skype CLEANLY either using a good uninstaller in its ADVANCED scan mode such a Revo Uninstaller Free or see this Skype forum thread about a special tool:
https://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-archive/SKYPE-REMOVAL-TOOL/td-p/4115377
then reinstall Skype from a fresh download set up file.
ALWAYS restart your system each time you uninstall anything.

Cell phones (windows, iPhone and Android) all have special free malware protection apps - go and research it on the site appropriate to your phone, ie Google Play (Android), Apple Store (iPhone) Microsoft Store (Windows phones).

For the other questions I haven't dealt with post in the SOFTWARE FORUM, not here.

Finally, if you suspect you have ANY 'malware' on your system carry out the steps in THIS GUIDE and then, only after they are done, post a new thread with the scan logs attached in the SPECIALIST MALWARE forum - NOT here.

 

Thanks for the Skype removal tool. I'll look into it. I'm out of the free trials for Revo Uninstaller haha. It's such a good program.

I already planned to post in the specialist forum. I just don't have the 4 - 5 hours to allocate straight through right now. I'll probably do it later on tonight.

Btw, AT&T installer techs and technical support don't know anything about securing the routers. They are there to make sure you just purchase and make money for AT&T.

The MajorGeeks information on securing yourself from Malware is less advanced than what I'm talking about. Who knows though, maybe it's not possible for me to create custom security for my PC. I thought that's what PC's were for though. They allowed greater customization than macs. It's not my area of expertise. I was told there were linux guides or something for routers and computers. You can customize your system with those types of guides. There is supposed to be a way to use some of the information or concepts to secure systems that are built with different specifications: i.e. windows

I probably need to switch to a linux distribution just to feel better about security because then I can follow those guides directly.

P.S. the antivirus tools for cellphones are terrible. I went through several with no results before I found ESET. It only removed one Adware application on my old phone. I'll do some research. I was hoping there was a way to scan the phone and pull logs like with windows and mac computers.

 

You can use Revo Uninstaller Free.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/revo_uninstaller.html

 

Yes, my post specified the FREE version of Revo.

That's AT&T's job. I have an ISP that is also part of a multinational group (Liberty Global) and their Tech Support people seem to know what they are dealing with.
Routers include a Firewall - google how to use it.

Windows 10 is no different to Vista, 7 or 8 in how you protect yourself - the security software plays one major part, user behaviour counts for the rest.
If you want to disable many parts of Win 10 try something like O & O's Shut Up 10
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/oo_shutup10.html
Same goes for added Ransomeware protection - use one of the many programs hosted on MG - eg 'Crypto Prevent'

I don't use Private Firewall but it is configurable so you need to seek help from experienced users in the Software Forum.

As far as your smartphone is concerned (there is no OS on earlier ones) you either choose to use an available security app or not. It's as simple as that.

 

AT&T technical support referred me to their "Advanced technical support" saying it costs money to have them make changes to the router.

Btw, there's way more to cybersecurity than just malware protection. I do feel what you're saying, but I need guides on "hardening" my stuff so people will leave me alone.

Btw, I'm doing the READ ME RUN FIRST for a specialist and have found multiple threats. I'm not sure if they're serious or not, but something turned, which usually doesn't turn up when I do these.