basic question on malware

nec209 · May 31, 2009

I have a basic question how does Malware get on your computer and why do you have to use so many pograms to remove it? Why does Microssoft not separate IE from the OS that way if IE has infection/Malware the OS is still clean?

Or if firefox has malware you can use Microssoft IE.And if firefox and Microssoft IE has malware the OS is till clean.Why does Microssoft not separate IE from the OS .

And what are security layers. What book or web site should I read about internet security and malware how it works and how to remove it.

What book or web site do I need to read to be a malware removal moderator here?

TimW · May 31, 2009

There are many vehicles by which people get infected. Downloading and clicking on adverstisments are only two possible ways. Others include but are not limited to

* NOT KEEPING ALL SOFTWARE UPDATED!!!
* surfing - usually certain websites are the main problem
* click links to view pictures or videos, or listen to music....etc
* not reading what you are clicking on and even if you do it may be worded in a form to trick you into clicking the wrong answer. Sometimes the answer is the opposite of what you think. And sometimes there is no correct answer because it is already too late one the popup has appeared..
* installing codecs to view videos or sound
* installing cracks and or illegal software
* downloading via P2P or Torrent programs
* downloading from websites that do no check their downloads to see if they are safe and very few actually do this even though they say they do. (We do at Major Geeks!)
* reading emails from unknown senders especially if you have html enabled and also especially if clicking on any attachments
* reading emails from friends who don't know they are infected and may not even know they are sending you emails.

I know that many people like to say that they don't understand how they are getting infected, but the fact remains that in most cases it is by their own doing. I surf more than most people and access all kinds of websites while trying to test various malware. I have to eliminate all of my protection (even my router which has a hardware firewall) and I still have a hard time getting infected and I have to knowingly agree to install things to get infected.

General Tips for everyone (not just you )

* If you do not have a router or do not have a router with a hardware firewall, then get one.
* If you are not using a real bidirectional firewall then install one and only one. The Windows (any version) firewall is not adequate.
* Install one and only one antivirus program.
* Install one and only one realtime antispyware protection program
* Install the below for background protection
o SpywareBlaster
o Spybot with SDHelper and use the Immunization feature
* Do period scans with you AV and AS programs?
* Use additional scan only programs like SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes.

nec209 · Jun 1, 2009

I was reading some where that malware can come through a bad active-x or JAVA.

So if the web has a bad active-x or bad JAVA it can come it.Also saying bad HTML code you can get malware.

And some times can put hidden malware in a pop up or picture like JPG.

TimW · Jun 1, 2009

Which is exactly why we ask our posters to remove all old java and keep the most current Java installed.

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basic question on malware

nec209 Private First Class

TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

nec209 Private First Class

TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member