need articles on dangers of spyware, ketyloggers, bots, etc. nesting in one's system

I have a less computer-savvy older friend who got something alien on his computer that created an unwanted wallpaper. He managed to find a way to hide it from his view but hasn't managed to remove it from his computer yet. I've tried to get him to download Spybot and WinPatrol, but he's not been real concerned. He did get Malwarebytes, and it found nothing.

I think it sounds like it could be really malignant spyware, maybe even keylogging, identity theft, that sort of thing. But so far he hasn't really been too concerned. I would like to persuade him to go on a malware cleaning forum.

Please give me links to good non-technical articles I can forward on how malware can be hiding out on one's system and be keylogging, capturing screenshots and clipboard, and engaging in all kinds of malignant spying.

He's on a fairly new Windows 7 computer with 4 GB RAM.

Darn, I wish the Edit function would let me fix the question itself after a "t" crept into "keyloggers".

 

Re: need articles on dangers of spyware, ketyloggers, bots, etc. nesting in one's sys

Greetings, conceptualclarity.

I'm not going to point you to specific articles - I am sure other MGs will be along to help you with links. Myself, I have to try to judge their willingness and learning abilities, then point them to the appropriate literature and media. Follow the KISS principle - do a Google for "dangers of spyware" and show your friend what you think is pertinent and valuable.

The key word there is "willingness." There's a Navajo saying: "You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep." You are obviously aware of the potential dangers of malware, but it's up to your friend to try to benefit from your knowledge.

 

Re: need articles on dangers of spyware, ketyloggers, bots, etc. nesting in one's sys

And, of course, make sure he/she regularly visits this forum - the front line, so to speak.

 

Re: need articles on dangers of spyware, ketyloggers, bots, etc. nesting in one's sys

You can find good general information about the various malware families at Microsoft's security portal.
Sirefef/ZeroAccess - http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/Encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=Win32/Sirefef
Reveton - http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/Encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=Win32/Reveton
Zeus/Zbot - http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/Encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=Win32/Zbot

If you feel like giving your friend or maybe yourself a headache, have a look at ESET.