Windows XP Security Malware - How can i stop it happening again?

count_zero99uk · Apr 21, 2010

I have had this annoying piece of malware hit me twice now. Its the one that subverts the xp protection tool and stops exes from working. Thanks to this and another site ive managed to clean it both times.

I am concerned however. I always felt i was a safe internet user. I have AVG on and i have windows fully updated. I was originaly using IE7 when I first got infected so i switched to Firefox as I had been told that was more secure but I again got infected one week later. I got the infection from 2 sites one being a wallpaper site (for desktops not walls). The other being a more suspect site, isohunt.

Now is there any pro-active steps i can take to stop this thing comming into my system in future. Im hoping its free or less that £5.00 as im on a limited income.

Thanks of reading, and i hope this is in the correct place of the forums.

Kestrel13! · Apr 21, 2010

Yes alot of sites that offer wallpapers are notorious for being known to include lots of hidden extra's in their downloads. The best thing to do would be to avoid randomly surfing around to sites you do not know. There are numerous threads here in the lounge where members reccommend excellent desktop background sites with good reputations... you do not even have to download as such... just right click and save image. Animated wallpapers I would avoid personally. I am now going to move your thread to software considering you are not actively seeking malware removal at the moment.

plodr · Apr 21, 2010

There are a few good, clean desktop wallpaper sites. Unfortunately, the majority of them are not.
Here are two I'm pretty sure do not offer malware along with the wallpaper. I've installed papers from both sites.
Code:
www.interfacelift.com
Code:
http://www.desktopnexus.com/
Play it safe. After you download, right click and scan with your antivirus then right click and scan with malwarebytes.

Kestrel13! · Apr 21, 2010

And here's another popular..SAFE site:

DeviantArt

thesmokingun · Apr 22, 2010

i second interfacelift.com

some great wall papers on there, and you can choose the dimensions you want.

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Windows XP Security Malware - How can i stop it happening again?

count_zero99uk Private E-2

Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

thesmokingun MajorGeek