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Updated 01/02/2008

Do you have:

• Internet options configured properly


• Firewall


• Anti-Virus Software


• Anti-Spyware Software

If not, I recommend you get organized. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read this

HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE

This advice is reposted from the advice given by Tony Klein, the acknowledged spyware & malware expert who supports many forums such as CastleCops on the net. I have slightly modified it
Special thanks also goes to the Southern Lady for giving me the permission to post this

You usually get infected because your security settings are too low

Here are a number of recommendations that will help tighten them, and which will contribute to making you a less likely victim:

1. WATCH WHAT YOU DOWNLOAD

   Many freeware programs, and P2P programs like Grokster, Imesh, Kazaa and others are amongst the most notorious, come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will eat system resources, slow down your system, clash with other installed software, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself




2. SECURITY UPDATES

   Go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and install ALL Security Updates listed. It's important to always keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. Install those patches for Internet Explorer, and make sure your installation of Java VM is up-to-date. There are some well known security bugs with Microsoft Java VM which are exploited regularly by browser hijackers




3. INTERNET OPTIONS

   Go to Internet Options/Security/Internet, press 'default level', then OK. Now press "Custom Level." In the ActiveX section, set the first two options ("Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls) to 'prompt', and 'Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to 'disable'.
   Now you will be asked whether you want ActiveX objects to be executed and whether you want software to be installed. Sites that you know for sure are above suspicion can be moved to the Trusted Zone in Internet Option/security.

   So why is activex so dangerous that you have to increase the security for it?
   When your browser runs an activex control, it is running an executable program. It's no different from doubleclicking an exe file on your hard drive

   Would you run just any random file downloaded off a web site without knowing what it is and what it does?

   IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone, so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all

   The IE HOSTS FILE blocks ads, banners, cookies, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the Server that supplies these little gems. Example - the following entry 127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by the DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. It now includes most major parasites, hijackers and unwanted Search Engines! In many cases this can speed the loading of web pages by not having to wait for these ads, banners, hit counters, etc. to load. This also helps to protect your Privacy by blocking servers that track your viewing habits, known as "click-thru tracking".

   However as time has progressed the focus of this project has changed from blocking ads/banners to protecting the user from the many parasites that now exist on the Internet. It doesn't serve much purpose if you block the ad banner from displaying, but get hijacked by a parasite from an evil script or download contained on the web site. The object is to surf faster while preserving your safety, security and privacy




4. FIREWALL SOFTWARE

   COMODO FIREWALL PRO
   ZONEALARM PERSONAL FIREWALL

Also, test your firewall for any vulnerabilities by using these online services:
SHIELDS UP
AUDITMYPC

And test your browser for common exploits by using these online services:
JASON LEVINE'S BROWSER SECURITY TESTS
SCANIT BROWSER SECURITY TEST




5. ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

   AVG
   AVAST HOME EDITION
   

   ANTI-VIRUS/SPYWARE ONLINE SCANNERS
   TREND MICRO HOUSECALL
   KASPERSKY ONLINE SCANNER
   CA ETRUST ONLINE ANTIVIRUS SCANNER




6. ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE

   SPYWAREBLASTER
   SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY

   For a comprehensive list of known spyware and more go to SPYWARE-GUIDE and search for the suspect

   To check for an updated list of unknown or questionable anti-spyware products go to the ROGUE/SUSPECT SPYWARE WARRIOR LIST

   Incidentally, another site with an enormous amount of information on computer security, and which is well worth a visit is WILDERS

ROOTKITS INFORMATION

These are often trojans which take control of your PC.

Common examples are:

• Constant error messages


• Fake pop-ups (that look normal) asking you to download a specific program to keep your computer secure


• Disabling of Anti-Virus/Spyware software


• No access to certain features like windows task manager or safe mode

Sadly more are being made each day.
If you like looking at pornography and downloading provocative pictures, then you can expect this, as I have experienced in the past.

Rootkits are not easily removed, if you have one, I would advise you to register at BLEEPINGCOMPUTER SPYWARE AND REMOVAL GUIDES and post your problem.
There are dedicated security analysts there that will surely help you

Lastly, make sure your Antivirus/Spyware software and firewall is switched on and kept updated