Internet Security 2013 Scareware and You!

Interesting Story

My Brother-in-Law had this come up on his computer and he needed help getting it removed.  Some of the symptons were it would constantly say the file being executed had a virus and it would prevent you from loading any and all programs.   Anything you do with your computer whether trying to remove this from your desktop was a hassle.   I did have to do some things to remove it but I will talk about that in a few minutes!

Malwarebytes And SuperAntispyware!

If it was for Malwarebytes and SuperAntispyware, this would of been even harder remover than previous.  I must say when I first install these a few years back, I didn’t know how well these guys worked and kept my system clean.   I decided to try these two on my broather infected system to try to remove this scareware.

Removal of this virus!

If you are like me you probably used Google to find out how to remove this virus but I think the virus makers are getting smarter because it wasn’t as easy as it was a few years ago.   They made it virtually impossible to find the answer with the computer you have that is infected.   So you have to hope that you have another system to do the searching for the answer of the removal.   Here is what I did to help remove this malware and scareware:

• Startup in Safe Mode [LINK]
• Login as Adminstrator
• USE MalwareBytes and do a FULL SCAN, this will take a while and once done remove what you see.
• Do a System Restore [LINK].  The Earlier the Better.  

Once you have did those restart your computer then you should be able to install Malwarebytes to all users.  When you can do that you are basically home free.   Just install it again and do a full system scan, to help make sure you get rid of this scam and scareware malware.  Once you do all this, if Malwarebytes did what you needed, it might be time to upgrade to Buy Malwarebytes Now!

I really am glad I had a full version of Malwarebytes to remove this annoying little scam and scareware.   My brother is happy and I am happy.  

Paul Sylvester

Zeus and Spyeye Malware coming to the Google Android Platform.

Tablets and Phones Getting Sick??

Mobile operating systems, particularly Android, are not particularly difficult to make malware for, says Blasco, and there are signs that criminals are working to adapt methods used to target PCs. “We have found samples of Zeus and SpyEye on mobile,” he says.

Technology Review

We've talked about App Policies in the past, and you wonder what is in store for you in the coming years with Google Play and Malware.   We can't always be secure with this platform.   I could preach to you the reason why we will most likely have this but I am sure I am not the only one on this subject.  Even clicking a link on your phone could give your phone malware!  

Antivirus is A Joke!

I already talked about the Android Antivirus apps.   I am not sure if they are there just to make it look like they are doing something.   I can't tell which apps are truthful and which are just like a comfort blanket!  So When I started talking about Malware in Google, no one really believed me and I know it isn't a very popular subject so I understand.

So you asking what can I do to protect myself?

Here are some tips to help you not get the malware in the first place!

• Don't install new apps -- if they are new they haven't been reviewed or on the Google Play store long enough.   I won't install an app unless they have 100 reviews or more.   It is just my way.
• Permissions -- Checking the Permissions of an app can help you not install malware before it is to late.   Remember if they want something that they shouldn't then it is probably something you shouldn't install!
• Install Trusted sources -- do no ever install 3rd party applications, your just asking for trouble!  Only install from the Google App Store and nothing else.  This will help prevent from getting Malware!

Although these are simple things most people don't even do these.   If you know some way to prevent Malware then lets hear it.   I have already told you some of the stuff I do but maybe you have something else to help others.   Why not share it!

Paul Sylvester

Android Antivirus is that a Scare or Real?

I’m not saying it isn’t real!

I just think that there are a lot of security firms, who are making more fluff then there is really any actually need of an antivirus for Android devices.  On a Popular Android forum, they discuss this in length and I tend to agree, with all they are saying.   Some researchers are saying Android don’t need antivirus, but that artcle was done in 2008.  Yes I am the type of guy who believes in Antivirus but I have to question what the Security firms are doing to try to get money.   Some of the well know firms are charging 10 dollars for the app, others are doing the try before you buy.   

Do I need one for my HTC inspire?

Someone emailed me that question and I really didn’t have an answer because being so new to the Android devices.   I however will tell you what I believe and hopefully this will help others with their questions as well.   I know that malware writers will start looking to the those who use it like a small computer and thus.   We will sooner or later end up like Windows, or even Apple with having worms, viruses, and malware.   Thus, we should start being on the lookout.   I think having an antivirus on an Android device is rather pointless because most of security firms are in their infantacy with Android.   Most of them have only had to deal with Windows machines and thus they will take some time into figuring out how to find those nasty viruses, malware, or worms that may be on your device.

Don’t use 3rd party Appilications!

use Coupon Code Savenow15 and Save 15% off the lifetime of your account! Works with Android, IOS, and Windows!If your are realitively new to Android, it is something that loading appilications that isn’t supporting by Google.  These are applications that you get from the internet and thus you will have to allow 3rd party installation.  It is best to not enable 3rd party and just keep it 1st party installation.  That is what I’ve done to make my device more secure,  I don’t allow 3rd party installation and you should to!

If you need an Antivirus!

I’d always recommend going with the ones that you know.   At least you are far safer than picking Antivirus software or applications that are realitively unknown.   The ones who I recommend are:

• Antivirus Free (AVG) — AVG Antivirus for Smartphones & Tablets automatically detects harmful Apps & SMS AVG Mobilation™ Antivirus Free is a free mobile security solution that helps protects your phone from viruses, malware, spyware & online exploitation in real-time.
• Avast! Mobile Security - Full-featured Antivirus and Anti-Theft security for your Android phone.  Protect personal data with automatic virus scans and infected-URL alerts. Stop hackers by adding a firewall (rooted phones).
• Norton Antivirus & Security —  Security, antivirus, antitheft protection that won’t slow your Android down.  Norton™ Mobile Security Lite protects your mobile device against loss, theft and malware. Norton lends its anti-malware, anti virus, and security expertise to mobile.
• Antivirus Free (Commodo) —  Antivirus, privacy protector, call-blocker and anti-theft in a single app. COMODO Mobile Security provides real-time protection against known and emerging threats on your mobile device while helping to protect your privacy and keep your system optimized.
• Mobile Security Personal Ed. (Trend Micro) —  Named by PCWorld USA as one of the Top 100 products of 2011.  Protect your Android™ device with one of PCWorld USA’s Top 100 products of 2011. It protects your Android from loss, malicious apps, and dangerous websites.

These are only a few good brand names that you can trust because they have been doing Antivirus business for quiet some time on the Windows machine.   Give them time and their app’s will develop as the Operating System develops.   If you feel you need an Antivirus these are just a few that I suggest, you can find more at the Android Marketplace and decide which one is best for you.

Paul Sylvester

Why Self-Fulfilling Malware causes problems!

Self-fulfilling malware? Yea Right!

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true, by the very terms of the prophecy itself, due to positive feedback between belief and behavior.

Via Wikipedia

It's not really a prophecy but yet it is to a point.  I'm not saying that it is self-replicating or anything of that nature, but I am talking about how it has evolved over the last few years.  If your like me, you get a lot of calls from customers who insist that they have a virus because of a various number of reasons.   Some fo them could saying, they are getting warnings, others that I've seen just said that their system is really slow and thus they think they have a virus slowing down their system.  I'm sure you have many examples of this  and thus you know what I am talking about.   There have been many customers that I've had to deal with about just that.   They think it is a virus are pretty much won't accept anything else but that, I'm sure I am not alone when it comes to you own small business.

Dealing with the Customer!

In many ways you probably like me, you try to insist that they don't have a malware but yet they are coming up with ways why they do.  I've got a few tips to help deal with those types of customers who think they HAVE to of gotten a virus or malware along the way!  I'm going to share a few with you that might help you with your own customers.

Customer is always right! (And some that are just not right!)

The first thing I do is tell them it will cost them a certain amount of money to diagnose the problem and thus this will likely turn them away from you and help you help those who really might need the technical help.   I do recommend not charging a lot because if they do have a virus and don't know how to remove it then you could be loosing a value loyal customer.   Consider charging something like a 30 minute fee to diagnose the problem, what ever you hourly fee is probably about right.  Something else you might want to consider, is to make it free if they have a virus or malware!

Give Customers Free Resources!

If your see my site, you will see that I offer a free Antivurs URL for anyone who might not want to remove their virus themselves but then again.   I warn them that they do this at their own risk and maybe give them some more resources if you know of any.   This will help you with the customers that might need the extra time with their problems.   I don't like doing this option but it is a good option if you don't have the time to worry about those customers.   

These are just my few options that I have come to use, maybe you have another way to do it and would love to hear your stories.   

Paul Sylvester