James John is a part of the content team for Iyogi. Iyogi provides Antivirus setup, certified technicians to Install Antivirus and scan computer, antivirus installation, latest antivirus updates, computer support, pc repair services, technical support, it support and services, over the phone and via remote access
Top Computer Virus Threats in 2008
Computer Virus threats are neither surprising nor new on the Web. They are stepping towards newer technologies such as VoIP and instant messengers. With advancement in the features available on the Internet, hackers continue to drive malware. This underlines an importance of being aware and secure when traversing the Web. Antivirus Installation is must in each and every computer attached to Internet.
Predictions for top security threats in 2008 are:
• Increase in Password Staling Websites: There will certainly be a rise in the number of attacks seeking to capture a user’s ID and password by displaying fake sign-in pages. Online services will primarily be targeted to spread virus and malware. As opposed to this, the attacks on ISPs are likely to decline, while those aimed at the financial sector will move with the same pace.
• Increase in Spamming: Spamming will continue to grow, accounting for 40 per cent of the total spam received as compared to 10 per cent a year ago. There has been a significant rise in the incidence of image spam and others such as pump-and-dump stocks, pharmacy, and degree spam.
• Increase in IM Attacks: Instant messaging client is gaining wide popularity among Internet-savvy. They are always in search of better messengers to communicate on the web. Since instant messengers feature a number of exclusive features such as file transfer & webcam support, the virus attacks on these applications may increase in near future.
• Increase in Online Gaming Attacks: Online gaming is both the source of entertainment and money for several companies which allow their registered members to buy virtual goods to continue the game. The computer virus attackers may try to target these virtual goods to make real money.
• Increase in Windows Vista Attacks: The attackers and hackers generally seek to take advantage of flaws present in the operating systems. Since Windows Vista, the latest version of Microsoft Windows is believed to be affected by critical vulnerabilities, the hackers may try to inject virus into the affected systems.
• Increase in Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks are expected to be one of the top 10 threats in 2008. With growth in number of incidence of using copies of original websites to trick the users to get their sensitive data, the phishing attacks can increase.
Windows Xp 2008 is a Scam!
Imagine the scenario: You’re browsing the internet, and suddenly Windows Security Center pops up and tells you that you’re infected with viruses. Also, it shows you a huge number of viruses that are supposedly infecting your computer. It tells you that you should click the window to download an update to your Windows XP 2008 antivirus, which will cost you about fifty dollars. This is the situation when you’re infected with the fraudware family of viruses that pretend to be part of the Windows XP program.
The fact of the matter is that you’re probably not infected with hundreds of viruses as the program claims. It’s probably only one or two viruses. However, it does download a lot of spyware onto your computer. All of which is geared towards scaring you into giving away your money.
What you get in return for your payment is a temporary restoration of your computer. It quits locking up and running slowly, but only for a time. When the viruses become active again, it asks for more money for a different “antivirus” program, which only further bogs down your system. This process continues until you are just unable to do anything with your computer. Then, unless you know how to get around a host of active viruses, you may have to rely on a professional computer technician. This will probably cost you at least two hundred dollars.
The best thing to do when you first see the pop up is to unplug your computer from your network and get a good antivirus program. Now comes another problem, just what program to get? You could go online and get a free one, but the problem is that there’s no guarantee that it will get rid of these programs. The same holds true with many antivirus programs that you can buy, like McAfee or Norton.
The problems with getting just any program are primarily that either XP 2008 goes undetected by them, or it imbeds itself in your system in such a way that they can’t remove it without running your computer in a special diagnostic mode. Even then, there’s no guarantee, because it can appear even to your computer as a legitimate Windows program.
Now some users might try to search the internet forums for some advice on how to manually remove these viruses. This is a virtual Pandora’s box of confusion. The internet forums are full of different methods of manually removing XP Antivirus and the others. In all likelihood, few if any of these methods will work. They may very well have worked for the person making the post, but the nature of these fraudware programs is that they imbed themselves in your system in different ways, depending on what version of what virus you have. Ultimately, the internet forums are an exercise in frustration, and don’t come recommended.
What it all comes down to is that you need an antivirus program to deal with your infection. This program should be user-friendly and consistently effective. It wouldn’t hurt also if it remained up to date on its own. Fortunately, there is such a program out there. Spyzooka will take care of all of your needs.
Carl runs a site devoted to helping you rid your computer from all sorts of spyware and malware at http://www.spyzooka.com/
Mcafee 2008 Internet Security Suite 10-in-1, 1 User
- McAfee 2008 Internet Security Suite 10-in-1
Product Description
McAfee 2008 Internet Security Suite 10-in-1 for 1 User.
Mcafee 2008 Internet Security Suite 10-in-1, 1 User
PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2008
December 31, 2009 · Posted in Spyware · 5 Comments
- Anti-spyware software protects identity and PC security
- Completely scans, detects, and removes spyware
- Integrated virus detection and removal; exclusive OnGuard tool
- Daily live updates; deep scanning and quarantine options
- Simple and easy-to-use interface; protects up to 3 PC’s
Product Description
Winner of multiple awards from leading tech magazines, PC Tools Spyware Doctor¿ with AntiVirus provides the best protection against unwanted spyware, viruses and other privacy threats. Millions of people worldwide trust the Spyware Doctor brand to protect their identity and PC security. Features include: ¿Protects up to 3 PC’s ¿Completely scans, detects and removes spyware ¿Integraded virus detection and removal ¿Daily live updates guard against the lastest infections ¿Deep scanning options allow you to thoroughly check your PC ¿Ability to quarantine and undo items that have been removed ¿Exclusive OnGuard tool monitors your PC for browser infections and tracking cookies ¿Simple and easy-to-use interface
PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2008
Global Spread of Malicious Viruses and Attacks on Major Servers in 2008 – What’s in Store for You in 2009?
More viruses and more spam email will come, and you thought you had seen it all now, just wait and see what you will be exposed to in 2009.
The global security network of Symantec has put together an overview of the most common threats and trends in 2008. They have also tried to look into the crystal ball and see what we will struggle with in the year to come.
The amount will increase as well as smarter threats will arrive into the market, developed by more sophisticated and professional developers. This will be the trend we are looking at for 2009 and beyond.
1. New variations and groups of threats
The hackers do not mass distribute malicious codes any more, but sends out larger groups of threats in a smaller scale. This type of malicious code consists of millions and millions of various threats that mutates and spreads very quickly. The Trojan Farfli that was discovered in July 2007 is a group of threats that just behaves like that.
2. False and confusing programs
False safety and service programs or so-called scare ware that promise to secure or clean up the users computer is also a threat type.
When you install these softwareâs you also install a Trojan that creates false and misleading results and keeps the computer a hostage until you pay to fix these made up threats.
3. Net based attacks
Well trusted web sites are a focus for lots of malicious activities. In 2008 Symantec saw that these web sites were the main target.
4. Black market
The black market has matured and become a very effective global market where stolen goods and crime related services are offered for billions of USD. Between July 2007 and June 2008 Symantec found that the total value of the offered products and services in the black market would be an estimated 276 billion USD.
5. Data crime
The extent of data crimes and types of them illustrates the need for strategies and technologies to hinder loss of data. In today’s economic climate there is a natural process to do mergers and acquisitions of companies. People have to be let go, and therefore protection of sensitive information becomes more imperative than ever. As lots of companies are knowledge driven, the immaterial products living in a company becomes of essence to protect to exposure towards competitors or criminals.
6. Spam
Bill Gates stated in 2004 that in two years the spam problem will be solved. During 2008 the spam level was on around 78% until they closed down the hosting company called McColo in November 2008. The spam level decreased with 65% when this happened. Spam filters have become more sophisticated the last few years, and therefore more effective to take away the most ordinary spam mails, but that does not mean the spammers have given up the battle, by far not.
7. Net phishing
Net phisherâs were active during 2008 and they used topics in the news like the American election to utilize more sophisticated hacking techniques to get the users to enter the traps. Tool boxes for net phishing are available for those interested, which contributes to the problem of net phishing.
8. Vulnerability in web browsers or plug-ins
Net specific vulnerabilities are often used in connection with so-called plug-ins to the web browsers. These can be used by the hackers to perform sophisticated net based attacks.
What should you fear in 2009?
According to Symantec these are some of the major topics you will struggle with in 2009.
1. Explosion of new malicious codes.
The new type of malicious codes consist of millions of various attack or threats which mutates like a larger more malicious program
This creates a unlimited number of various instances of evil codes. Information caught up by Symantec Global Intelligence Network illustrate that we are at a road crossing at the moment. It is at the moment created more malicious codes than real software programs around the world. The new and upcoming threats demands new and more competent methods to discover threats, like aware security.
2. Advanced net threats
As net services increases and web browsers in larger degree use common standards for interpretation of script languages, an increase in net based threats will continue.
3. Financial Crisis
Lots of attacks will utilize the economic crisis to its own purposes. Net phishing will send fake messages that certain banks will close, or make offers of quick loans or refinancing. Several crime attempts against people that have got their houses possessed, against unemployed people with offers of work from home and more imitating job related web pages can be expected as well.
4. Social networks
During 2008 the makicious activity around social network pages increased. The typical activity was net phishing of user names and passwords and/or use of a social context to get users to get into a trap set up by the hackers. Spammers in certain regions in EMEA have marketed the social network places very aggressive. One reached for instance over 2 million Symantec customers. These threats become more important for larger companies IT- departments since the younger generation use these in job connection.
5. Spam level increases
During the period the net hosting company McColo was closed Symantec saw a 65 percent reduction in spam activity. It is expected that the spam levels will be back to 75-80 percent during 2009. So-called command and control systems will be re-established which will lead spammers to use the more dynamic peer to peer bottnets. In the unsafe economic climate we have and will have for a while , more net hosting companies will be willing to facilitate spam activities to sustain its economic targets.
6. Safety on virtual machines
Virtualization technologies will be incorporated in security solutions to create an environment that is protected from the chaos that exist in the normal operational systems environment. Virtualization offers a secure environment for those security components that protects the ordinary operating systems.
He has a background as civil engineer and geoscientist. He has worked mainly within the oil and gas industry from the mid 1980s. He has written a few fictional novels as well as being the author of some professional litterature within oil and gas sector, he is now an editor of some web sites.
Antivirus 2008: the Latest Scourge of the Internet
The one thing that never changes in IT is the fact that everything is constantly changing. In the past, people had to watch out for viruses. Then it was spyware, and then it was browser hijackers. Next came the Trojan, a program, that when opened would release either a virus, spyware or both. Lastly, we heard about phishing, an attack that tricked the end user into giving out personal information that can lead to identity theft.
Recently The Village Geek has been flooded by computers that are infected with what researchers are calling fraudware. Fraudware is software that tries to frighten the end user into purchasing protection from… itself. In the old days they called it extortion.
The current rash of fraudware is called Antivirus 2008; it is available in several varieties, including XP Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009 (the latest version!), MS Antivirus and probably more. This is an actual program that installs itself on your system in the same way spyware installs, without your knowledge or permission. Antivirus 2008 then shows up on your task bar as a warning icon that looks almost identical to the Windows Security Center shield and it shows an “X” or an exclamation mark. Pop up bubbles will warn you that an infection has been found. If you ignore the pop ups the program will pop up full screen and simulate a virus scan showing multiple infections. The program will show you all the problems and then it will explain that you must purchase the full version for $50 in order to clean these infections.
Here are some typical warning messages:
Privacy Violation alert!
XP antivirus detected Privacy Violation. Some program is secretly sending your private data to untrusted internet host. Click here to block this activity by removing threats (Recommended).
Or
System files modification alert!
Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It may cause system instability and data loss. Click here to block unauthorized modification by removing threats (Recommended).
The beauty of the scam is that (at least so far) none of the major antivirus and antispyware programs are picking this thing up. Once you pay your money the program doesn’t clean anything and on some versions it will actually release a flood of spyware or Trojans into your system. Eventually you will no longer be able to use your system as the Antivirus 2008 will not allow you to get past its interface except to follow the link where they will allow you to repurchase the software in hopes of ridding yourself of the menace.
Obviously if you have paid these crooks for the full version you will need to contact your credit card company and stop payment as soon as possible.
The early version of this fraudware had an uninstall routine, which would remove it from the “Add and Remove Programs” applet in the control panel, but did not remove the program. The newest versions don’t bother with the extra steps, they’ve got you and they aren’t going to let go.
Below are some typical processes, files and registry entries that must be removed in order to clean Antivirus 2008 off your system. You should be aware that editing the registry should only be done by experienced technicians, and there is no guarantee that these files are the only ones on your system. Comparing your running processes in the Windows Task Manager against this list will help you determine if this is an issue on your system.
Associated (XP) Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus Processes
Antvrs.exe
AntvrsInstall.exe
AntvrsInstall[1].exe
Win Antivirus 2008.exe
av2008xp.exe
Antivirus-2008.exe
xpa_2008.exe
Associated (XP) Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus Files:
c:Program FilesXP Antivirus
c:Program FilesXP Antivirusxpa.exe
c:Program FilesXPAntivirus
c:Program FilesXPAntivirusXPAntivirus.exe
c:WINDOWSsystem32scui.cpl
%UserProfile%DesktopXP Antivirus 2008.lnk
%UserProfile%Start MenuXP Antivirus 2008
%UserProfile%Start MenuXP Antivirus 2008Uninstall XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
%UserProfile%Start MenuXP Antivirus 2008XP Antivirus 2008.lnk
%UserProfile%Application DataMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick LaunchXP Antivirus 2008.lnk
c:WINDOWSkrln32.exe
c:WINDOWSsystem32scvh0st.exe
c:Program FilesCommon Filestrjdwnl.dll
c:WINDOWSshlext32.exe
Associated (XP) Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus Windows Registry Information:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareXP antivirus
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001ServicesXPAntivirusFilter
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesXPAntivirusFilter
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper
Objects{4e7bd74f-2b8d-469e-dcf7-f96da086b434}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper
Objects{6C6B8C69-9285-4D94-8492-9E920C8C2B65}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper
Objects{74f25a2c-22b3-4023-8f1a-ca616c30a8b5}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper
Objects{9a19966f-ae0e-4699-8cce-9b6f5f1c352c}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper
Objects{D714A94F-123A-45CC-8F03-040BCAF82AD6}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallXP antivirus_is1
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun “XP Antivirus”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun “mmnext06″
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun “shellbn”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun “System”
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun “Windows Framework”
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun “”
Typically I would refer you to links on the internet that may be helpful at this point, but every site I can find is busy attempting to sell you a solution, or worse, attempting to infect you. At one point the top paid advertisement on the right side of a Google search was for Antivirus 2008. Tread carefully here folks, or just bring it to The Village Geek and let us clean this mess up for you.
Steve Weigle is the owner of Village Geek Computers, an IT center with multiple locations. Steve has provided IT services to Central Indiana since 1996.
The Top 2008 Paid and Free Antivirus Programs
Computer viruses are getting more prevalent. It is impossible to prevent contact with them unless your computer lives in an isolated glass bubble. Just as human viruses are spread from person to person, computer viruses are spread from computer to computer.
But what is a virus? A virus is a piece of code (software) that attaches itself to a file. Your computer can get infected by having an infected file loaded on to it. So, for example, if you receive files in emails, download things from the web, or have friends who put their pen drives in your USB then you are at risk
Your computer can be infected and you may not know. Some viruses work the minute they infect the computer, others sit there waiting for a certain trigger. This might be the next time you startup your computer or run a program, or it might be waiting for a particular date and time. If you are infected you are also passing the virus on to others. And they pass it on, and on it goes.
The best form of defence is to have an up-to-date virus protection program on your computer. The up-to-date part is important as viruses are created and released every day. Your anti-virus program will download new virus definitions very frequently, even hourly.
There are lots of anti-virus programs out there. Here is a list of those considered to be the best in the field.
BitDefender http://www.bitdefender.com/
CA http://www.ca.com
F-Secure http://www.f-secure.com/
Kaspersky http://www.kaspersky.co.nz http://www.kapersky.com
McAfee http://www.mcafee.com
NOD32 http://www.eset.com
Norton http://shop.symantecstore.com
Panda http://www.pandasecurity.com/
PC Door Guard http://www.astonsoft.com/content/view/21/55/
PC Security Shield http://www.pcsecurityshield.com/
PC Tools http://www.pctools.com/
Protector Plus http://www.pspl.com/
TrendMicro – (Pc-Cillin) http://trendmicro.com
If you want a free program try:
AVG http://free.avg.com/
PC Tools Free http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/
Carol brings her career and personal passions (learning, computing, dogs, business development) together in a website called K9Holidays.com.
McAfee Internet Security Suite with SiteAdvisor 2008 for Windows
- Up to 3 PCs
- Works with Windows Vista
- With Site Advisor for 1 Year
- 10 in 1 Prevention Protection
- Safe Search Safe Surf
Product Description
McAfee Internet Security Suite with Site Advisor. Proactive Online Security from Identity Thieves. Trusted PC Protection from Viruses, Hackers and More. Backs up & Restores Your Photos, Music, Files and more.
McAfee Internet Security Suite with SiteAdvisor 2008 for Windows
McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008
December 19, 2009 · Posted in McAfee · 5 Comments
- 3-in-1 PC protection from viruses, hackers, and spyware
- Integrated anti-virus, firewall, and anti-spyware technologies
- Essential protection for surfing the Web and downloading files safely
- Simplifies security with the new and improved McAfee SecurityCenter
- Blocks and removes threats automatically; shields PC around the clock
Product Description
Item #: 36086H. With the wide variety of viruses, hackers and blended threats lurking on the Internet today, you need more than a simple anti-virus program to keep your PC and files secure. McAfee VirusScan Plus AntiVirus, Firewall and AntiSpyware provide the essential protection you need to surf the Web and download files safely.With McAfee VirusScan Plus powerful integrated technologies work together to combat and defeat even the most sophisticated multi-pronged attacks. McAfee’s trusted PC protection blocks and removes threats automatically, and identifies spyware and adware before they can run on your PC. Plus, to keep things extra simple, the McAfee SecurityCenter gives you at-a-glance control over all your McAfee applications. Get the confidence you need to surf the Web, knowing McAfee is always on, always updating and always protecting you.
Product Description
McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 – complete package
Category: Security applications
Subcategory: Security – desktop antivirus, security – desktop firewall
License Type: Complete package
License Qty: 1 user
License Pricing: Standard
Language(s): English
Platform: Windows
Distribution Media: CD-ROM ( mini-box )
Package Type: Retail
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Anti Virus 2008
December 17, 2009 · Posted in Antivirus · 2 Comments
- Sold Individually
Product Description
Item #: 35810H. If you’re unprotected, viruses can invade through email, downloads, instant messages, and even web pages. From there, they can erase your files, damage your hard drive, and destroy the information you value most: photos, music, documents, and more. CA Anti-Virus provides comprehensive protection against viruses, worms and Trojan horse programs.
Product Description
CA Anti-Virus 2008 – complete package
Category: Security applications
Subcategory: Security – desktop antivirus
License Type: Complete package
License Qty: 3 PCs
License Pricing: Standard
Platform: Windows
Distribution Media: CD-ROM ( large box )
Package Type: Retail
OS Required: Microsoft Windows XP SP1 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista
Service & Support: Virus definitions update
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