Clean up spyware with the Windows Security Clinic

Clean up spyware with the Windows Security Clinic

 No one is safe from spyware -- particularly not naïve users who are quick to click pop-up boxes and installation prompts, entertain spam offers or surf malicious Web sites.

The best preventative measure is probably end-user education, but for many, it's already too late and spyware issues are running rampant on Windows workstations. To help you identify, troubleshoot different types and clean up spyware infections, check out the following scenarios. We'll present several end-user complaints followed by diagnoses and possible courses of action to take from three Windows security experts. You'll find that each expert has a unique solution to each problem -- so be sure to consider them all when troubleshooting your own spyware issues. Good luck!

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register, you’ll also receive targeted alerts from my team of editorial writers and independent industry experts with the latest news, tips, and advice to help you do your job more efficiently and effectively. Our goal is to keep you informed on the hottest topics and biggest challenges faced by IT professionals today working with desktop management and security technologies.

    Margie Semilof, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

Windows Security Clinics

The users' problems

I support over 300 users who have both home and work computers running either Windows XP or Windows 2000. Several users have reported the following problems:

  • When the browser is closed (not even connected to the Internet sometimes) pop-up ads appear.
  • When opening Internet Explorer, a site like HotOffers.com appears instead of our intranet home page.
  • A search toolbar called Viewpoint appeared on the browser, and it keeps running searches on whatever we type into our address fields.

I have up-to-date antivirus software and found no viruses. My Spybot - Search & Destroy scans find unfamiliar files that I'll remove, but it does nothing to solve these problems. What are they? How can I get rid of them? HELP!

The experts' remedies

Stage one: Diagnosis
Given the information in the scenario, are these users' computers infected with spyware? Click here to find out.

Stage two: Immediate actions
What steps should you take immediately after a workstation has been infected with spyware? Click here to find out.

Stage three: Recovery
What should you do to start getting Windows on the road to recovery and normal operation? Click here to find out.

Stage four: Preventative measures
How can you avoid being infected in the future? Click here to find out.

 

About the experts

Lawrence Abrams: CTO of a New York City-based ISP, and owner/creator of BleepingComputer.com, a Web site devoted to teaching basic computer concepts focusing on the removal of malware.

Kevin Beaver: CISSP, Principle Logic, LLC, author of Hacking For Dummies, co-author of Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies and SearchWindowsSecurity.com's Windows Security Threats expert.

Tony Bradley: CISSP-ISSAP, MCSE2k, MCSA, A+, editor of the About.com Guide for Internet/Network Security and creator of the Essential Computer Security Web site.

 

 

Do you have an idea for a Windows Security Clinic?  and we'll address it in our upcoming editions.

 


This was first published in June 2005

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.

    Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

    Back to top