Re: Spyware, Comcast Security Manager

From: Quaoar (quaoar_at_tenthplanet.net)
Date: 09/27/04 

Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 08:46:12 -0600

Edw. Peach wrote:
> Some weeks ago I posted a message about spyware on my computer. I
> cannot find that thread, so I will start again.
>
> I have not been having any noticeable problems other than the one I
> originally stated in my post, which is as follows:
>
> I use Mozilla Firefox as my default browser, and have IE installed,
> but only use it for Windows updates. I have my firewall option for IE
> set to ask for permission to connect to the Internet.
>
> When I hit an internet link from email (Eudora), two windows (Firefox)
> open for that link. I also get a window open for About:Blank in
> Internet Explorer. My browser (Firefox) takes an unusually long
> amount of time to open the first time I access the Internet, like 10
> seconds. I do not have this problem using my other email accounts in
> Yahoo or Gmail.
>
> Today I went to check my mail and I had problems connecting to the
> server. I tried again in a few minutes and then got on, but noticed
> that my computer was hooking up with "gotomypc.com." I don't use any
> remote connect software, and in fact NEVER access my email except on
> my own computer. I thought this was odd and contacted Comcast. They
> said they recognized that site and that I definitely have spyware on
> my computer. They sent me to a link that suggested I download their
> Security Manager. I don't know anything about this program, but it
> requires that I disable my current firewall. I'm the sort of person
> who likes to do a little research before I jump into something, and
> because Comcast urges me to do so, isn't good enough.
>
> I reran both Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D and neither program found any
> problems. I also changed my passwords for the email program.
>
> Someone responding to my original message suggested I try HijackThis!
> I poked around on the page, read some posts, and didn't feel
> comfortable with what was happening there. It appeared almost like a
> military procedure of doing this and this, and do not ask any
> questions. I don't know the people connected to this program, and
> have had no feedback from anybody about it, other than the people who
> use the program.
>
> Any other suggestions for finding the frigging spyware on my computer?
> Also, does anybody know about the Comcast Security Manager?
>
> Thanks for your help.

Google: comcast security manager. This is an general "net nanny" type
application that *you* installed to your system. Remove from add/remove
programs.

Gotymypc is a commercial remote-access manager that allows access to
your pc from a remote computer. If you did not install this, and it did
not come with the pc for remote service, then remove it from add/remove
programs.

Google: about:blank. You will find several removal tools. Boot to safe
mode and do a complete virus scan (see below if you have no anti-virus);
use safe mode since it disables any running virus/trojan/malware
executables that can then be removed.

You need to have a good anti-virus running (with current virus
definitions) and a personal firewall. A free anti-virus is AVG. Free
personal firewalls are Kerio, Zone Alarm, Sygate, etc. Get both Spybot
and Ad-Aware, Google for both. Install all of these on each computer
connected to the internet.

Lastly, if you don't use Google, http://www.google.com.

Q

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