Re: What is the best affordable protection?

From: E. (bellyup_at_thebar.now)
Date: 05/21/04 

Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 11:05:53 GMT

Melanie C. wrote:

> Can someone please help.
>
> I have a cable modem, I had to reinstall windows and I did not install
> any virus software before I went to do a Google search, ugggghhh!!!
>
> I guess I have a Hijacker or something. I ran Norton virus scan but
> they remain there. I also now have Mcafee's firewall...
>
> Does anyone know of a combonation package or program that will keep
> everything safe, take all this crap and bots away, maybe a pop up
> blocker, spam blocker and something to make Only the programs that
> SHOULD be running, run?? Hmmm, maybe I am asking for to much.
>
>
> Thanks....
>
> melanie gaglio

Use a layered approach.

1. Use a *decent* software firewall such as outpost or kerio. I
personally prefer Outpost for it's ad-blocking, activeX and pop-up
blocking abilities.
2. Use a decent browser, such as Mozilla. You can use Internet Exploder
for controlling the web interface of your linux-based firewall (IPCop,
Smoothwall, coyote etc) or NAT/SPI based router.
3. Run windows update. Many browser hijackers install via unpatched
exploits.
4. Keep antivirus up to date.
5. Don't install shitware such as webshots or kazaa. People who release
'free' programs do it to make money off your stupid uneducated ass.
Simple test is to google on <program name> +spyware.
6. You don't need activeX or Java. Kill it.
7. Run a program such as spybot s+d, spywareblaster or spysweeper.
8. Think.

Or a true security approach.
1. Air Gap.

For what you say about a hijacker, I'd recommend you have a poke with
Spybot www.safer-networking.org HijackThis and cwshredder www.merjin.org
and spysweeper www.webroot.com

Cheers,
E.