Vista Total Security 2011 Virus???

My other computer was recently infected with this virus. Prior to this, there were absolutely no signs that the computer had any problems. It came out of the blue. Now I can't open any browsers. Every time I try to, a pop up windows comes up saying the computer has been infected and my personal info my be at risk. Here are my questions:



1) Should I be worried about my personal info, ie. credit card numbers, things on my drive?



2) How does one obtain this virus?



3) Is it likely that it was hidden on my computer for sometime and something triggered it? Or does it all happen at once?



4) How does one get rid of it? Are there any options?



5) How does one protect their computer from getting it in the first place?



6) What's the best FREE anti virus protection program? I ask this because I heard Avast was very good, and yet it didn't detect the virus. Even after my computer was fully infected, the results still said "zero files infected".

Reply 1 : Vista Total Security 2011 Virus???

Try Malwarebytes Anti-Malware



Malwarebytes.

Make sure you update it to the latest definitions. If you can't download it from your infected computer, try running in Safe Mode. If that still doesn't work, try uploading it from a USB stick or DVD.



The "Security Software" sounds like a common virus that has been going around for teh last couple years; changes names and faces etc... I've been infected twice myself.





1. Keep an eye on yoru credit cards and debit cards.



2. Most likely went to an infected website.



3. Maybe



4. Use Malwarebytes program mentioned above



5 + 6. I use Microsoft Security Essentials. It's FREE, provided by Microsoft, and scans your computer in real-time, thereby preventing these infections. [I was infected prior before using MSE].

Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection | Microsoft Security Essentials





Good luck and keep us posted

Reply 2 : Vista Total Security 2011 Virus???

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undecided84 My other computer was recently infected with this virus. Prior to this, there were absolutely no signs that the computer had any problems. It came out of the blue. Now I can't open any browsers. Every time I try to, a pop up windows comes up saying the computer has been infected and my personal info my be at risk. Here are my questions: 1) Should I be worried about my personal info, ie. credit card numbers, things on my drive? 2) How does one obtain this virus? 3) Is it likely that it was hidden on my computer for sometime and something triggered it? Or does it all happen at once? 4) How does one get rid of it? Are there any options? 5) How does one protect their computer from getting it in the first place? 6) What's the best FREE anti virus protection program? I ask this because I heard Avast was very good, and yet it didn't detect the virus. Even after my computer was fully infected, the results still said "zero files infected".

1) You keep your credit card info on your computer, shame on you. Yes I would be worried.



2) Not keeping your AV up to date, using a crappy AV, bad surfing habits, pr0n sites.



3) Hard to say when it was installed without using an AV program to get some detailed info of the virus.



4) Try Microsoft Security Essentials, or Avast AV and Malwarebytes.



5) See #2 response



6) Try M.S.E. and run mrt from the start search field. You can scan for malware and rootkits.

Reply 3 : Vista Total Security 2011 Virus???

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodster 1) You keep your credit card info on your computer, shame on you. Yes I would be worried.

Thanks for the quick replies. I can't be long so I'll give a proper reply later on.



I'd just like to address this for now. I don't keep my credit card info on my computer but I have made several transactions with my credit card. Should I be worried about that?

Reply 4 : Vista Total Security 2011 Virus???

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undecided84 Thanks for the quick replies. I can't be long so I'll give a proper reply later on. I'd just like to address this for now. I don't keep my credit card info on my computer but I have made several transactions with my credit card. Should I be worried about that?

No, unless you use a program that stores passwords and account info you shouldn't worry. I know of individuals who have stored bank accounts, SSN, and credit card info on their computer, ouch!