Malware (mal´wãr) (n.) Malicious
software.
Umbrella term for undesirable software including - but not limited to -
viruses, trojans, worms, pests, parasites, adware, spyware, browser hijackers,
drive-by downloads, key/password loggers, unwanted browser-helper objects
(BHO), and other unsolicited commercial software.
People occasionally ask me how to remove malware from their computers.
My approach is usually multi-tiered. I typically start at the top of the list below
and work my way down until the symptoms/problems disappear.
- Protect valuable information before you get infected.
You're not paranoid if they're really out to get you.
Consider this a wake-up call.
Malware exists and would love the opportunity to destroy your family photos,
corrupt years of archived documents, and share your credit card numbers
with the Internet community. First: Any important documents should be backed up to
removable media so they can not be hacked, cracked, or otherwise attacked by a
malware infection. Second: Install and update anti-virus /
anti-spyware / anti-malware software on your computer
to help prevent problems. But no product is perfect...
- After your computer is infected you'll need one or more tools
to exorcise the demon(s). I like portable tools that do not require installation.
You can find some listed under Resources lower down this page.
"Portable" means you can bring a ready-to-run, no-installation-required executable
program with you on a CD-R without worrying about the virus compromising an
installation or infecting your removable media.
Rewritable media (e.g., USB drive, CD-RW, DVD-RAM) can be infected and spread the
virus to other computers.
Portable tools do not offer permanent protection from later infections and
are no substitute for a real-time, always-on anti-malware system.
But they can help you eradicate the infection(s) at hand.
This may be an appropriate time to mention that some malware actively attacks
anti-malware tools. You may need to boot your computer into Windows
"Safe Mode"
before these tools can do their job.
- If at first you don't succeed... try, try again.
If one tool doesn't eliminate the problems then I use other tools.
There are several good tools available but no wrench fits all nuts.
In the case of particularly troublesome infections I may alternate running two or
more tools multiple times until each reports a clean system.
You should not run two scanning tools at the same time.
This means you should temporarily disbale permanent, real-time protection software
before running portable tools.
- Search the Internet for any names, terms, or error messages associated
with the problems and see if you can find a solution.
This is another good reason for running multiple tools.
Different companies often refer to the same virus by different names.
Running multiple tools may give you multiple search terms in desperate hours.
Don't forget to search the newsgroups as well as the web.
- "Phone a friend" is a valuable lifeline for more than television game shows.
You probably have at least one friend with competent computer skills you can call in the
middle of the night when your solitaire crashes. If not, make one. Geeks need love too.
Of course, you should also phone them when life is good so they don't get in the habit
of screening your calls.
- Post the problem to an appropriate newsgroup or forum and see
if others can offer helpful suggestions. Be a good netizen and read that site's FAQ
or guidelines before posting to make sure you follow their protocols. Many newsgroup admins
and contributors like to see a HijackThis log from your computer so they have enough
info to make a decent suggestion.
It's their turf. Respect it if you want a helpful response.
- If all else fails, you might look for rosary beads or a
sledgehammer. Mind you, I've never witnessed divine resurrection of a dead computer.
Neither have I had the pleasure of pressing the power button with a 20-pound sledge.
But either would be cool, huh?
I recommend trying these tools first:
| Companies |
Resources |
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Microsoft
|
Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
Free
One of the best portable malware removal tools available.
Can perform "Quick" scans, "Full" system scans, or "Custom" scans of a specific folder.
In my experience, this tool sometimes finds more than others and runs more quickly.
It's hard to argue with success.
|
|
McAfee
|
Stinger
Free
Another excellant portable malware removal tool
that allows "custom" scans of specific folders
|
|
Dr.Web
|
CureIt
Free / $
Download & run free portable malware removal tool
NPS CureIt Info
|
|
Malwarebytes
|
Anti-Malware
Free / $
Another excellant portable malware removal tool
|
|
Spybot
|
Spybot Search & Destroy
Free / Donations
Download & install free spyware/adware removal tool
|
|
Lavasoft
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Ad-Aware
Free / $
Download & install free spyware/adware removal tool
|
If the suggestions and tools above didn't help and you've made it this far down the page,
then you are probably in a mess.
You may want to try the links below or Google for the error messages or symptoms you see.
NPS staff may want to speak with their
Site Contact Person, submit a
Technology Work Request (TWR),
or save your files and reload your
Unified DeskTop (UDT) system.
Click here to see more info on viruses and malware.
Disclaimer:
The malware information and anti-malware software available via
the links on this page are provided here to assist you in your search for
anti-malware resources. Not all of the information has been validated
and not all of the software has been tested by Norman Public Schools to
be safe for use on your, our, or any other computer.
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