Browser Hijackers

[TerryH]

I was roaming around on the FFC forum on Friday, when my anti-virus/spyware detector sounded an alarm. It was some kind of Trojan, and the software (F-Secure) supposedly disinfected things. However, I noticed after that my browser (IE 7) had been hijacked -- i.e. when ever I did a search and clicked on any of the search results, I was redirected to a different site (i.e. not the URL shown in the search). So I installed Firefox and the same thing happened with searches there. The bug was pretty nasty, since it prevented updates to my antivirus software, wouldn't allow XP to do a system restore, and a few other things I won't get into. Not knowing what else it might be up to, I bit the bullet and spent the last two days reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling XP and all my programs -- a total P.I.T.A. Has anyone else had this problem?? Terry

 

PS I've added another layer of anti-spyware to my system.

[darrinhurst]

Can't say that I have, but thanks for the heads up.

 

Any recolection as to what the name of the file/virus was?

[headscan]

Antispyware won't really help much if it was a trojan and running more than one at a time can cause more problems in terms of stability. Sounds like a trojan that could've been installed through a bad banner ad or as a drive-by download from some website you visited. Make sure after your reinstall that you run Windows update and install all the security patches. Keep going back to the update site until it tells you there aren't any more patches available. Make sure to keep your antivirus up to date and also use a full security suite that includes a firewall, browser protection, anti-phishing, etc.

[loyaleddie]

Also a good Idea to stay away from questionable web sites....

 

 

[TerryH]

Antispyware won't really help much if it was a trojan and running more than one at a time can cause more problems in terms of stability. Sounds like a trojan that could've been installed through a bad banner ad or as a drive-by download from some website you visited. Make sure after your reinstall that you run Windows update and install all the security patches. Keep going back to the update site until it tells you there aren't any more patches available. Make sure to keep your antivirus up to date and also use a full security suite that includes a firewall, browser protection, anti-phishing, etc.

I don't want to seem to be laying any blame, but I was on this website, not some porn site (I do those late at night when no one is watching ) when I got the virus alarm. Unfortunately I didn't write down the name of the virus, but I do recall it was a Trojan. I've got Windows set to do auto updates, and they've been coming nonstop ever since I reinstalled XP. My anti-virus/spyware software does auto updates every day. Also, I've got a firewall in my router plus the XP firewall. It just goes to show that even with all that stuff, one can be vulnerable. I've now added Spywareblaster to my defences. Anyway, a warning to everyone, keep an eye on how your browser is behaving, in particular if you find you're being redirected when you click on search results. Such a change can look pretty insignificant, but when I saw all the other stuff that was happening, it was a little scary. Terry

 

[FlashGordon]

i use this for checks....it will tell you the details but doesn't remove it but all i do is go to the location and delete the file or files....

 

i run corporate symantic antivirus and it never needs any maint. it just runs in the back ground..updates itself ....i have adaware but as long as i delete browsing history nothing ever shows up...and i just use windows firewall

 

mac systems are less prone to online threats too FYI ...if not totally risk free

[Flytyer]

Never have this problem with a Mac.....can't use IE with it anyway.......I use Safari as a browser most of the time which is also available for windows

[admin]

Thanks for the warning Terry. It's not unheard of to get hit on a FF site.

 

We do have a ton of security built into the site and it's checked on a regular basis. If something did get through, the host would likely shut down the site so it can be fixed. If anyone deos run into anything, let us know and we'll be on it like Carlodabroads on poachers

[headscan]

mac systems are less prone to online threats too FYI ...if not totally risk free

Not totally risk free (nothing is). I'm a Mac user (MacBook Pro, iPhone, multiple iPods) but I wouldn't call it 100% safe. They're targeted less frequently than Windows computers though, which may have to do more with market share than anything else. Also saw this article today.

[bigbowtrout]

let us know and we'll be on it like Carlodabroads on poachers

 

Or like LE on Sheep

 

[FlashGordon]

Not totally risk free (nothing is).

 

ya true enough....

 

 

I'm a Mac user (MacBook Pro, iPhone, multiple iPods)

 

just wondering what your vacation plans are this year....do you own a dog?

 

haha

 

 

[headscan]

just wondering what your vacation plans are this year....do you own a dog?

 

haha

The reason it's all portable gear is that it all comes on vacation and business trips with me I'd probably be way more upset if someone stole my fishing gear, though.