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Today, we will be discussing Computer Viruses, Spyware, Shareware and Malware
Doctor’s RX – Vaccinate your computer against Viruses, Spyware, and other Electronic Illness Recently, we have seen a proliferation of complaints from customers on the satellite network saying that the feed is slow and/or they cannot connect to specific internet sites. We are finding that a large part of the cause of this problem is the prevalence of computer viruses and shareware on computers across the network. Not a day goes by that we are not informed of a site that is transmitting spam e-mail, or find sites that have well over 200 open TCP/IP sessions on their satellite modem.
Obviously, this creates problems for everyone on the network – those with viruses, where the local LAN gets overrun with useless data transmissions; and those without viruses who have access to less available satellite bandwidth. IsoTropic Networks does block a small set (19) of TCP ports. These are ports that are most commonly used for the transmission of Trojan Horse viruses. But many can still get through.
Others have peer-to-peer sharing software such as Limewire, Kazaa, etc. loaded on computers. IsoTropic Networks does not allow the transmission of shareware across our network, and if this is identified, we will immediately shut down the offending remote site.
We are asking for everyone’s assistance in loading and monitoring anti-virus and anti-spyware software on ALL computers connected to the satellite network. Some basic suggestions:
First, some definitions –
Computer virus – A software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer.
Spyware – Software that secretly gathers information about a person or organization, then sends this information to unauthorized parties over the Internet.
Definitions – Continued
Malware – Malicious computer software that interferes with normal computer functions or sends personal data about the user to unauthorized parties over the Internet.
Shareware – Illegal download of software for free, which often leads to the occupation of spyware, malware, or a virus on ones computer. Can also open your computer to others which results in the unauthorized download of software, music, data files, etc. (Limewire, Kazaa, Morpheus, Care Bear and many, many others) Also known as peer-to-peer software.
Rootkits – Rootkits are used to hide the presence of a malicious object like trojans or keyloggers on your computer. If a threat uses rootkit technology to hide itself it is very hard to find the malware on your PC.
Next, the diagnosis -
Symptoms of a computer with some or all of the above software Slow up and download speeds Very high number of open TCP/IP sessions A flashing Hard Drive light, even when not utilizing the computer Your browser opens to the wrong web site, and/or you cannot open certain web sites. (Browser Hijack)
And, lastly, the cure –
Check your computer regularly (even daily) for all types of hidden programs. Look at programs loaded on your computer from the control panel ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS. Remove any programs that you do not use or recognize! ALWAYS keep you Microsoft Windows Updates up to date! There are regular updates to close the exploits that these software packages utilize. NEVER open an e-mail from a source you do not recognize. And NEVER open an attachment with an extension of .scr, .exe, .com, .bat. These extensions allow software to auto-load on your computer. CHECK YOUR LINUX COMPTUERS – Yes, Linux can be susceptible also. Hackers are continually looking for new exploits to gain access to Linux systems. Once an exploit is found, they simply load their own software on the computer and have it operate from there – returning sensitive information to them on a regular basis, and eating up your internet bandwidth in the process. This can be extremely hard to track down in Linux, as some exploits go so far as to replace the operating kernel with code that will always allow the hacker back into the computer. The only cure? Reload Linux from scratch! Load Anti-Virus software – AND KEEP THE DEFINITION FILES CURRENT. Run a virus check 3-4 times per week. Load Anti-Spyware software – AND KEEP THE DEFINITION FILES CURRENT. Run a virus check 3-4 times per week.
Software Suggestions
Links to suggested Freeware programs – IsoTropic Networks does not support any of these packages – use them at your own risk. Symantec on-line virus check for Windows 2000 OS and after. (will NOT remove viruses. This will only identify them on your computer) http://security.symantec.com
Norton Anti-Virus (multiple 15 day trials) http://shop.symantecstore.com/store/symnahho/en_US/ContentTheme/ThemeID.106300/pbPage.Trialware_en_US
Spybot – Anti Spyware http://public.planetmirror.com/pub/spybot/spybotsd14.exe Ad-aware – Anti Spyware http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware%26subj=dl%26tag=top5
AVG Software – Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Anti Rootkit http://free.grisoft.com
You can also check at http://www.cnet.com for many software packages (free, demo and purchase)
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