AtNetPlus

Over the past few days, we have received an unusual number of calls from clients who are experiencing problems with their computers. Unfortunately, another round of "rogue anti-spyware" is spreading through email and the Internet. The version we are currently seeing is 'Antivirus 2009'. Once you are infected, this program replicates on your computer and contaminates more and more processes, until eventually your system becomes unusable.

Although Antivirus 2009 is always very difficult to remove, the longer it resides on your computer the more likely it is that the only way to stop it is to wipe the hard drive, and reinstall the operating system (OS). If that happens, you may incur not only significant downtime but also the loss of critical data.

How Are The Computers Becoming Infected?

You are lured into installing the malware when a pop-up message indicates that the problem you are experiencing is because of a virus and you are offered an antivirus program to scan your system to remove the viruses. Unfortunately, this fake antivirus software infects your computer. A few of these pop-up attacks also ‘sell’ the antivirus software so that not only is your computer infected, but your credit card information is stolen too!

Within the last few days we have again begun to see emails with a subject line stating something like: “Best Antivirus 2009.” The email appears to be an advertisement for a legitimate antivirus product, and the victim of this attack believes they are buying a new and better antivirus product but instead their computer is compromised.

Other computers have become infected when the malware is downloaded through opening an email attachment such as a .ZIP file or more commonly, by opening video on a social media websites similar to You Tube, myspace or facebook. After you ‘click’ on the video, a message comes up saying that you need to install a plug-in to view the video but if you choose to install it you are really infecting your computer with malicious malware.

Symptoms

If you notice any of these symptoms or anything different from the way your computer usually works, call us. It will only take a few minutes to determine if you are infected. And like all diseases, early detection is critical. Watch for the following symptoms:

— An increase in the number of pop-up windows including those for websites, pornography, and
games.
— Frequent system reboots
— Frequent Internet Explorer errors

Prevention

There are several things you can do to keep from infecting your computer. Always use safe browsing habits:

— Use work computers only for work related activities
— Visit only work related, trusted sites
— Do not install programs just because you were prompted to do so by your web browse
— Do not open any .ZIP files unless you were expecting such a file from a trusted source
— Use only legitimate sources for downloads. In other words, if you need something like a media
player download one directly from the website of a trusted source.
— Question the need to install plug-in software – especially to view video.
— If you’re not sure, don’t open or download it.

If you have questions or concerns, please call us. One of our IT Specialists will be happy to test your computer to make sure your system is secure.

AtNetPlus solves my problems quickly. It is a pleasure to do business with them.

Steven Shaffer
President
Lighting Max