Congratulations, your computer appears clean
Let's remove the tools we've been using.
Please follow these steps.
-- Step 1 --
Follow these steps to uninstall Combofix and tools used in the removal of malware
- Click START then RUN
- Now type Combofix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.
- Download OTC to your desktop and run it
- Click Yes to beginning the Cleanup process and remove these components, including this application.
- You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. Choose Yes.
Here are some measures you can take to ensure that your computer remains clean.
1. Updates
Windows Updates
It is essential that you regularly check and install the latest Windows Updates. Vulnerabilities within Windows can leave your computer open to infection. Regular updates are released to fix these security vulnerabilities. It is recommended that you set Windows to check, download and install your updates automatically.
- Click Start
- Select Control Panel
- Click on Automatic (recommended)
- Set the day and time for the update check. Set this to a time when your computer will normally be on and connected to the internet.
- Click Apply then OK.
As with Windows, Java also needs to be regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilites. You can download the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from here. Download, install and reboot your computer. You also need to uininstall older versions of Java.
- Click Start
- Select Control Panel
- Select Add or Remove Programs
- Remove all Java updates except the latest one you have just installed.
You should ensure you use the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader and install any security updates that are released. You can download the latest reader and updates from here.
Other Updates
Regularly check for updates for all your security programs including firewall, antivirus, antispyware etc
2. Security Programs
Here is a list of security programs that I would recommend.
Firewall
A firewall is essential to stop hackers infiltrating your computer. The following firewalls are free for personal use. Do not install more than one firewall.
Zone Alarm is an excellent free basic firewall which is very easy to use.
Online-Armor Free is a more advanced firewall which includes a Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS). This ensures that unrecognised programs will not run unless you give permission.
Antivirus
An antivirus program is essential. The following antivirus programs are free for personal use. Do not use more than one antivirus and always update virus definitions regularly.
AVG
Avira Free
Avast
Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware MBAM is an excellent anti-malware tool that should be updated and a Quick Scan performed regularly. A Full Scan does not have to be carried out on such a regular basis as the developers aim to detect the vast majority of malware with the Quick Scan. The scanner is free for on-demand scans only.
Ad-Aware, Spybot, SuperAntispyware and A-Squared Free are also very good anti-malware programs that are free for on-demand scans. Spybot has a real-time protection feature called TeaTimer.
Prevention
SpywareBlaster is an excellent free tool for preventing the installation of spyware.
SpywareGuard offers real-time protection so that spyware is detected and blocked before it can do any harm.
Cleaner
ATF Cleaner removes temporary Internet Explorer, Firefox and Windows files.
Browser
Firefox is an alternative browser to Internet Explorer and is more secure.
NoScript is an add-on for Firefox and prevents execution of malicious scripts.
MVPS is a HOSTS file to replace your existing file. This prevents you connecting to a list of well-known ad sites.