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Staying Malware Free on the Internet

This is the guide I’ll be using for the rest for ’09 for heavy internet users that need to stay malware free while on the internet.  All software list below is what I’m currently using.  This could change in the future.

For Windows XP 32 bit and Vista 32 bit users here’s a list of things you should be doing if your PC is connected to the internet:

1.  Make sure you have a good signature based virus scanner. The one I like to use right now is

  • Kaspersky Internet Security (09 or 2010 ver) – easy to use interface, signatures download multiple times a day, automatically setup to deal with malicious files, built-in HIPS, firewall and lot’s of other stuff you can read about here.  I mainly use KIS for clients that have children and thus demand more protection.
  • You could sub out KIS for Norton Internet Security since I’m loving both these days.

2.  Browse the Internet with Sandboxie! Make sure you configure the default sandbox to automatically delete contents when you close your browser.  If you use Sandboxie every time you access the internet your chances of getting infected are slim to none.  The only thing you need to worry about at this point are USB drives (thumb drives) and P2P clients (if you use one).

3.  Make sure you have a router. All routers have a built-in hardware firewall with NAT.  This protects you from port scans on the internet (which check to see if your PC is a weak target suitable for malware installs).

4.  Install ALL of your Windows Updates! This is SOOOOOO important.  Open Internet Explorer, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and check your PC for any missing patches.  Windows updates are typically released every Tuesday.

For Vista 64 bit users you can follow the list above but ignore Sandboxie since it does not work with the 64 bit OS.   ZoneAlarm ForceField would be the only application that I know of that Sandboxes your browser (either IE or Firefox) on a 64 bit OS (and yes, it works with your currently installed AV).

If you have something else that you do to stay safe on the internet be please leave a comment!



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USB Malware: INF/autorun prevention and removal

INF/autorun is USB malware (aka – a USB virus) that is automatically installed to your PC via an autorun.inf file. Since USB drives are so popular these days most of the new malware released also copies itself to the USB flash drive and waits to travel to a new PC.

The USB malware threat is somewhat overblown.  Most antivirus programs can easily detect and clean USB flash drive viruses as long as the anti-virus software is up to date, however as we all know, not everyone runs anti-virus or keeps it up to date.

For more prevention, consider running a Host Intrusion Detection program along with your anti-virus (like Threatfire). HIT programs can easily prevent USB viruses from auto-installing and HIT doesn’t need to be updated as much as anti-virus software.

I personally have come into contact with a USB virus (from my wife :P ) and it was easily killed via Kaspersky.

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