Computersight -

Part 1: WMA Bombs

Have you ever used a p2p file sharing program like Kazaa or Limewire to download music? If so, always remember to never download a .wma file (unless you have the proper tools, explained in “Stopping The Threats”). These files usually use a DRM server to verify your computer (licenses are the most common verifying tools, usually .txt), but there are ways to link to an Executable file (.exe), which is usually a virus. Most of the time the malware is just a bit of adware, but even if it’s a 1/1000000 chance, do not download as they can direct to a downloader Trojan that can use up all of your bandwidth, disabling internet access. So remember, do not download .wma files, unless you’re properly equipped.

Part 2:
Trojans

You may not know what these really are, so here’s a very basic explanation. Trojans are usually 2 part programs, the client-side and the server-side programs. The client side program is usually a “too good to be true” offer that, when downloaded and run, will get signals from the server side half of the Trojan, which will launch malicious code towards the computer. These can vary but most of them are Trojans that record private information such as bank accounts and credit card numbers.

Part 3:
Reverse Connection Trojans

You’re probably dumbfounded by now. Reverse Connection Trojans are Trojans that send signals the the server-side Trojan, which will then send the malicious codes. These are used when behind a firewall, but are basically useless now since many well-known firewalls have sorted things out. Always scan all executable files you download, as always.

Part 4:
Word Document Macro Viruses

These are, by far, the most simple viruses ever created, and thus the easiest to remove. They usually open up files that they were created to infect, and are mostly thought to be “read me” files. The worst it can do, however, is run up physical memory, which is easy to evade by closing the document the second you see something fishy. These usually show up to all anti malware programs, and are easily dealt with.

Part 5:
Batch Worms/Trojans

By far the sloppiest form of viruses, easiest to detect, however they don’t usually show up to anti viruses (except the ones that can damage your computer the most, but that’s because it sends suspicious code). The way to find out whether or not it’s dangerous is by opening in notepad, reading the code, and determining whether it’s ok or not. If you see “format c:” or “del c:” then you know you don’t want it.

Stopping The Threats

The best way to stop theses threats is to never go online. However, seeing as this is likely not an option, the alternative would be to download antivirus, atispyware, anti adware, and Firewall programs. My set-up includes: AVG Antivirus, AVG Antispyware, Avast! Antivirus (with On-Access Scanner), Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal, Zone Alarm firewall, AVG Anti Rootkit, and Windows Defender.

Also, Antivirus Scanners usually need memory to scan, so if you have more room, you’ll be able to scan even more. If you need more room, download CCleaner and use it weekly, it will delete all temporary Windows files, remove any Registry and File issues, and make your computer faster over all.

Also, remove some files on start-up, this can severely slow down your computer, PM or reply with a picture or list of your start-up files and I’ll tell you which you should move. To prevent threats, you’ll need to know what kind of websites you’re going on, right? If you download McAfee Site advisor, you’ll know exactly what kind of sites you’re going on.

Using this tool will get you going on the right track and will also give you more detail on what’s wrong, if anything, with the site. Get Firefox! This is the most secure web browser, more secure than that lousy Internet Explorer, which almost ran a Batch file that could’ve reformatted my drive. Firefox comes equipped with its own built-in security system that’ll stop nearly all unwanted attacks through a browser.