Due to the large number of viruses currently in circulation we strongly recommend you take the below information seriously. If you are not running an antivirus product, get one. If you have one, keep it updated. If you think you are currently infected check out the Free Antivirus links below to clean your system. We also suggest you use a software firewall to block access to your computer from others on the internet. Follow this link to our security page for further information on firewalls and security products.
SECURITY ALERT SITES
Check these sites for current virus information
Trend Micro Virus Information Center
McAfee, Newly Discovered Viruses
THE BOTTOM LINE FOR ANYONE USING E-MAIL OR BROWSER
IS, IF YOU DON'T INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS PRODUCT
AND KEEP IT UPDATED, YOU WILL PROBABLY BE INFECTED SOONER
THAN LATER.
SOLUTIONS
1) Update your virus definitions and follow the instructions provided by your antivirus vendor for removal of any virus.
2) Use the Windows Update Icon off your Start Menu to keep your version of Windows updated. ( If you cant find the icon go to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com )
3) Use the latest version of your browser. To determine the version of your IE select Help / About Internet Explorer from the menu bar. If you are using a newer version of Windows these updates should happen automatically when you do #2 above. Other browsers have a similuar menue.
4) Patch your Microsoft Office products at this site.
If you do not have an Antivirus product installed go to Trend Micro or, Symantec or Pc Pitstop or Microsoft or Kaspersky Online Virus Scanner or F-Secure. These sites will check for and clean a virus from your system via the Internet.
2008, newest free on line site, F-Secure
As frustrating as real viruses are the hoax virus comes along ! Bored people who can't write a real virus invent scare E-mails warning about phony viruses. Before you forward a virus warning message to your friends and scare the dickens out of them check the Norton Virus Hoax page at http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html .
For a summary of present and past Norton Antivirus Program service and support news go to the Norton Service and Support Bulletin Page.
Very Important
Virus definition files are being updated on a more frequent basis. Norton
anti virus has a built in virus detection updater called "liveupdate". Normally you would run or schedule
this program feature to update your virus detection.
If you cannot get through to the liveupdate site click the link below to Norton's FTP site and download the update file for your software version.
http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/defs.download.html
1. Run the appropriate file.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Start Norton Anti Virus and scan your drive before you reboot your computer to activate the new virus definitions
and rebuild critical files.
4. Restart your computer so that Auto-Protect uses the new definitions.
Finally... If you un-instrall any Symantec product it doesn't! That is it leaves a bunch of junk around. Go to this site for help in removing the Norton leftovers.
SUPERAntiSpyware portable scanner Free to individual users. Copy to a flash drive or CD and run on an infected computer. If you think you've got a really bad infection, go to another computer, download the SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner, and put it on a flash drive. Then boot the suspect computer into Windows' Safe Mode. Next, plug in the flash drive and launch the scanner. The program is updated regularly, so to ensure you have the latest definitions, download the scanner just before you need to use it.
Grisoft AVG free for individual users. ( AVG Home Page )
AntiVir Personal Edition. Antivirus plus Trojan and Spyware protection.
Freebytes Guide to antivirus software.
Update. For Windows 98 users. Clamwin AV. The only free program I can find that still works on Windows 98.
Microsoft is offering a free security suite. As of 2010 it is getting
good reviews. Link to Microsoft
Security Essentials.
Malware "Whether you know it or not your computer is always at risk of becoming infected with viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, and malware that are constantly evolving and becoming harder to detect and remove. Only the most sophisticated anti-malware techniques can detect and remove these malicious programs from your computer." Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Most of the vendors below offer a FREE evaluation copy of their software to allow you to protect or clean your system immediately. These pages are also a good source of information on the latest viruses in "the wild" and how to remove them if you have been infected.
Norton Antivirus Research Center
Microsoft Security Essentials (New 2010)
Microsoft Security Center Website
Zif Davis Publications Security information and updates page
.vbs Script Viruses
If you do not use the automatic scripting feature in Windows, and most people don't, you can turn it off and prevent VBS viruses like NewLove.A, Loveletter, AnnaKournikova and Melissa. Follow this link to F-Secure's instruction page. When all else fails watch what you open in any e-mail attachment especially files that end in .vbs and .exe.
Note: The newer versions of Norton Antivirus have automatic script blocking. If you are using the latest Norton AV you do not need to turn off the Windows Scripting Services.
This information page is provided
as a service by CWC
to assist our clients in understanding and maintaining anti virus products. If you have additional questions or
need assistance in setting up anti virus products at your site please contact us directly at our Contacts Page.
With the advance of full
time cable, ISDN and DSL Internet connections, full time anti
virus protection and a firewall is highly encouraged!
Make sure you update your anti virus files from the manufacturers links on this page.
Also, click the graphic below for our Security Help Page
Information and links on this page were obtained from the respective vendors. Craig Williams Consulting makes no warranty on the information, files, or their ability to protect you from virus or hacks, or make you rich! When in doubt go to the vendors site directly and check their guarantee.