Malware in PC despite protection! What to do?

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Hi guys,

I've been using Avast to protect my computer since it's highly recommended by Warriors. I also have the free version of Malwarebytes and scanned my computer today. To my shock, Malwarebytes found Trojan.Fakealert and Rogue.Installer on my PC!

I have quarantined and deleted them, but should I do anything else? Could they be keyloggers, or should I change my passwords for certain accounts to make sure everything's safe?

Are there any other anti-malware I can use to effectively scan my PC?

Has anyone scanned using Malwarebytes, and had the same problem? I was thinking it might also be a false positive.

Thanks a lot,
Mike
#main internet marketing discussion forum #protection #spyware #viruses
  • It's unstoppable Michael (spyware/malware/adware infection). The only way to ensure is to be extra vigilant when browsing and using software. I tend to scan all downloads via Virus Total VirusTotal - Free Online Virus and Malware Scan) before using them.

    Oh and Malware Byte's Anti-Malware is probably one of the best out there so you used the right tool and got the right result.
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  • Hello Michael.

    I use Avast also and it works good for me.

    HouseCall is Trend Micro's scannning service ,,, use the free scan option only

    Here is the link ... HouseCall - Free Virus Scan

    I do this one per month and it works

    Spyware Doctor is available in Google Pak for free, I use it once or twice per day.

    Hope that this helps you

    Happy New Year

    All the Best in 2020
  • Most anti virus programs only catch about 90% or down to a lot less, of the stuff coming at them, so there is always a chance that with just one you will have something on the computer. On the other hand, you are not supposed to run 2.

    I was using Avast and was really happy with it but it did so many pop ups and warnings toward the end of my one year license key that I uninstalled it and put in MS security essentials. Would you believe it is a MS product that is getting good reviews and works well?

    It sounds like not a lot of harm was done if you didn't notice a change in performance of your computer. You probably caught it in time, but of course it could be a good time to change a few passwords.

    I do have Windows Defender also doing scans of the computer so think that helps, like a second opinion from a doctor about a virus?

    best wishes,
    ../lloyd

  • There's a program that'll get rid of this infection in one sweep! Continue using Avast, but ensure it is always kept up to date.

    The program is called combofix.exe, and I've used it a number of times to get rid of some very bad infections on my computer.

    http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe

    Hope this helps!
  • Another vote for avast. Before I found this software I swear the Mcaffee software I was using gave me a virus. Malwarebytes cound't even clean it up. After a brief round with Avast the trojan was gone. One knockout and still champion AVAST.
  • Malware Bytes saved the day for me a few months back. One of my notebooks (the one I used to demo stuff for clients) got hit with some nasty malware, despite having Avast on it. The malware was "aware" of Malware Bytes and wouldn't let me install it, but is was easily tricked by simply renaming the EXE file to "m.exe". It took a few hours to do a full scan but it completely repaired it.

    I have nothing but nice things to say about Malware Bytes.

    Malwarebytes.org

    And I have noting but nasty things to say about the demented creeps who write this stuff!

    Hope you get rid of the malware, best of luck.

    Bill
  • You might want to buy the full version of Malware Bytes' Anti-Malware. It has real-time scanning and not just on-demand scanning of malware.
  • Try running Housecall a few times to check.
  • you can also use super antispyware, it is free to use for several days. If all else fail, reformat your PC!
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    • Hello Michael Lee,

      The really critical part, regardless of the AntiVirus/AntiMalware you select, is that you MUST do the post infection scanning from Safe Mode! If you do not do this, the infection will work to 'stealth' it's self in normal operation.

      First thing you need is a current backup. Feces can hit the orbital fan device... so buck up and get a backup done!

      Prior to the attempt vanquish the intruder, and before you attempt to enter Safe Mode, you really should go ahead and assure that you have the latest software version and update signature for the AntiVirus/AntiMalware package you are working with... Once all the updates are completed, then go ahead and go for the Safe Mode...

      While your system is in Boot Mode, press the <F8> key at the top of your keyboard. If you don't get it the first time, reboot and try earlier in the sequence... If you see the Windows logo, you have probably missed it. Resist the temptation to just power off the system. Complete the boot sequence and then restart and try to catch the <F8> key earlier in the boot sequence.

      Once you are into safe mode (select the Safe Mode with out networking) run the updated application of your choice. Sorry, but only one program should be run at a time... Unless you have a sound backup and don't mind rebuilding your system. It happens, not frequently, but it happens... and you want to survive it all.

      With the system in Safe Mode your software should be able to correctly detect and remove any offenders. My personal favorite is MalWareBytes. I have referred it to many many of my associates and receive excellent feedback regarding this product.

      So, let us know how it goes!

      Happy New Year!!!
  • Hi Mike..

    Having those things is a pain in the ...
    However, since it was detected
    and you quarantined it already then you can relax a
    bit.

    It would also help if you search for some information
    about the two files online. Most anti-virus will have
    some information about the files in their database.

    This way you'll know what they do, if they key log or
    what.

    I too am scared of key loggers and am planning to
    set-up a seperate PC or laptop which will only be
    used for buying transactions and checking paypal.

    the separate machine will not have anything on
    it except the basic tools and security softwares and
    as I said, would only be used for monetary transactions.

    This doesn't have to be brand new and top of the line..
    There are cheap second hand PC's you can easily buy
    and set-up.

    I think that would be safe enough..

    All the best,

    Omar
  • avast+malware bytes+Iobit 360+ advanced system care is a great free arsenal.

    Or just make the switch to MAC and save alot of wasted time. I only use my 2 PC's for my kids to play with. Just waiting for them to finally die so I can replace those 2 also.
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    • I've had similar problems with nasty trojans or spyware that would not be removed from my computer. Two years ago I found a product by Max PC Secure, called Max Spyware Detector.

      I think you can try it for a free trial. After that its about $30 per year, if you decide to buy it.

      I also use the Max Registry Cleaner (from them too) to completely clean and remove all traces of invalid files. The combination has kept my PC running good.

      If you've got a real nasty virus that won't go away even after quaranteen you can export it to their tech team where they will create a new patch to remove it.

      I've been impressed. Although, it makes me a bit mad that they don't offer any kind of discount for referrals-- I just got 2 people in my family to buy it after my suggestion. But, they are still happy. Let's just say I'm not going to waste too much time promoting their product, hence the non linked text. Its great software, but they should really give a discount to me or referrals, but they don't sorry.

      Hope that helps.
  • Here are some free tools you should get:

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
    SUPER Antispyware
    PC Tools Firewall Plus
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  • I would probably just back up all of my important info and simply format the harddrive. If you don't have an external drive, then just split the drive in 2 partitions and save the important files on the second partition, while formatting the first one. This will make your computer work SUPER fast and will get rid of all trojans and such.
  • Micheal,

    I suggest you to scan with Adaware 2009 & Spybot search and destroy software(Both are free). These two are good softwares for protection against malware.

    Also do sign up at security forums and post your Hijackthis logs so that members in those forums can help you with the infection or issue. I use suggestafix.com forum to solve my security related issues.
  • I would also suggest you to use a decent firewall such as Comodo which blocks all the unknown processes.
  • What protection do you have? I use Spybot Search and Destroy (highly recommend, it's free also) and AVG anti virus+Firewall (it has trial and free versions). I don't encounter any problems. It's not enough to have an anti virus and firewall.
  • Well heres my setup (On my home computers, not my work computers)

    -Kaspersky
    -Zone Alarm
    -Windows Firewall
    -AVG
    -Ad Aware


    I havent been hit with a virus in a year or so now. Kaspersky is really the big winner out of them all though. But it lets some stuff slip through. The difficult part is getting other firewalls and AV's to work alongside kaspersky.
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