Beware of Malware!

I haven't been able to blog in about a week.  It's not that I didn't want to, it is because I couldn't.  Why?  Malware! 

Apparently, our youngest child accessed the internet on the laptop, without my permission.  He simply wanted to play some cheesey little 80's style video game that was flashing on our home page.  In order to play, he had to allow it access - thus allowing it to bypass our McAfee security software.  However, unbeknownst to him, he was about to open our computer up to a malware attack!

To make a looooonnnnggg story short, (who am I kidding, I never make a story short), apparently, this malware masked itself as Windows Security Updates - complete with little icons embedded in the task bar and balloons popping up to indicate updates and security risks.  It was a poser!  So, thinking he was doing the right thing, he clicked on it.  And oh, the fun that ensued after that!

Now, get this, our McAfee security didn't even catch it.  Why?  Because some of the files mimiced McAfee security files so the virus scan didn't even find them - even after I upgraded McAfee!  Some of the files also mimiced Windows Security files.  In fact, this malware actually prevented me from upgrading McAfee or downloading any anti-malware software.  However, I was finally able to download the McAfee upgrades.  After about a week, and my spending one whole day,  9 1/2 hours straight of searching for the malware on the laptop, I finally discovered these devious files...77 in all embedded so deeply in so many different folders and locations.

The bad part about this is that is kept installing fake p**n site icons on my desktop that were very graphic along with fake trojan and spam icons.  It also indicated that my laptop was under attack from the outside via the internet and that my identity was being stolen.  The funny thing is, these messages popped up even though I had totally disconnected from our wireless network! It would then prompt me to purchase this fake security software.  It was even so bad that would take control of the laptop after so many minutes, shut it down, and power it back on in an attempt to reconnect to the network.  Thankfully, I was able to quickly respond at each bootup and immediately disconnect from the network before the malware could connect and cause more harm.  But after much diligence, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, all traces of the malware has been eradicated from the laptop.

So, beware of malware!  Make sure you keep your security software up to date.  Keep your guard up - have your firewall turned on and ensure all security settings are set up and running at all times.  And, for heaven's sake, when prompted to update windows, don't assume that it is the real deal.  To be safest, get your software product updates straight from the horses mouth...go to the company's website!  Have your security software scan for viruses, especially after having updated or downloaded anything new. 

In His Love, Cathy