Eugene Computer Geeks Blog

Have the FBI / Monkeypak virus?  You’re not alone. It’s been spreading like crazy and wreaking havoc among the nation.  Eugene Computer Geeks removes the FBI virus for only $30!

The FBI virus is a scam called scareware or a Ransom virus. It is downloaded accidentally, and then locks users out of their computer and claims they need to pay the FBI $200 to avoid prosecution by using the anonymous payment service Moneypak.  Don’t fall for the scam! Hire Eugene Computer Geeks to remove it for you.

Our virus specialist comes on-site at no additional cost (if within the Eugene / Springfield, Oregon city limits).  Scheduled drop-offs available upon request.

This is a guaranteed service, and we have lots of experience with removing this particular virus.  Our competitors charge as high as $200 to $300 to remove it.  We find this unjustified considering it only takes 5-15 minutes to properly remove.

FBI VIRUS REMOVAL SERVICE: -$30! Guaranteed removal. Takes about 5-15 minutes.  On-site removal  This service is for removal of the FBI Virus only.

FULL VIRUS REMOVAL AND PREVENTION SERVICE: -$60! 2 hour service. Removal of FBI / Moneypak virus and all other viruses, malware, spyware, and adware. Most PC’s infected with the FBI virus are infected with other Viruses or Malware as well.  We also install advertisement blocking software, and ensure you have adequate protection installed and setup correctly.  Our Geeks install a malware cleaning tool, tutor users how to stop viruses, and how to properly maintain their PC.

Remote Removal may be available upon request, even if you are not in Oregon.

Call (541) 357-7222 or email [email protected]

Many people do not know that they can actually get spyware on their mobile phones, but the issue is becoming more prevalent as mobile users increase their mobile Web traffic, download and share files and otherwise compromise the safety of their phones. It is possible to enjoy all of your favorite mobile features on your without subjecting your phone to spyware and other risky issues, but it is important to take a few precautions in order to protect yourself and your information.

Install Security Software

Just as you can use anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your computer, you can purchase and download protection for your mobile phone. Although security software is not completely foolproof, it can help keep your mobile phone free of threats. Several moderately priced mobile security software options are available in the Amazon, Android and Apple mobile app stores.

Turn Off Your Bluetooth

Bluetooth literally opens your phone up to communicate with other wireless devices. Malicious users are quite adept at locating and infiltrating mobile devices whose Bluetooth settings are active; it takes very little time to install a malware packet for a savvy techno-hacker. Unless you are in the process of exchanging information with a known user or chatting away on a hands-free device, your Bluetooth should be disconnected.

Avoid Suspicious Websites and Text Messages

If you find a site on the mobile Web that makes you a bit suspicious, you are better off avoiding it altogether. Text messages received from unfamiliar numbers should be discarded immediately. Often, these spam texts offer links or downloads to receive exclusive deals or products. Unless you opted to receive text ads from a company, be wary of these messages.

Be Careful When Downloading

Downloading ringtones, games and other applications can put your mobile phone at a high risk for spyware. Although many websites offer legitimate products, a mobile app from a scammer may be hard to detect, especially in the Amazon and Android marketplaces, Google Play, as these have an open policy for submitting downloadable material. Apple’s app store offerings are tested prior to being listed, so iOS users have a lesser chance of contracting a mobile virus than Android users if they stick to the marketplace. Read user reviews and be sure that you trust the source of a download before putting any software onto your mobile.

Look For the Signs

There are several easily identifiable signals that may indicate that your phone has been compromised by malware or spyware. Thoroughly examine the software contents of your mobile if any of the following behaviors manifest:

– The screen randomly lights up when no one has touched it.

– It connects to the Internet randomly throughout the day.

– It makes strange noises during mobile voice calls.

If you have noticed any of these signs, you should take your phone to your service provider. Someone from your mobile phone company can completely clean out your phone and restore it to its original settings, which will get rid of any spyware which you may have downloaded.

by Jaye Ryan, a freelance author who enjoys writing about mobile phone security and safety for MobilePhones.org.uk.

While the internet offers us entertainment, education and fun, it is also rife with dangers in the form of malware and virus. Prevention is better than cure so to start off with make sure your computer’s firewalls stay erected and virus software is regularly updated. Stay away from sites with compromised content and do not download applications or screensavers that do not come from trusted sites.

Security threats become especially serious when we consider the amount of money transactions taking place on the internet, via online shopping, bank affairs and money transfers. Apart from basic care, here is some additional and effective help. Here, in no particular order, is our pick for the top 5 Antivirus software available right now.

1. Avast!7 Free Antivirus

Consistently rated the best antivirus software, you couldn’t possibly not have heard of Avast! It gives you firewalls, shields and online protection from virus, all in a super simple user interface. You can run this program alongside other programs of similar nature ( use the ‘compatible’ option) but make sure you install this before the rest.

2. Microsoft Security Essentials

An essential for computers that run on Windows, this security software is free and runs on the idea of real-time assistance. That means the program runs as you work, eliminating any viruses and threats to your system. Besides this, Microsoft Security Essentials will also warn you of issues in the form of a pop-up on your screen. You can choose your course of action thereafter. This way you are aware of what site or online program is safe and what is not.

3. Avira Free Antivirus 2012

It seems like every word in the name of this software brings good news! This software is easy to install and run and is a upgrade on the basic system scan. You can rid your system of worms, viruses and trojans and use the AntiBot tool to fight off hackers. The only hitch perhaps is the lack of some essentials that every antivirus needs, but it is free so there is no harm in a trial, right?

4. Panda Antivirus Pro 2012

A program named after a peaceable and cuddly animal can’t be bad, can it? But despite its soft and fuzzy name, this is a program that means serious business. Not just the average user, but also businesses dealing in the nasty business of malware have rated this program very highly. Use the Panda firewall for the best protection for your computer and rest assured. This expert knows its job very well.

5. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2012

Another colossal presence in the world of antivirus software, Bitdefender is a winner across the board. It is especially useful in phishing and social media issues, trojans, spyware and viruses. No matter the origin of the threat- offline or via email or chat, this defender, defends. It is especially effective in scanning on traffic reaching you from online.

It’s heartening to know that tough viruses have tough opponents. Do exercise caution in all your system work and ensure that your device and therefore all your content is protected by the best antivirus software on offer.

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The time of malware/virus free Macs has permanently passed us. It seems that most Mac users believe that they are invulnerable to attack; the reasoning is that Macs have such a low market share that there is no reason to target and attack them. While true, it is also a rapidly growing market share that hasn’t gone unnoticed by hackers. The entire IOS is under attack, even iPhones and iPads are not safe either.

Apple has outpaced the growth of the PC industry for 23 straight quarters, making Apple products a very compelling target for hackers. The main vulnerability comes from Java programs, using drive-by-download methods infecting your Mac just by visiting websites, and the new web standard HTML 5. As HTML 5 comes to be malware will actually infect and run in your browser without you knowing, it will most likely be used to attack other computers to cover the hacker’s tracks and make you look like the culprit. This is a scary and sobering fact that should not be overlooked.

Many of the same infections affecting PC computers are moving to the Mac market. Scare-ware as previously mentioned on our site is becoming more prevalent affecting up to 600,000 computers this year, with 98% being Mac computers. One of the biggest threats to the Mac OS has been termed flashback; it poses as the Adobe flash installer program infecting your computer. If you don’t have it already download X project from the Apple App Store, in the newer versions of the Mac OS is a built-in malware scanner. Now is the time to take action, you need-you have to protect your Mac.

Although hackers have realized that Macs are great targets, Apple has begun stepping its game up and is beginning to beat the security drum. The new version and all future versions of Mac OS will have tightened security with a feature called gatekeeper. Gatekeeper is a new protection tool which you need, to help keep you safe, it requires all developers to register with Apple and have their applications verified and signed by Apple before their release to the general public. When installing software on your Mac make sure to use Apple signed software unless you specifically know where the software is coming from. iAntivirus is a great free app which you can find on the App Store developed by Norton a trusted security company, you can and should download it to seamlessly scan your system for any possible threats.

Recognizing Vundo and Preventing Attacks

Malware or malicious software is used mostly to disrupt computer operations, collect private information, and access private computer systems. Trojan horses, viruses, worms, spyware, and adware all fall under malware, and an infected pc is vulnerable to identity thefts and crashes.

One of the most dangerous malware today is the Vundo (specifically Win32/Vundo.QP as of August 7, 2012) which is also known as Virtumonde or Virtumondo. This malware, which has both adware and Trojan properties, can wreak havoc on your pc if infected.

Your PC can be infected by:

• Visiting an infected site
• Opening infected emails
• Downloading infected programs

Once infected, a pc can behave in the following ways.

• Displays pop-up ads even though pop-ups have been disabled. In addition, the pop-ups lead to sites promoting suspicious computer software such as fake anti-virus and anti-spyware.
• Search links are directed to rogue software sites.
• Windows updates are permanently disabled. If this happens, there is no way of changing the settings until your pc is reformatted.
• Screensaver and background are missing.
• Anti-virus is automatically disabled and is used to spread the virus throughout your pc system. It may also make your anti-virus flash prompts to enable its phishing filter feature by itself. Once you allow this feature to be turned on, more malware will be downloaded by your antivirus.
• The Display option (Control Panel) has no background and screensaver tabs.
• Some websites will be completely inaccessible and webpages will fail to reload.
• Downloading is impossible.
• Registry editor, msconfig, and task manager are disabled when you try to remove the virus or intervene with its operation.
• Explorer.exe crashes regularly.

Vundo affects your pc’s memory, so using an anti-virus to get rid of is virtually useless. Once you try to remove the virus from your pc, the screen will permanently turn blue and the desktop icons will not appear (blue death). Once this happens, your whole system is in deep trouble.

Since Vundo is very difficult to get rid of, prevention is your only solution. (Note: This is not true. You can now easily remove Vundo by booting to “Safe Mode With Networking” and download, install, and run malwarebytes to remove.) The following tips are ways which can help you prevent future attacks.

• Enable firewalls. However, don’t use 2 firewalls simultaneously because they could interrupt each others’ operations.
• Install updates for your OS. These updates will keep your computer sage from security threats.
• Be vigilant when surfing the web. It’s tempting to download free stuff, but if you are not sure whether the program is safe or not, then you should find out more about it. It won’t hurt to do a little research. In fact, checking out whether programs are safe or not can prevent future headaches the Vundo can cause.
• Avoid file sharing services at all costs (Unless you really know what you are doing). Imagine how easy it is for an attacker to inject the virus into the latest software application, movie, or music so that you, the unsuspecting victim, will download it because it’s free.
• Check your e-mail carefully. Don’t trust content that has any attachment or link, even if it was sent by people you know.
• Make sure that your anti-virus has an anti-malware component. In addition, it should always be turned on and regularly updated. Running the program regularly should also keep your system on the safe side.
• Switch to a Apple Computer or ditch Windows and switch to the free operating system Linux. Getting a virus or malware on Linux in the desktop environment is almost unheard of.
  

Are you infected and need help?  Try out our free Computer Chat, which is a service provided by volunteer technicians from around the world. 

Located in the Eugene, Oregon area?  Eugene Computer Geeks specializes in removing viruses of all types for as little as $30! On-site or drop-off virus removal services available. Please call (541) 357-7222

Cloud computing is revolutionizing the computer industry. The less powerful computing machines are now capable of solving problems that are much beyond their limitations. We have seen that as the consumer market is accepting cloud computing, there has been a tremendous increase in the Web applications available. Document editing, image manipulation, gaming and almost all types of activities can now be performed over the Internet. Even anti-viruses have gone cloud. The importance of anti-virus software is self-evident for any laptop user.

The demand for such software is increasing as laptops are affordable for almost everyone, and you can buy laptops with Dell coupons or discounts no matter where you are. The growing number of laptops brings the increased need for anti-virus applications. More and more laptop users are turning to cloud-based anti-virus software for virus removal. In this article we will be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of cloud anti-virus software.

How Cloud-Based Anti-Virus Software Works

For cloud-based applications like document editors and image manipulators, all you need are a Web browser and Internet access to these services. However, in the case of cloud-based anti-virus software, the scenario is a little different. You need to download a native app for a cloud anti-virus. The app then connects with the cloud anti-virus database and exchanges data among the cloud and the client PC accordingly. Web browsers can also be used to scan the computer through ActiveX or Java. Some anti-viruses also use a Web browser extension to gain access to the computer to scan it. The client application installed on the PC checks files and matches with the virus signature database present at the cloud. If there is anything wrong in it, then appropriate actions are taken.

As we all know that there are many advantages of Web applications over local applications, similarly there are many advantages of cloud anti-virus over local anti-virus.

ADVANTAGES

1. No Need to Install

The major advantage of cloud-based anti-viruses is that you don’t have to install them on your PC. Having anti-virus software installed on your PC consumes disk space, RAM and processing power, and users who don’t have a high-end computer system might see a decline in the performance of their PC. The anti-viruses keep running on the background while you are working, and this reduces available RAM and processing power for other applications, thereby reducing application speed.

2. No Need to Update

Cloud-based anti-viruses solve a major headache that most PC users have reported. Users who have anti-virus software installed on their computer systems keep receiving notifications to update their anti-virus database. Though some anti-viruses keep updating themselves on their own, most anti-viruses need to be updated. This not only causes a headache for the users but also keeps downloading data. With cloud-based anti-viruses, the virus signatures database is updated only at the cloud and all the PCs connected to the cloud are benefited from it.

3. Double Security Layer

A single local anti-virus consumes so many computer resources that one can’t think of installing another anti-virus. It is quite possible that a specific type of anti-virus software misses a virus. So, if we can take advantage of scanning your computer with more than one anti-virus, then we can reduce the chances of missing a virus. With cloud-based anti-viruses, we can easily have any number of anti-viruses running simultaneously, which uses a fraction of the computing resources.

Besides so many advantages, cloud anti-viruses do have some drawbacks.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Can’t Run in Background

Cloud anti-viruses are based on client-to-cloud relationship; therefore, these cannot run in the background. It is very crucial for an anti-virus to run in the background and scan each program before it starts. Cloud anti-viruses are sometimes unsuccessful at detecting viruses, but this technique provides an extra layer of security.

2. Limited Scan

Some cloud anti-viruses scan only the core Windows files for viruses and they don’t scan the whole computer. Therefore, this doesn’t cover up the risk completely and a virus sleeping somewhere on the hard drive can become active later. However, a locally installed anti-virus thoroughly scans the files and reports if a virus is found anywhere on the hard drive.

3. Need Internet Connection

Cloud services are highly dependent on the Internet connection and so are the cloud anti-viruses. If we don’t have access to the Internet, the virus living in our computer system will be free to do whatever it wants. It is a fact that we cannot stay connected all the time, thus depending on the Internet connection for computer security is a bit riskier.

Conclusion

Cloud anti-viruses come with lots of advantages and drawbacks. Despite their ability to protect PCs from viruses without using as many resources as locally installed anti-viruses, cloud anti-virus applications are highly dependent on the Internet connection and speed to perform the tasks. The advantage is also undeniable that they don’t need to be updated as the virus signature database is located on the cloud.

A new type of computer virus called “Scareware” (also called Rogue Viruses) has been spreading like wildfire.   The viruses try and scare the user into giving out their credit card number and paying to have it removed.

There are many different types of scareware that look and behave differently. Most scareware viruses will look exactly like legitimate antivirus software, and will report that the computer is infected. It will then ask for money to remove the “viruses”.

Another example of a scareware program is one that will lock the user out of the computer and bring up a window that warns that the FBI has locked their computer for breaking the law, and that you need to pay money in order to get your computer unlocked and avoid prosecution or jail time.  Obviously the FBI doesn’t lock people out of their computers, and they certainly wouldn’t ask for money to avoid punishment.

Scareware viruses all have one thing in common, the virus will try and scare the user into giving their credit card number.  It’s likely that once you give them your card, they will keep locking you out and charging you again.

The scareware plays on the fact that smart people will do stupid things when afraid, and the viruses are very effective and making a lot of criminals rich.

HOW DO I KNOW IF HAVE SCAREWARE?

1.  You are all of a sudden locked out of your computer and not able to load any programs or change most settings.

2. You are told that you need to pay money to fix the problem.

3. Some type of “scary” window pops up and warns you of a problem, but requires your credit card number in order to fix the problem.

HOW DO I REMOVE SCAREWARE?

(For Beginners)

1. Boot to “Safe Mode With Networking” by turning off the computer, turn it back on, and immediately tap the F8 key repeatedly.

2. Download and install SuperAntiSpyware and do a complete scan.

3. Then download and install Malwarebytes, (while still booted to Safe Mode With Networking). While installing Malwarebytes, at the end of the installation it will ask if you want to start a trial of the PRO edition. Don’t do the trial or there is a chance Malwarebytes will conflict with your regular antivirus software. Open the program and do the updates as suggested. Then run the “Full Scan”, and remove anything it detects.

4. Restart the computer and see if the problem still persists.  If so, use the advanced manual removal instructions located below.  NOTE: (You should probably uninstall Superantispyware after you are done, because by default the program will run in the background at all times and could slow down your PC, or possibly conflict with your Antivirus software.

(For Advanced Users)

1. Boot to “Safe Mode With Networking”. (See step one above for instructions)

2. Most scareware viruses will leave an icon on the desktop for the program and are almost always located in the hidden folder “AppData” or “Application Data”.  RIGHT click on the icon, and select “properties”. (DON’T left click or open the file!) A window will load that will give you the exact location of where the scareware virus is located.

3. Copy and paste the location, but remove the last part of the path so that you don’t include the executable file.  For example if the path for the scareware virus is located at “C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Temp\aa88ee\12345.exe” , only copy the “C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Temp\aa88ee” and manually punch in that path. For XP you can click “Start—-> Run”, and then type the path and press enter.  For Vista/7, click the “Start” button, and type the path into the search box and press “Enter”.

4. You will now see the virus, highlight the file or files, (Don’t open them!), and while holding down the “Shift” key on, press the “Delete” key which will permanently delete the file and bypass the Recycle Bin.

5. Now load up the “System Startup Utility”, (For XP go to “Start” —-> “Run”, and then type msconfig) (For Vista/7, go to “Start” and in the search box, type msconfig)

6. Select the Startup tab, and disable the scareware virus by unchecking it’s entry. (You can identify the virus by looking at the path’s since you know where the virus was located from using the instructions above)

7. Click the Services tab, and check the box for “Hide Microsoft Services”.  Look for an entry for the scareware virus and disable if possible.

8. Click apply and restart the computer. Boot to regular mode.

9. Run a full scan with Malwarebytes.

You should now have a much better understanding of what Scareware is and how to remove it. If you have any questions, please try our free Computer Help Chat by volunteer geek technicians.

Have a bad computer virus in the Eugene / Springfield, Oregon area?  Locked out of your system?   No problem! Eugene Computer Geeks removes computer viruses of all types including malware, spyware, adware, and trojans.

We have the tools and skills to remove almost ANY virus within one hour with a rate of only $30 / an hour. (Note: On some of the really malicious viruses they will do system damage even if the the virus is removed. Usually this isn’t the case but on some viruses and malware, more repairs may be necessary.)

At Eugene Computer Geeks, we specialize in Virus removal services of all kinds.  Furthermore our geeks give 100% free estimates. Give us a try and you’ll see why we are the best option for virus removal services in Eugene, Oregon.

Common virus removal services:

• Viruses- Prevention and Removal
• Malware
• Spyware
• Adware
• Trojans
• PUPS
• Tracking Cookies

Eugene Computer Geeks – Your local Eugene, Oregon Virus Removal Experts.  541-357-7222

For many people, computers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We rely on them for communication, school, office work or for simply getting information from the internet. Your home computer can be vulnerable to damage just like any other machine in your house, especially when you are connected to the internet.[1] Therefore, it is important that you learn and take measures in order to protect your home computer from any potential damage.

Most infections require user interaction in order to be activated.[2] The virus usually requires you download and run an application from a malicious website or as an e-mail attachment. Always ensure that all Windows updates are applied. Before installing a new application, you should consider the potential risks. Do you really need this new application? Do you trust the author?

Spyware and adware can also have an impact on the performance of your computer.[3] A good way to scan your computer for spyware and adware is by using an anti-spyware package, such as Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/). This package is available free of charge.

You should always ensure that you install a personal firewall if your computer is not behind a router. A router bridges devices together with NAT, and usually has a built-in firewall. A firewall is important as it acts as a filter which protects your computer from malicious content from the internet. Some popular software firewalls can be found at the MakeUseOf website (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-top-firewall-programs-computers-security/).

Another important method for home computer repair is system restore. It is important that you are aware of how to create restore points on your computer. If there is any damage to your computer, you can restore your computer to a previously secure checkpoint. In order to prevent loss of data it is also recommended that you back up your computer’s data on a regular basis.

If you would like to switch to an operating system less frequently targeted by hackers, and have a much more stable computer, it may be worth looking into desktop-friendly Linux distributions. Do not be fooled- switching to Linux or Mac OS does not mean a more secure computer by itself.[4] Steps must be taken to ensure the security of your computer, no matter what operating system is installed.

Please check out our article on “15 Things Every PC User Should Know“.

[1] “Computer virus – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” 2003. 5 Jul. 2012 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus>

[2] “How to Protect Your PC – Rhode Island State Division of Information …” 2010. 5 Jul. 2012 <http://www.doit.ri.gov/security/protect/index.php>

[3] “Spyware Workshop Report.” 2005. 5 Jul. 2012 <http://www.ftc.gov/os/2005/03/050307spywarerpt.pdf>

[4] “Mac OS X Report: Virus Infects 600000 Computers – ABC News.” 2012. 5 Jul. 2012 <http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/mac-os-x-report-virus-infects-600000-computers/>

A lot of people ask me “What is the best way to protect my computer from viruses, malware, and spyware?”.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should only have ONE program that provides protection. If you have two antivirus programs that provide real-time protection, they can conflict with each other and cause problems, not to mention slow down your computer.

I also suggest that you have at least one cleaning-only tool, which is used for scanning and removing viruses, spyware, and malware that get past your antivirus protection program.

If you are willing spend around $40, I recommend Kaspersky, which is the best commercial anti virus program you can buy. They also have a full 30 day trial that we recommend you try before purchasing.

The best free antivirus program is Avast Free Home Edition. Avast has excellent detection ratings and protection methods that really make it the best choice. Avast sometimes has difficulty installing on some computers, and can run slow on really old PC’s. If this is the case I recommend you use Microsoft Security Essentials.

For cleaning-only tools, I highly recommend you install Malwarebytes and/or Super Anti Spyware. These programs will not interfere with your regular antivirus protection software but must be run manually at least once a week.

Make sure to update your antivirus software regularly.

Owner/Operator
Cameron Voss
–Eugene Computer Geeks

www.eugenecomputergeeks.com