|
Information
Empire Flyer
Drive by downloads
Drive-by downloads are downloads of
software,
adware, or malware that is either authorized by the user
without understanding the consequences or downloaded without
the knowledge of the user. This can occur by visiting
nefarious websites, clicking on links in email, or clicking on
a pop-up ad. Often times drive-by downloads are
spyware,
viruses or other
malware. Pop-up windows can be deceptively designed to
mimic computer error messages that trick users into
downloading the software by clicking the “ok” button. Drive-by
downloads have historically been known for taking advantage of
the Windows metafile vulnerability. Even though security
warning messages may pop up on sites before software is
downloaded, the name of the software is often vague and the
site may provide the visitor with no information as to what or
how many software programs will be installed. Some sites can
install up to 10 different programs on a user’s machine with
just one click of the “yes” button. Drive-by downloads can
install various software types that are supposed to be
“helpful” to the user: toolbars, browser and desktop
modifications, windows dialog box advertisements, and pop-up
advertisements. It should be noted that not all drive-by
downloads contain malware, some simply contain adware; but
often the site or the pop-up windows do not give consumers the
information they need to make an informed decision about
whether or not to download software.
|
How to run
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in
safe mode
- Turn computer off
- Repeatedly tap the F8 key as the computer boots
- When menu appears, select Safe Mode with Networking
- (Note that Safe Mode with Networking has limited
functionallity, and resources but has access to the
internet)
- Open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program
- Select the Update tab and Check for Updates
- When updates are completed, check again, until you have
the latest
- Select Scanner tab and Perform full scan
- After scan completes, follow directions and reboot if
needed
- If this does not work properly, you need to contact a
professional
|
How to run your Anti-Virus (any that you
have) in safe mode
- Turn computer off
- Repeatedly tap the F8 key as the computer boots
- When menu appears, select Safe Mode with Networking
- (Note that Safe Mode with Networking has limited
functionallity, and resources but has access to the
internet)
- Open your Anti-Virus program
- Make sure you check for any updates that may be
available
- When updates are completed, check again, until you have
the latest
- Start your scan
- After scan completes, follow directions and reboot if
needed
- If this does not work properly, you need to contact a
professional
|
| Another good FREE tool to use to clean
your computer is SUPERAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/
Run this in Safe Mode With Networking, if
you wish.
Make sure to update before running, also.
|
|
|
 |
