How to help prevent re-infection

[AnnMarie]

Windows 2000/XP, 2003 and Vista

Secunia Software Inspector
A free online service that will check a range of different software for vulnerabilities. It's quick and easy to use.

Click on Start and then click on "Enable thorough system inspection. Enable the Secunia Software Inspector to search for software installed in non-default locations"

Minimum Requirements:
* Sun Java JRE 1.5.0_06
* Internet Explorer 6.x, Opera 9.x, or Firefox 1.5.x
* Latest version of Microsoft Windows Update

See here.

Windows Vista

See Microsoft's security checklist here and read an explanation of Vista's security features.

Windows XP

Labmice have prepared an excellent security checklist for XP users here.

All Operating Systems.

Dont try to download and install pirated software or cracks from websites and dont use p2p programs (and that includes BitTorrent etc) to download commercial software. Practice Safe Surfing and stay away from porn sites. Make sure that all your Windows Updates are downloaded in a timely fashion and also make sure your AntiVirus program is updated on a regular basis.

Links to Antivirus and Firewall downloads here

Consider installing a deterrent to hijackers and other parasites. Adding the MVPS Hosts file will help.

For versions of IE prior to IE7, tighten up the security settings. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced and make sure that "Install upon Demand" and "Install upon Demand (other)" are not selected.

Now go to Internet Options > Security > Custom and set "Download Signed ActiveX Controls" to Prompt.

"Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as Safe" and "Download unsigned ActiveX controls" should be disabled.

Set "Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting" and "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" to enable.

Run a respected antispyware utility regularly. SuperAntiSpyware does a good job for all operating systems while Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is very proficient in cleaning the latest rogues and offer a freeware version of their software to Vista/XP/2K users. NB. It is important to make sure that you go online and install any updates before running any antispyware utiilty.

If your OS is Vista, XP or Windows Millenium, flush all restore points after cleaning your PC to prevent infected files being restored, reboot and then re-enable System Restore, see here for more help.

Microsoft has an excellent page here that discusses the top security issues that affect home users and offers advice on how to protect yourself, your family and your computer.