Infected file on GenesReunited

[Roobarb]

How do you get back to normal mode after using safe mode?

[snowyw]

Some folks might be interested in McAfee`s Site Advisor.

How It Works

With SiteAdvisor software installed, your browser will look a little different than before. We add small site rating icons to your search results as well as a browser button and optional search box. Together, these alert you to potentially risky sites and help you find safer alternatives.

These site ratings are based on tests conducted by McAfee using an army of computers that look for all kinds of threats (detailed below). The result is a guide to Web safety.

The SiteAdvisor technology is free, easy to install and even easier to use. And it doesn't collect any personally identifiable information.

Link.

 http://www.rootschat.com/links/081m/   

Oooo uuurr!  I have site advisor, but it did not warn me when I went to genes.  In fact, all I did was go to the home page, then clicked on Family Tree....then all the problems!!

I didn't go anywhere near any adverts or anything else.  Hope It is sorted now anyway.

Sue

[downside]

How do you get back to normal mode after using safe mode

Just reboot your computer.

Start >> Turn Off Computer >> Restart

[smudwhisk]

Some virus checkers are better than others (but most are better than none at all).   

Anti-virus software on its own isn't enough these days.  You need to ensure that whatever you are running has either an integrated anti-spyware/malware program or a separate program has been purchased.  This is because malware and viruses are different and work differently so the protection against them has been developed differently over the years. 

I know last time I purchased McAfee VirusScan for work it had minimum anti-malware protection, which is why they sell a separate program for this.  Others intergrate it with firewall, anti-spam, etc, and sell the whole package, eg. AVG Internet Security.  I think AVG free has now anti-spyware protection included.

Unfortunately its a bit of a minefield for anyone who isn't familiar with the terminology.  Its OK for me, its been part of my job for years ... and from experience malware, such as the issues which appear to be affecting the ads on GR again, are more of a problem than viruses these days perhaps 'cos people are not familiar with the differences. 

There is probably only a problem with a single advert, which doesn't appear each time someone accesses GR's website, hence the reason some people have not had alerts.

As for free online scanning software, if it throws up alerts that nothing else has found (and you've not had any pop-ups) and then invites you to purchase its software to fix it ... chances are they are red herrings to get you to spend your money.   Buyer beware.

[Nick29]

The reason why it's best to scan in Safe Mode is because in Windows it is practically impossible to delete a file that is still being run.  Malware is usually loaded at Windows start - running in Safe Mode bypasses the loading of startup programs.  I wouldn't get too paranoid about all of this - all this particular malware did was try to get people to buy overpriced (and maybe worthless) security software.   Viruses can do a lot more damage than that.

[marcie dean]

I never buy Macafee or norton.  not much cop if you ask me.  AVG is better and Kaspersky
Recently, actually yesterday my computer went mad after going on Ancestry.  Told me that I was invaded with trojans, which I did not have before.

marcie

[downside]

Unfortunately its a bit of a minefield for anyone who isn't familiar with the terminology.  Its OK for me, its been part of my job for years ...

Er ... viruses are a type of malware surely?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

[Nick29]

I never buy Macafee or norton.  not much cop if you ask me.  AVG is better and Kaspersky
Recently, actually yesterday my computer went mad after going on Ancestry.  Told me that I was invaded with trojans, which I did not have before.

marcie

I agree.  Norton has always been bloated and slow, and although Norton 360 is supposed to be better, I've had enough of it to last a lifetime.   MacAffee had its own website hacked in October 2009, which doesn't inspire confidence.  Of the others I rate  Kaspersky as being very good, but for me the best is Eset Smart Security - it won't even let you miss a Windows security update without nagging, and out of them all it places the lowest demands on the processor.

[Nick29]

Unfortunately its a bit of a minefield for anyone who isn't familiar with the terminology.  Its OK for me, its been part of my job for years ...

Er ... viruses are a type of malware surely?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

Malware is badware, and the word encompasses a lot.  The sort we saw in this thread was quite low risk - and really only there to panic people into buying overpriced software.  Some viruses aren't that benign - they will steal your data, and could lead to actual theft by hacking into bank accounts or credit cards.