Securing Your Computer: Prevent Re-infection
From CastleCopsWiki
 This article is deprecated and is superceded by the Malware Removal and Prevention Procedure.
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Once your system is satisfactorily cleaned be sure to follow these guidelines to prevent a reinfection.
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XP and ME System Restore Points
If you are using Windows XP or ME, you need to SET A NEW RESTORE POINT with System Restore. This will prevent the possibility of you becoming reinfected by restoring your system with corrupted files.
To set a new restore point:
| System | Reference | |
|---|---|---|
| WIndows XP | Creating a System Restore Point | |
| WIndows ME |
The new Restore Point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a log of this for your records so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
Windows Updates
To reduce your exposure to infection and fortify your system's security, be sure your computer is set to update your operating system and Internet Explorer, automatically.
To do that, right-click the My Computer Icon on your desk top. Click properties and then Automatic Updates.
To enable automatic updating, check either the first or second box:
- The first option enables Windows Automatic Updating, meaning it will both download and install updates automatically. This option requires you to set the time for them to install. Make sure this is a convenient time when your computer will be ON.
- The second option, will download, and then let you decide when you want to install them.
Select which ever alternative is best for you.
Ocassionally, even though your computer is set to update automatically, you may experience a problem having updates download. There are many reasons this can occur, so to be safe, always check that you have the latest critical updates and patches from the Windows Update Website.
Microsoft releases new updates to patch vulnerbilities that malware may exploit every second Tuesday of each month. So time your visits to the Windows Update site, accordingly.
Remember, Window's Updates will improve your system's overall integrity and security, so be sure to verify that the update feature is properly functioning on your computer.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 is cumulative, meaning it includes Service Pack 1 and all updates predating SP2's release. Although Service Pack 2, was released over a year ago, some of you may not have updated to it yet.
Installing Service Pack 2 should NOT be performed until you have ensured your system is fully cleaned of all viruses and malware. This is the recommended procedure by Microsoft before installing SP2. Some computers lock up when SP2 is installed with certain spyware in residence, and spyware programs can interfere with the new security features that SP2 installs by default. For a complete discussion on all necessary precautions see: What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
Updating Your Security Programs
Because new threats are continually introduced, a security application is only effective if it is updated regularly. Checking for updates can be simplified, by using the calendar provided at the Calendar of Updates website which is updated daily.
Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File:
Read the discussion about installing a blocking host files and download the #1 rated MVPS host file
Another variation on the same theme - What is the Hosts file?
Tips for Safer Surfing
- Read Tony Klein's So how did I get infected in the first place?
- ALWAYS surf with an active internet firewall. The Windows firewall does not provide outbound protection, but ZoneAlarm® FREE will block both inbound and outbound traffic.
- Use only reputable Antispyware and Security Programs: Consult the Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Progam List first, before you download. Do not click on any random solicitations to "Scan your system for spyware".
- Do not download any attachments from unsolicited email or even unexpected attachments from known contacts
- Never provide sensitive personal information (SSN, financial account numbers)in response to an email request.
- Do NOT click on popups ads or download any anonymous software - google it first and read reviews
- Download all software from the vendor/developer site whenever possible (3rd party sites may distribute bundled adware)
- Set Safe Configurations for Internet Explorer and acquaint yourself with the Internet Explorer Security Zones
- Read these suggested Safe Configurations for Firefox
- Read about Cookie Management in The Unofficial Cookie FAQ
- Wireless Network Security For The Home
- Browse thru PC Magazine's 80 Super Security Tips
- If you must use peer-to-peer file sharing software, use it wisely:
- Please read these recommendations regarding the safest P2P filesharing programs available.
- Remove any adware/spyware programs which were bundled with your file-sharing program
- Adjust your file-sharing program settings so it does NOT automatically run at Windows Startup
- Adjust your file-sharing program settings so it does NOT allow others on the P2P network openly access downloads from you computer.
- Close your filesharing program when you are not actively using it
Roll your own Free Security Suite
The final, and most important step, is to secure your system against future malware attacks. And it doesn't have to be costly. You can actually Roll your own Free Security Suite!
HijackThis Tutorial - for those who want to know more
Now that you are clean, if you are fascinated with how this powerful tool, HijackThis works, you may read this excellent HijackThis Tutorial It describes what each of the individual HijackThis log entries mean. Gaining knowledge is great and there is a lot of information there, but when it comes to actually fixing entries in your log, it is best to remember that it is a still a job better left to the experts in the HijackThis forum.
Before you leave, a well-deserved congratulations!!
The series was developed as the key deliverable of the Cleaning Malware Project. |
| Securing Your Computer: Introduction |
| Securing Your Computer: Overview |
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