Virus Warnings
Nov-11-2010
There is a new variation of the Fake Antivirus trojan infecting computers. It is called Thinkpoint. This variation of the Fake Antivirus trojan has the same characteristics of previous versions but is much more aggressive and difficult to remove. Previous versions of Fake Antivirus Trojans typically didnt work when you booted your computer into Safe Mode, which allowed advanced users and technicians to install / update virus removal software in Safe Mode.
The Thinkpoint Trojan runs as effectively in Safe Mode as Normal Mode. It runs processes in the background that does not allow the computer to load into Safe Mode.
If you get pop-ups on your computer related to “Thinkpoint” do not allow the fake scan to run and do not give your credit card details to pay for an “Upgrade” to remove the viruses. Thinkpoint is the virus.
If you think you have been infected, shut down your computer immediately and consult a reputable computer repair company as soon as possible.
Connaught computers provide computer repair and support Online, Over the Phone and in store. We would be happy to give you a free evaluation if you are unsure whether your computer has been infected.
Oct-5-2010 Phone Scam
As some of you may or may not be aware there are a large number of new viruses doing the rounds on the internet at the moment. Below is some guidelines of what to do to avoid viruses
- Ensure your anti-virus is up to date and has the latest definitions
- Check if your ant-virus is set to scan at regular intervals
- Do not have more than one anti-virus, more anti-virus software on your machine doesn't help protect against viruses, in fact the opposite is true as they conflict with each other
- Do not downloand anything on to your machine that you didn't initiate
- Scan any files that you do download to your machine for viruses
- Be wary of banner advertising like "you are the 1,000,000th visitor, click on this to claim your prize".
- Be wary of music file sharing software like Limewire
- If you have kids, setup parental controls that only you can install software on the machine.
If you do get infected by a virus.
- Scan your machine for viruses.
- Do not give your credit card details.
- Don't pay for any anti-virus that you did not install. Many viruses appear as an anti-virus programme asking you to pay them to rid them of the virus. Don't be fooled.
- Download malware removal software if you can and scan you machine.
- Don't enter password information
- Disconnect from the internet if you can't get rid of it.
There is also a company at the moment calling people at random allover Ireland asking if they have a computer with Windows. They then proceed to tell them they have a virus and to turn on their machine and log on to their site where they take control of your machine. They then tell you that your machine needs to be fixed by them and it will cost you €250. Obviously, if you receive this call, hang up the phone or if you wish, try and get their details and call the guards. Thanks for your time, if you have any queries re any of the issues raised here or need some assistance removing viruses, please give us a call and we will get your sorted!!!
