There is a "phishing" scam floating about, infecting unsuspecting computers. A window pops up, unprompted, telling you that you have a virus or your files are in terrible danger. That you should download the solution NOW NOW NOW! Which is the worst thing you could do in this situation. The most common names of this style of virus is "Security Tool 8," "Rogue AntiVirus," or it will just appear as a "windows security alert." (As described in this article warning users of the Firefox browser of a virus that is targeting, them specifically.)
Ever see a mob movie where the gang of thugs shows up on the poor shop keep's doorstep selling "protection?" That's you. The shop keep. And the "protection" you are being sold is protection from the very people putting a price on it. Don't fall victim.
What's the gimmick? They have already given you the virus. There is no correcting that. And no matter the amount you pay them for software to remove it, they are not intending to hold up to that end of the arrangement. Offer them your money, and they will take it and run... Along with any other information the virus or malware they gave you can wrangle from your computer's quickly fading motherboard. But don't despair. There is hope. And this is the potential easiest "fix."
One Easy Way to Fix This.
It is important that you shut the computer down, severing any and all internet connection so as to protect any information stored on your system that the harmful software is trying to feed back to the server. When ready to turn the computer back on follow these simple steps:
- Turn on computer, and press F8 key as it is booting. (This prompts the computer to start in "safe mode"
- Once your desktop is up in safe mode, (you will see "safe mode" in each of the corners of the screen.) open your start menu.
- Select "all programs"
- Select "accessories"
- Select "system tools"
- Select "system restore"
- Your computer should now prompt you with a series of dates in which you can default the restore to. It is suggested to select the date before the day your computer was attacked, but going further back should not harm anything.
It will take a minute or two for it to take effect but your computer should reboot in regular mode, and if all goes according to plan, should be up and running smoothly once more. (Be patient in allowing it to finish its process.)
It is recommend running a virus scan after this as well. You can never be too safe, and any other malicious software could be still lurking in the shadows. If you do not have virus software, (and are on a budget) there are LEGITIMATE free software programs available, such as AVG. An easy way to determine if you are downloading a "real" program or scam is to look for a trademark near the logo. (A little "tm" or copyright symbol.) If it is missing, it is a red flag and the consumer should proceed with utmost caution.
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