My phone's Reddit app isn't letting me put up a post, so I get to ask you guys instead. FWIW, I have an idea why this isn't the way it is, but it's an entertaining question the week before Memorial Day (and don't take my question as 100% serious).
Why do virus creators have such benign names for their viruses? If I was the malicious type, I'd make sure to name the virus "DICKS DICKS I LOVE DICKS" so that it makes reporting on the virus that much more awkward for writers and newscasters.
My phone's Reddit app isn't letting me put up a post, so I get to ask you guys instead. FWIW, I have an idea why this isn't the way it is, but it's an entertaining question the week before Memorial Day (and don't take my question as 100% serious).
Why do virus creators have such benign names for their viruses? If I was the malicious type, I'd make sure to name the virus "DICKS DICKS I LOVE DICKS" so that it makes reporting on the virus that much more awkward for writers and newscasters.
Most viruses aren't named by their creators. They're normally named by the people who discover and dissect them. They're usually named based on strings or naming conventions found in the dissected viruses.
In that case, the white hats need to develop better senses of humor. At this point, I'd be happy with someone calling a virus the 'Butts' virus, for the reasons I outlined above.
0
Options
JohnnyCacheStarting DefensePlace at the tableRegistered Userregular
hak5 is running a sale on their "field kit" bundles. if you want a bunch of gadgets with clever names in a pouch.
TetraNitroCubaneThe DjinneratorAt the bottom of a bottleRegistered Userregular
A variety of media players (notably including VLC) have had a vulnerability exposed wherein they can execute arbitrary code via corrupted subtitles (Apologies for the potentially inaccurate paraphrase).
The important bit: Update your media player. I know I'm bad about keeping VLC up to date, but this was enough for me to ensure I'm running the most current version.
Basically, you should go here to get notified about vulnerabilities for a ton of products They've got a RSS feed or you can sign up to get a weekly summary. It's where I go to learn about most vulnerabilities.
Looking to clean up an old Dell laptop with windows vista to donate/recycle. Is using the Dell factory image restore enough to securely wipe the hard drive? The process says that the hard drive will be reformatted before the factory image is applied.
0
Options
Mr_Rose83 Blue Ridge Protects the HolyRegistered Userregular
Not really. Anything overwritten by the image will be pretty secure but the format probably won't even do a block-level wipe, just rebuild the partition and allocation tables.
If you want to wipe the drive completely, delete the sensitive data in its current form, load a free space wiper (CCleaner includes one for example) and go to town on it, then do the reload and wipe the free space left after that again.
Not really. Anything overwritten by the image will be pretty secure but the format probably won't even do a block-level wipe, just rebuild the partition and allocation tables.
If you want to wipe the drive completely, delete the sensitive data in its current form, load a free space wiper (CCleaner includes one for example) and go to town on it, then do the reload and wipe the free space left after that again.
Yeah I'm running Dban's Boot and Nuke to wipe the drive and reinstall everything from scratch. For peace of mind and doing whomever gets this a solid by not giving them a dell image from 2009 with all the bloatware.
0
Options
Mr_Rose83 Blue Ridge Protects the HolyRegistered Userregular
Oh, right, it's a disc-based reload, not a reload partition (got too used to HP's)? Yeah, Darik's Boot and Nuke is deffo the way to go then.
I've used sysinternals sdelete.exe and ccleaner to wipe disks. And my understanding is that you really don't need much more than 3 passes to securely delete, though I do typically still use 8 since we let those sit overnight and they're done in the morning.
Though back in the day, I did do Gutmann wipes (35 passes). That was..... fun.
MrVyngaardLive From New EtoileStraight Outta SosariaRegistered Userregular
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
"now I've got this mental image of caucuses as cafeteria tables in prison, and new congressmen having to beat someone up on inauguration day." - Raiden333
I've used sysinternals sdelete.exe and ccleaner to wipe disks. And my understanding is that you really don't need much more than 3 passes to securely delete, though I do typically still use 8 since we let those sit overnight and they're done in the morning.
Though back in the day, I did do Gutmann wipes (35 passes). That was..... fun.
Frankly anything more than than a single secure delete pass is overkill for anyone who doesn't have enemies in high levels of government/ corporate overlords. If someone is willing to throw thousands of dollars at recovering data from the HDD of a PC you sold them used, you've got much bigger problems.
The built in Windows crypt program can also do 1s -> 0s -> random pass of unallocated space.
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
I'm still using Avira. It works for me.
0
Options
TetraNitroCubaneThe DjinneratorAt the bottom of a bottleRegistered Userregular
I've been on ESET for some time now, and I do appreciate how it stays low profile, and also provides a number of great tools.
The OP certainly could use considerable updating (We weren't even on Vanilla back when it was originally drafted). The landscape has shifted quite a bit since then. I've been sort of not as intense on this topic as I should be in recent years because of other work.
Does anyone have a desire to fashion a newer OP at all? I'd happily request the mods close this thread to make room for a newer one. If no, I can start thinking about how to fashion the OP into something more current, though it might take me some time to do so.
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
I'm using Kaspersky Internet Security (because I got it cheap), but you can do worse than Windows Defender if you're not looking to spend money--at least on Windows 10.
+3
Options
MrVyngaardLive From New EtoileStraight Outta SosariaRegistered Userregular
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
I'm using Kaspersky Internet Security (because I got it cheap), but you can do worse than Windows Defender if you're not looking to spend money--at least on Windows 10.
I've been rolling with Avast Pro, but I've also heard the free version of Avast is decent enough these days that I'm not sure continuing to shell out for it is a necessity at this point.
"now I've got this mental image of caucuses as cafeteria tables in prison, and new congressmen having to beat someone up on inauguration day." - Raiden333
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
I'm using Kaspersky Internet Security (because I got it cheap), but you can do worse than Windows Defender if you're not looking to spend money--at least on Windows 10.
Yeah if you're on a fully patched Win10 install Defender is fine, especially if you don't engage in risky behaviors. Double especially if you use Edge or Chrome with a script/ad blocker.
If you're on 7/8/8.1, any of the AV packages security guys recommend are fine.
My primary concern (based on how I use my PC) is drive-by malware from an infected ad network, but those guys aren't usually running 0-days that Defender won't catch.
0
Options
ShadowfireVermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered Userregular
MBAM does such a good job stopping everything that I don't see much point in a separate AV.
I keep getting a notification that my Kaspersky firewall is off, no matter how many I select to turn it on when prompted by windows.
I also have a actions recommended icon in the task bar but whenever I try to open it or window defender it closes almost immediately.
That's extremely weird and sounds like a conflict in settings between Windows Defender (and its firewall) and Kaspersky and its. I'm using Kaspersky myself with no such issues, with Kaspersky managing my firewall.
There's probably a more elegant solution, but uninstalling and reinstalling Kaspersky (with a reboot between them where Windows Defender can "fully" turn on) should solve the problem.
0
Options
HeatwaveCome, now, and walk the path of explosions with me!Registered Userregular
Disabling Windows Defender in "Services" in Msconfig seemed to fix the problem.
I fully expect having to do this again in the future, as Windows Defender seems to always find a way to reactivate itself after a while. Probably due to the Windows updates.
Disabling Windows Defender in "Services" in Msconfig seemed to fix the problem.
I fully expect having to do this again in the future, as Windows Defender seems to always find a way to reactivate itself after a while. Probably due to the Windows updates.
Defender always runs a periodic scan even if you have another AV running.
Kaspersky has been a pile of shit lately, though. I'd really still recommend running KAVRemover and reinstalling it to get it cleaned up.
Disabling Windows Defender in "Services" in Msconfig seemed to fix the problem.
I fully expect having to do this again in the future, as Windows Defender seems to always find a way to reactivate itself after a while. Probably due to the Windows updates.
Defender always runs a periodic scan even if you have another AV running.
Kaspersky has been a pile of shit lately, though. I'd really still recommend running KAVRemover and reinstalling it to get it cleaned up.
I still say that's weird. I've been using Kaspersky for more than a year since my last re-install on my desktop, and Windows Defender never makes a sound unless I actually disable or pause Kaspersky' scanning.
0
Options
ShadowfireVermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered Userregular
I still say that's weird. I've been using Kaspersky for more than a year since my last re-install on my desktop, and Windows Defender never makes a sound unless I actually disable or pause Kaspersky' scanning.
It won't tell you that it's scanning, but it will.
I still say that's weird. I've been using Kaspersky for more than a year since my last re-install on my desktop, and Windows Defender never makes a sound unless I actually disable or pause Kaspersky' scanning.
It won't tell you that it's scanning, but it will.
I assumed some amount of "second layer" defense scanning happens with any other AV client you install on Windows 10, Windows Defender's descriptions nearly say that outright.
What I'm surprised by is the telling--and specifically, attention-grabbing error messages. That's something not working as intended.
0
Options
TetraNitroCubaneThe DjinneratorAt the bottom of a bottleRegistered Userregular
I'm sure everyone's taken note by now, but there's another world-wide cyberattack going down again.
The recent trend of Anti-Virus makers refusing offer redistributable versions of their software installers for the consumer-level product lines is one of the conceptually dumbest things I've ever seen. Trying to troubleshoot/clean someone's machine but you don't want to connect it to the network in case it has something on it? No sorry tough shit it has to be online or you can't install our product at all. This is a wonderful way to prevent me from recommending your product to a user.
+2
Options
ShadowfireVermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered Userregular
Manually edit those hives like a boss!
But yeah, you're not wrong. Some of them have portable versions that do a decent job. TDSSKiller, NPE, and Panda Cloud Cleaner have been pretty successful for me for some more stubborn infections.
I like it because it encourages people to just nuke shit from orbit, which IMO is the best route to take when any malware manages to get it's claws in a system. Consumer antivirus is at an all time level of shittiness now. I just can't condone it's use over windows defender and defensive computing education.
+5
Options
OrcaAlso known as EspressosaurusWrexRegistered Userregular
Relying on a cleaner is asking for a secondary payload to not get caught by your anti-virus solution.
Better to just do a total format of the disk and reinstall.
It doesn't matter. It's the customer's decision in the end and if they decide to go that route despite advisement, they're getting exactly what they asked for. I'll do what I can for it, but beyond that it's their die to roll.
I have not read the associated articles but apparently there is the potential for a ban on Kaspersky Lab products when it comes to federal infrastructure. The GS A is supposedly taking it off their approved lists.
We use McAfee and Norton products at [unnamed agency] and I'm not necessarily happy about it; but there's nothing I can do about it.
They're all not great. McAfee and Norton are notoriously bad, though. I mean, if they're using all your system resources already, I guess there's nothing left for malware.
I'll stand behind Norton Power Eraser, though. It's pretty solid.
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
I run a double AV solution - Webroot (which I pay for), and Immunet, (which is free). I know the tech behind immunet very well, and I trust it. So far, that combination works for me.
It's been quite a while since the OP was updated. What's the most effective antivirus folks are recommending these days?
I run a double AV solution - Webroot (which I pay for), and Immunet, (which is free). I know the tech behind immunet very well, and I trust it. So far, that combination works for me.
immunet seems interesting, but it's one of those things that seems like there is a catch. is there a reason you run conventional AV alongside that solution?
Posts
https://www.endgame.com/blog/wcrywanacry-ransomware-technical-analysis
Why do virus creators have such benign names for their viruses? If I was the malicious type, I'd make sure to name the virus "DICKS DICKS I LOVE DICKS" so that it makes reporting on the virus that much more awkward for writers and newscasters.
Most viruses aren't named by their creators. They're normally named by the people who discover and dissect them. They're usually named based on strings or naming conventions found in the dissected viruses.
In that case, the white hats need to develop better senses of humor. At this point, I'd be happy with someone calling a virus the 'Butts' virus, for the reasons I outlined above.
I host a podcast about movies.
The important bit: Update your media player. I know I'm bad about keeping VLC up to date, but this was enough for me to ensure I'm running the most current version.
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts
Enlist in Star Citizen! Citizenship must be earned!
If you want to wipe the drive completely, delete the sensitive data in its current form, load a free space wiper (CCleaner includes one for example) and go to town on it, then do the reload and wipe the free space left after that again.
Nintendo Network ID: AzraelRose
DropBox invite link - get 500MB extra free.
Yeah I'm running Dban's Boot and Nuke to wipe the drive and reinstall everything from scratch. For peace of mind and doing whomever gets this a solid by not giving them a dell image from 2009 with all the bloatware.
Nintendo Network ID: AzraelRose
DropBox invite link - get 500MB extra free.
Though back in the day, I did do Gutmann wipes (35 passes). That was..... fun.
Enlist in Star Citizen! Citizenship must be earned!
Frankly anything more than than a single secure delete pass is overkill for anyone who doesn't have enemies in high levels of government/ corporate overlords. If someone is willing to throw thousands of dollars at recovering data from the HDD of a PC you sold them used, you've got much bigger problems.
The built in Windows crypt program can also do 1s -> 0s -> random pass of unallocated space.
I'm still using Avira. It works for me.
The OP certainly could use considerable updating (We weren't even on Vanilla back when it was originally drafted). The landscape has shifted quite a bit since then. I've been sort of not as intense on this topic as I should be in recent years because of other work.
Does anyone have a desire to fashion a newer OP at all? I'd happily request the mods close this thread to make room for a newer one. If no, I can start thinking about how to fashion the OP into something more current, though it might take me some time to do so.
I'm using Kaspersky Internet Security (because I got it cheap), but you can do worse than Windows Defender if you're not looking to spend money--at least on Windows 10.
I've been rolling with Avast Pro, but I've also heard the free version of Avast is decent enough these days that I'm not sure continuing to shell out for it is a necessity at this point.
Yeah if you're on a fully patched Win10 install Defender is fine, especially if you don't engage in risky behaviors. Double especially if you use Edge or Chrome with a script/ad blocker.
If you're on 7/8/8.1, any of the AV packages security guys recommend are fine.
My primary concern (based on how I use my PC) is drive-by malware from an infected ad network, but those guys aren't usually running 0-days that Defender won't catch.
I also have a actions recommended icon in the task bar but whenever I try to open it or window defender it closes almost immediately.
Steam / Origin & Wii U: Heatwave111 / FC: 4227-1965-3206 / Battle.net: Heatwave#11356
That's extremely weird and sounds like a conflict in settings between Windows Defender (and its firewall) and Kaspersky and its. I'm using Kaspersky myself with no such issues, with Kaspersky managing my firewall.
There's probably a more elegant solution, but uninstalling and reinstalling Kaspersky (with a reboot between them where Windows Defender can "fully" turn on) should solve the problem.
I fully expect having to do this again in the future, as Windows Defender seems to always find a way to reactivate itself after a while. Probably due to the Windows updates.
Steam / Origin & Wii U: Heatwave111 / FC: 4227-1965-3206 / Battle.net: Heatwave#11356
Defender always runs a periodic scan even if you have another AV running.
Kaspersky has been a pile of shit lately, though. I'd really still recommend running KAVRemover and reinstalling it to get it cleaned up.
Steam / Origin & Wii U: Heatwave111 / FC: 4227-1965-3206 / Battle.net: Heatwave#11356
It won't tell you that it's scanning, but it will.
I assumed some amount of "second layer" defense scanning happens with any other AV client you install on Windows 10, Windows Defender's descriptions nearly say that outright.
What I'm surprised by is the telling--and specifically, attention-grabbing error messages. That's something not working as intended.
There's a good thread about it over in D&D.
But yeah, you're not wrong. Some of them have portable versions that do a decent job. TDSSKiller, NPE, and Panda Cloud Cleaner have been pretty successful for me for some more stubborn infections.
Better to just do a total format of the disk and reinstall.
WoWtcg and general gaming podcast
WoWtcg and gaming website
They're all not great. McAfee and Norton are notoriously bad, though. I mean, if they're using all your system resources already, I guess there's nothing left for malware.
I'll stand behind Norton Power Eraser, though. It's pretty solid.
I run a double AV solution - Webroot (which I pay for), and Immunet, (which is free). I know the tech behind immunet very well, and I trust it. So far, that combination works for me.
immunet seems interesting, but it's one of those things that seems like there is a catch. is there a reason you run conventional AV alongside that solution?
WoWtcg and general gaming podcast
WoWtcg and gaming website