Helped a friend of a friend with a Spyware problem

[Noema]

A friend of a friend had a massive spyware / virus problem on her Sony Vaio. The thing wouldn't even boot in normal mode anymore.

Adaware detected and removed over 200 entries (not counting cookies); Spybot another 121. Avir removed quite a few trojans too. I don't think I had ever seen anything like it.

The biggest perpetrators were the 'GAIN' entries that were installed when she downloaded some screensavers.

When we went over to give her back the now running as good-as-new Vaio, I promptly suggested creating a limited account for regular use, assuring her that it was the best defense (coupled with Firefox and common sense when browsing the net) against this happening again.

She however had a 'But I have Norton running all the time, I should be protected!" attitude (I actually uninstalled the pirated version of Norton's bloatware she had on her box, and replaced it with Avir). She said that she was not stupid and that she was entitled to full control of HER PC. "How you dare patronize me like that!", she said. Fair enough, said I, and left.

Just a tidbit of further proof that the biggest liability in security almost always is the 200 pounds of lard sitting between the chair and the keyboard.

EDIT: I also forgot to mention that she runs Windows XP at 800x600 on a 19" LCD.

 

[Robor]

If she doesn't want to use your suggestions then let her clean up her malware problem next time.

 

[kamper]

Originally posted by: Noema
Just a tidbit of further proof that the biggest liability in security almost always is the 200 pounds of lard sitting between the chair and the keyboard.

:laugh: I was going to write more or less the same thing but you put it so much more offensively

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Noema
Just a tidbit of further proof that the biggest liability in security almost always is the 200 pounds of lard sitting between the chair and the keyboard.

:thumbsup:

 

[Atheus]

LOL, annoying aren't they, and next time there's a problem with the machine you can be sure she will claim it's your fault for doing whatever you did.

Originally posted by: Noema
"How you dare patronize me like that!", she said.

How dare you call me up to fix your PC for free! Again! Do you have any idea how much I would normally charge for a day's work? AAAAARRRRRG!

 

[fishbits]

If she doesn't want to use your suggestions then let her clean up her malware problem next time.

Amen. She's just an ass, she could have just said she'd consider a limited account even if she wasn't going to use it, out of courtesy to the guy that was helping her out. Ah well, since she's "smart enough" to get infested and "smart enough" to not be able to clean up the infestation, I'm sure she'll be just fine. Next time you hear she's having problems (won't be long), just tell your intermediary friend "Nah, she's just joking! No way a brilliant power-user like that could be having any issues."

 

[bolido2000]

Yeap...My GF sister's PC always had spyware problems. She has been using limited accounts since the last fresh install and no problems anymore. If she won't take your suggestions don't help her next time.

 

[apac]

Which is why my friends are used to paying me in beer for their PC repairs.

 

[dBTelos]

"Just a tidbit of further proof that the biggest liability in security almost always is the 200 pounds of lard sitting between the chair and the keyboard."

200 pounds is a bit large for a women isn't it? :Q

 

[Looney]

A limited account wouldn't have helped her much if you said most of the stuff was GAIN. She would have went into the admin account to install those screensavers, and GAIN would have still gotten into her system. A limited account helps for unintentional installation of stuff, like when you go to a website. But if you have a good AV, Windows Defender, and Firefox, you're well protected. I've had Windows Defender pop up more than a few times to warn me about a site.

 

[sandorski]

I refuse to use a Limited User account too. Just way to restrictive. Install Anti-Virus and Spyware software and be done with it.

 

[CorCentral]

Originally posted by: Atheus
LOL, annoying aren't they, and next time there's a problem with the machine you can be sure she will claim it's your fault for doing whatever you did.

Originally posted by: Noema
"How you dare patronize me like that!", she said.

How dare you call me up to fix your PC for free! Again! Do you have any idea how much I would normally charge for a day's work? AAAAARRRRRG!

This is why I won't touch anyone's pc even thoug hthey beg me to help. I've narrowed it down to family only because of this.

My question to people: Do you know how to use a computer?
Yea', I have a computer and I'm very good with it!

The line that usually goes through my head after I ask the question........
I own a computer but have no clue on how to use it other than my MSN or cheap Google searches for other chat rooms I can join.

**LMAO** :roll:

 

[xgsound]

Next time tell her you're busy, but you've heard "Geek Squad" does that kind of work now. I wouldn't go so far as to suggest it to her though, that would be a little too rotten.


Jim

 

[Barfo]

you charged her for cleaning her machine right?