Was my computer hacked?

[JE78]

I usualy check my computer twice a day for changes, once in the morning and once at night. I run msconfig, and check the add/remove programs list. Today I ran msconfig and had 4 new programs added to the startup list. I checked the task manager and had a bunch of new programs running. Well I removed all the prgrams and and then got to wondering why my virus program didn't pick anything up. I use BitDefender 8 Professional Plus. It has its own firewall in it and its always on. I went and checked it and the firewall and virus shield were disabled. I know I didn't do it so was I hacked into? Anyway, this is the first time since I reformated my drive that I had a problem like this. Could someone give me some advice or programs to help prevent something like this again? Thanks.

 

[corkyg]

I know I didn't do it so was I hacked into? Anyway, this is the first time since I reformated my drive that I had a problem like this. Could someone give me some advice or programs to help prevent something like this again? Thanks.

Sounds like you were either hacked or you picked up a Trojan somewhere along the way. In addition to your AV, suggest a good firewall program and an anti spyware one. Try Microsoft's freebies now available in this area.

 

[JE78]

thanks, i've heard good things about ZoneAlarm. Would that be worth looking into?

 

[Jon855]

I personally own a ZoneAlarm Pro, it's very great, it's nice to have. And in addition I would reccomend that you dl both Spyware SE and Adware SE to prevent some possible changes in your msconfig settings.

 

[JE78]

Thanks, will look into both of them I looked at ZA once but didn't think I would need it because BitDefender already had a firewall program on it. Would I need to disable the firewall on that if I was to get ZA?

 

[JE78]

I'm trying out ZA now, should I disable my firewall in BitDefender???

 

[Jeff7]

Probably spyware. I don't know that crackers will plant software, as that involves uploading files to your PC, and then editing the registry to load the files automatically. Crackers probably are out for either financial info, credit card numbers, passwords, or else just random destruction.


Ah, here it is; I have a text file on my PC with my usual advice:

Adaware
Spybot
Standalone version of CWShredder.

Download them. Update them. Run them.

 

[mechBgon]

Many worms and Trojans will take down your firewall and/or antivirus software. Try heading over to Antisource.com and they have a link to about a half-dozen free online antivirus scanners on the left side. Get a second and third opinion on the virus aspect. Or try this. Set real-time and on-demand scanners to Maximum, hit Configure Updater and specify "From Internet, extended databases."

 

[JE78]

Thanks guys, I have Ad-aware and Spybot and used CWShredder a few times before I formatted my computer, had a really bad start page virus that I couldn't get rid of. I'm using ZA now, and it seems to be working well. I'm just not sure if I should turn off the firewall that BitDefender has on it or if I should let that one run and ZA? Any input would be great. Thanks.

 

[mechBgon]

Two software firewalls at the same time might make your computer .

 

[JE78]

Thanks, that was my thought exactly.