Endpoint Protection

I have gotten attacked by 3 fake antiviruses. The first, green AV. Second, AntiVirusXP. The third, Windows web security. I was surfing the web looking for sheet music on google. Suddenly, a window pops up saying "Your comp. is being attacked!". I've seen people with similar messages, saying it's at risk, but not attacked. I never knew about "Windows fake AV"'s at the time so I clicked scan. Now, this wasn't like any other malicious, misleading software because it doesn't ask to buy anything from them. When finished with it's scan (Which took no more than 3 seconds!!) it said I had 20 viruses, such as win.32.trojan.dropper or something similar which were real. It prompts you to remove these and again are prompted to download something like system_checkers_and random chars. I clicked run, believing it was from windows. As soon as I did, my Avast antivirus (which is not a big brand so it wasn't disabled) shouted "WARNING: THREAT DETECTED!!!" ,and presented this and the name of the file I just downloaded, in a window with a red background. It couldn't attach itself, luckily, I didn't pay attention to why.

Did anyone have my scary experience? I checked to see if it was still there with malwarebytes after my Avast got rid of it , and sure enough, it still was! Malwarebytes got rid of it, but how can I make sure it is gone for good and prevent it from happening again??

This is on Windows XP... If it helps...

Unfortunately, your experience is very common. The threat landscape has evolved into a complex battlefield. You need the latest weapons to fight these threats, I would consider switching your AV from Avast to Norton NIS 2011 or Norton 360 to get the best possible protection from today's modern threats.

Read more about these product at the following links.

http://us.norton.com/360/.

http://us.norton.com/internet-security/

BTW, Norton offers a tool that works like Malware Bytes. Check out the Norton Power Eraser next time you have to remove a threat from your system.

http://security.symantec.com/nbrt/npe.asp?lcid=1033&origin=default

Best,

Thomas

I would add to make sure you have all critical Windows system patches installed, and update any third party program that touches the web in any way (as a plugin, for example): Java, Adobe Reader, Quicktime, etc.  These things like to take advantage of vulnerabilities.

sandra

Actually, I would try to get a new antivirus such as Norton or McAfee, but I can't afford these items. Is there anything I need to do to get Malwarebytes to work as well, such as an update or something?

Malwarebytes is not Antivirus.

Malware bytes is designed for removing Malware, and note that not all Malware is caught by MBAM. You need a full  funtion Antivirus detection and removal product for protecting your PC. There are only a couple of free AV products out there that I Iwould use on my personal system, if I could not afford to buy something. Microsoft Security Essentials and a free version from AVG.

I hope this helps you.

Best,

Thomas

Microsoft  and AVG did help me, a lot. I found a few more files with these programs, after scanning it with malwarebytes (which found nothing...). Thanks!!!