Solved Browser Pop-Ups and Malware

[GK-Mike]

...and the ESET log:

C:\Users\Mike Bailey.WilliamBailey\Downloads\syncios.exe Win32/OpenCandy potentially unsafe application deleted - quarantined

 

[Broni]

Update Firefox to the current 32.0.2 version.

Update Thunderbird to the current 31.1.1 version.

Update Adobe Flash Player: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Make sure you UN-check Yes, install McAfee Security Scan Plus

NOTE 1: Beginning with Adobe Flash Version 11.3, the universal installer includes the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Flash Player.
NOTE 2: While installing make sure you UN-check any extra garbage which wants to install alongside.

====================================

Your computer is clean

1. This step will remove all cleaning tools we used, it'll reset restore points (so you won't get reinfected by accidentally using some older restore point) and it'll make some other minor adjustments...
This is a very crucial step so make sure you don't skip it.
Download

DelFix by Xplode to your desktop. Delfix will delete all the used tools and logfiles.

Double-click Delfix.exe to start the tool.
Make sure the following items are checked:

• Activate UAC (optional; some users prefer to keep it off)
• Remove disinfection tools
• Create registry backup
• Purge System Restore
• Reset system settings

Now click "Run" and wait patiently.
Once finished a logfile will be created. You don't have to attach it to your next reply.

2. Make sure Windows Updates are current.

3. If any trojans, rootkits or bootkits were listed among your infection(s), make sure, you change all of your on-line important passwords (bank account(s), secured web sites, etc.) immediately!

4. Check if your browser plugins are up to date.
Firefox - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
other browsers: https://browsercheck.qualys.com/ (click on "Launch a quick scan now" link)

5. Download, and install WOT (Web OF Trust): http://www.mywot.com/. It'll warn you (in most cases) about dangerous web sites.

6. Run Malwarebytes "Quick scan" once in a while to assure safety of your computer.

7. Run Temporary File Cleaner (TFC), AdwCleaner and Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) weekly (you need to redownload these tools since they were removed by DelFix).

8. Download and install Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI): https://www.techspot.com/downloads/4898-secunia-personal-software-inspector-psi.html. The Secunia PSI is a FREE security tool designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks. Run it weekly.

9. (optional) If you want to keep all your programs up to date, download and install FileHippo Update Checker.
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases.

10. When installing\updating ANY program, make sure you always select "Custom " installation, so you can UN-check any possible "drive-by-install" (foistware), like toolbars etc., which may try to install along with the legitimate program. Do NOT click "Next" button without looking at any given page.

11. Read:
How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html
Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/keep-your-computer-safe-online/
About those Toolbars and Add-ons - Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) which change your browser settings: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/for...curity-questions-best-practices/#entry3187642

12. Please, let me know, how your computer is doing.

 

[GK-Mike]

Thanks so much for your help Broni

I've dealt with the updates (removed Thunderbird as I'm not using it and also removed Flash Player 10 as I don't need it) and run DelFix. All good. QualSys tells me my Opera browser and plugins are up to date. I'll work through IE, Firefox and Chrome which I only use if I encounter compatibility issues.

Just about to download WOT. So, hopefully, that's that.

Having read the articles you suggested, I'm still none the wiser where I picked up the infection. Very unlikely to be my email as I'm meticulous about spam - but who knows.

Thus far, the PC is behaving normally. Certainly no pop-ups since starting the disinfection - an excellent result. No evidence of any processor spikes either which is good news.

Thanks again
Mike

 

[Broni]

Way to go!!
Good luck and stay safe