Attention!
In the recent months there has been an epidemic of spyware / adware found on many of our customer’s machines. This software has caused countless problems and has cost our customers a great deal of frustration and money. As a response Kinn Computers is issuing the following advice for the general computing public.
What are spyware / adware programs?
Spyware / adware is a general term used for software either primarily developed for or parts of software attached to programs to monitor the actions of the computer it is installed on. Spyware / adware is also known for causing a large number of pop-ups, are a gateway for some viruses, cause errors and affect the overall operation of computers dependant on the software.
**Microsoft Scam**
BBB alerts residents to Microsoft tech support scam
Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to a phone scam in which the caller claims to be from Microsoft. The caller offers to solve a consumer’s computer problems or sell him or her a software license, all in an effort to gain remote control access to the consumer’s computer.
Recently, several consumers called BBB to report they received a phone call from a “Microsoft employee” who told her he had recognized a virus on her computer.
From almost the instant one such phone conversation started, the consumer realized the call was not made with good intentions.
The man identified himself as being from Microsoft tech support and said he had identified that my computer had a virus the consumer said. The scammer then directed the consumer to go to her computer and proceeded to give directions to ‘get rid of the virus.’
Thankfully the consumer works with computers on a daily basis, realized almost immediately that the directions being given were the same steps she follows when her IT department needs full, remote access to her computer. The consumer did not allow the caller to proceed any further.
According to Microsoft, once these scammers have access to the computer they can install malicious software, steal personal information, take control of the computer remotely or direct consumers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card information.
Microsoft’s Online Safety and Security Centre states that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited phone calls.
Here are some of the organizations that cybercriminals claim to be from:
Windows Helpdesk
Windows Service Center
Microsoft Tech Support
Microsoft Support
Windows Technical Department Support Group
Microsoft Research and Development Team (Microsoft R & D Team
BBB advises consumers follow these tips to protect themselves from scammers attempting to access their computer:
Install virus detection. To help protect your computer from viruses make sure you have virus detection software installed on your computer. This software can also help identify if a virus appears on your computer
Don’t trust cold calls. Never give out personal information, over the phone, to someone you don’t know. If the caller claims there is a security threat to your computer, hang up and call your computer company directly
Call Kinn Computers at 570-356-2969
**FBI Virus Information**
There is a new “drive-by” virus on the Internet, and it often carries a fake message—and fine—purportedly from the FBI.
“We’re getting inundated with complaints,” said Donna Gregory of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), referring to the virus known as Reveton ransomware, which is designed to extort money from its victims.
Reveton is described as drive-by malware because unlike many viruses—which activate when users open a file or attachment—this one can install itself when users simply click on a compromised website. Once infected, the victim’s computer immediately locks, and the monitor displays a screen stating there has been a violation of federal law.
The bogus message goes on to say that the user’s Internet address was identified by the FBI or the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section as having been associated with child pornography sites or other illegal online activity. To unlock their machines, users are required to pay a fine using a prepaid money card service.
“Some people have actually paid the so-called fine,” said the IC3’s Gregory, who oversees a team of cyber crime subject matter experts. (The IC3 was established in 2000 as a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. It gives victims an easy way to report cyber crimes and provides law enforcement and regulatory agencies with a central referral system for complaints.)
“While browsing the Internet a window popped up with no way to close it,” one Reveton victim recently wrote to the IC3. “The window was labeled FBI and said I was in violation of one of the following: illegal use of downloaded media, under-age porn viewing, or computer-use negligence. It listed fines and penalties for each and directed me to pay $200 via a MoneyPak order. Instructions were given on how to load the card and make the payment. The page said if the demands were not met, criminal charges would be filed and my computer would remain locked on that screen.”
The Reveton virus, used by hackers in conjunction with Citadel malware—a software delivery platform that can disseminate various kinds of computer viruses—first came to the attention of the FBI in 2011. The IC3 issued a warning on its website in May 2012. Since that time, the virus has become more widespread in the United States and internationally. Some variants of Reveton can even turn on computer webcams and display the victim’s picture on the frozen screen.
The IC3 suggests the following if you become a victim of the Reveton virus:
Do not pay any money or provide any personal information.
Contact KINN COMPUTERS to remove Reveton and Citadel from your computer.
• Be aware that even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on your own, the malware may still operate in the background. Certain types of malware have been known to capture personal information such as user names, passwords, and credit card numbers through embedded keystroke logging programs.
• File a complaint and look for updates about the Reveton virus on the IC3 website
Do not browse unfamiliar websites that you think could be dangerous (sites could install spyware or hijack your browser without consent).
Do not install software or programs if you are not familiar with what or where the software comes from
If you have any questions regarding spyware / adware, trojans, viruses, plug-ins, programs, or software please feel free to email or call us at info@kinncomputers.com or 570-356-2969
