Getting rid of TDSS/TDL/Alureon virus.

[captainwaffles]

Hi. A couple months back, my computer was infected with a TDSS/TDL/Alureon Trojan (at least, that is the information I received in an email from my University's information security department). I backed up my files on an external hard drive, changed my passwords, and disconnected it from the internet and I have not touched it since. I've been using a different computer since then. However, I recently was able to purchase a Windows 7 install disc. I re-installed Windows 7 and did the hard drive format included in the install process on the infected computer. Is this enough to get rid of this virus? If not, how do I get rid of it? I'd like to switch back to my main computer.

[screen317]

Hi and welcome to Malwarebytes.

If you did fully format the hard drive then you should be fine. Just make sure you're protected for the future. Here's my standard prevention speech:

I highly recommend the PRO version of MBAM; with it, it's likely that this issue would have been prevented in the first place.

Now that your computer seems to be in proper working order, please take the following steps to help prevent reinfection:

1) Download and install Javacool's SpywareBlaster, which will prevent malware from being installed on your computer. A tutorial on it can be found here.

2) Go to Windows Update frequently to get all of the latest updates (security or otherwise) for Windows.

3) Make sure your programs are up to date! Older versions may contain security risks. To find out what programs need to be updated, please run Secunia's Software Inspector.

4) WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:

• Green to go
  
• Yellow for caution
  
• Red to stop
  

WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE.

5) Be sure to update your Antivirus and Antispyware programs often!

Finally, please also take the time to read Tony Klein's excellent article on: So How Did I Get Infected in the First Place?

Safe surfing,

-screen317

[screen317]

Glad we could help.

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