System Fix - How did I get it ?

[ferrux]

Hi there,

recently I got a lor scared by system fix and thanks to MBAM I got out of the nightmare.

I keep on asking me how I could get it, apart from the usual common phrases I am aware enough when I surf the web,

however I would like to know from your what are usual typical vehicles for this 'Sfix' infection,

thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Regards :-)

Ferrux

[David H. Lipman]

Did you see So how did I get infected in the first place? If not, please do.

It is extremely hard to determine the exact cause of some infection. Examining logs, browser history, anti malware scan logs, etc. may shed some light but is only occasionally indicative.

We can talk in generalities and common causes whivh may/may not be the root of your problem.

What is the most usual source of infection is what's called the vulnerability exploitation vector. In simple terms that means there is an unpatched vulnerability, software bug, that when it is exploited software is installed without your knowledge and approval. Often tied what's known as a "buffer overflow with an elevation of privileges". In short what that means is when the vulnerability is successfully exploited a condition is created where a process has the "access level permission" to install software even under a limited user account. That is when a user does not have the "access level permission" to install a program and has to be a computer administrator.

Most people know about their Operating System getting updates and patches but they fail to do is m ake sure all applications, programs and utilities are properly updated and patched. Some programs notable to be on the list...

iTunes/Quicktime

Oracle Java

PDF viewers (Adobe, FoxIt, etc)

RealAudio

I can't state that is your case, but, there is a high probabilty.