hijacked by GIMMEANSWERS and now SCOUR - help!

[CALLALILY]

Malware scan did not detect anything, however, I am continually redirected to GIMMEANSWERS and SCOUR. Copy of my scan is below. I saw previous help when a DDS log was posted - how do I find this? Thanks in advance for any/all suggestions!

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1.1000

www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.02.03.05

Windows 7 x64 NTFS

Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385

dee :: TOUCHSMART [administrator]

2012-02-03 8:32:31 AM

mbam-log-2012-02-03 (08-32-31).txt

Scan type: Full scan

Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM

Scan options disabled: P2P

Objects scanned: 347600

Time elapsed: 1 hour(s), 33 minute(s), 43 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 0

(No malicious items detected)

(end)

[Elise]

Hello and

We need to see some information about what is happening in your machine. Please perform the following scan:

• Download DDS by sUBs from one of the following links. Save it to your desktop.
  • DDS.scr
    
  • DDS.pif
    

  [*]Double click on the DDS icon, allow it to run.

  [*]A small box will open, with an explaination about the tool. No input is needed, the scan is running.

  [*]Notepad will open with the results.

  [*]Follow the instructions that pop up for posting the results.

  [*]Close the program window, and delete the program from your desktop.

Please note: You may have to disable any script protection running if the scan fails to run. After downloading the tool, disconnect from the internet and disable all antivirus protection. Run the scan, enable your A/V and reconnect to the internet.

Information on A/V control HERE

[CALLALILY]

Hi Elise,

Because the computer is new, someone suggested restoring to factory settings - which we did. The problem hasn't recurred - hopefully, we have solved the issue.

If you (or anyone) knows if this virus could have survived the restoration - please advise and we will follow the above protocol!!

CL

[CALLALILY]

And thanks very much for your suggestion Elise!

[Elise]

Without seeing more information if it hard to say what malware you were dealing with. I will however include some general prevention information for you.

Please read these advices, in order to prevent reinfecting your PC:

1. Install and update the following programs regularly:
   • an outbound firewall. If you are connected to the internet through a router, you are already behind a hardware firewall and as such you do not need an extra software firewall.
     A comprehensive tutorial and a list of possible firewalls can be found here.
     
   • an AntiVirus Software
     It is imperative that you update your AntiVirus Software on regular basis.If you do not update your AntiVirus Software then it will not be able to catch the latest threats.
     
   • an Anti-Spyware program
     Malware Byte's Anti Malware is an excellent Anti-Spyware scanner. It's scan times are usually under ten minutes, and has excellent detection and removal rates.
     SUPERAntiSpyware is another good scanner with high detection and removal rates.
     Both programs are free for non commercial home use but provide a resident and do not nag if you purchase the paid versions.
     
   • Spyware Blaster
     A tutorial for Spywareblaster can be found here. If you wish, the commercial version provides automatic updating.
     

[*]Keep Windows (and your other Microsoft software) up to date!

I cannot stress how important this is enough. Often holes are found in Internet Explorer or Windows itself that require patching. Sometimes these holes will allow an attacker unrestricted access to your computer.

Therefore, please, visit the Microsoft Update Website and follow the on screen instructions to setup Microsoft Update. Also follow the instructions to update your system. Please REBOOT and repeat this process until there are no more updates to install!!

[*]Keep your other software up to date as well

Software does not need to be made by Microsoft to be insecure. You can use the Secunia Online Software occasionally to help you check for out of date software on yourmachine.

[*]Stay up to date!

The MOST IMPORTANT part of any security setup is keeping the software up to date. Malware writers release new variants every single day. If your software updates don't keep up, then the malware will always be one step ahead. Not a good thing.

Some more links you might find of interest:

• Miekies' prevention suggestions
  
• So How did I get infected?
  
• Microsoft - 'Security at home'
  
• Calendar of Updates: See which updates have been released.
  
• How to backup your Data with Cobian Backup:because you never know, when your harddisk might fail :wink:
  
• Commonly Used Freeware Replacements: a nice list of freeware programs in all categories, that are regarded as useful by the users of this forum.
  
• osalt: Find (free) open source alternatives to known commercial software.

Please reply to this topic if you have read the above information. If your computer is working fine, this topic will be closed afterwards.

[CALLALILY]

Everything is working fine now... thanks!

[Elise]

Glad to hear that!

I will request this topic to be closed.

[Maurice Naggar]

Glad we could help.

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!