Vosteran got me!

[LaurenC]

Mind you, I have avg on my computer. I was cruising on the internet and downloaded a new "update" for flash i ended up getting vosteran. I followed all of the rules from websites but I still missed something, I tried to download spyhunter (i believe thats the name) and every time it hit 14% it froze my computer, I restarted my computer more than 5 times and tried to get rid of it (i uninstalled it too) so im factory restoring it and as soon as it starts up im downloading malwarebytes, this is stressful having it on my computer. Can anyone help me, please!

[LiquidTension]

Hello, 
 

so im factory restoring

Factory restoring will revert your computer back to the state it was when you first switched the machine on. 
This will remove Vosteran, as well as any other malware. 
 
With this in mind - what would you like assistance with? Factory restoring?

[LaurenC]

Nothing quite yet, but I wanted to make sure restoring it would get rid of it. I read online somewhere that even restoring it might not get rid of it.. any tips on how to prevent malware?

[LiquidTension]

Hello, 

 

Vosteran is a browser hijacker, and not a particularly serious infection.
In most cases, a factory restore will remove all malware, including serious infections such as rootkits. So this certainly guarantees removal of Vosteran. 
 

any tips on how to prevent malware? 

In terms of prevention; you, the end-user is the greatest defence. Practicing safe surfing and hex is of the utmost importance. I have compiled below a list of resources that go into this further. The articles document information on computer security, common infection vectors and how you can stay safe on the Internet.

• Answers to common security questions - Best Practices by quietman7, MVP
• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected? by quietman7, MVP
• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet by Lawrence Abrams, MVP
• How to Prevent Malware by miekiemoes, MVP
• How to backup and restore your data using Cobian Backup by YourHighness
• Slow Computer/browser? It May Not Be Malware by quietman7, MVP
   

The following programmes come highly recommended in the security community.

•  AdBlock is a browser add-on that blocks annoying banners, pop-ups and video ads.
• CryptoPrevent places policy restrictions on loading points for ransomware (eg. CryptoWall), helping prevent the execution of malware. 
•  Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit (MBAE) is designed to prevent zero-day malware from exploiting vulnerable software.
•  Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium (MBAM) works in real-time along side your Anti-Virus to prevent malware execution.
•  NoScript is a Firefox add-on that blocks the actions of malicious scripts by using whitelisting and other technology. 
•  Sandboxie isolates programmes of your choice, preventing files from being written to your HDD unless approved by you. 
•  Secunia PSI will scan your computer for vulnerable software that is outdated, and automatically find the latest update for you.
•  SpywareBlaster is a form of passive protection, designed to block the actions of malicious websites and tracking cookies.
•  Unchecky automatically removes checkmarks for bunlded software in programme installers; helping you avoid adware and PUPs. 
•  Web of Trust (WOT) is a browser add-on designed to alert you before interacting with a potentially malicious website. 

[LaurenC]

Wow thank you!

[LiquidTension]

You're welcome.

 

Please let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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