why is my computer constantly getting Malware/Spyware? (detailed info in the message)?

Question

I own a Gateway computer that is roughly 3 years old. About 1 year ago I started having problems with spyware/malware appearing. Also it should be known that I use this computer for is work and personal use. I DO NOT browse any adult websites whatsoever. I mainly browse mainstream websites (news, sports, etc.) as well as some message board forums.

I have Avira as my antivirus protection and for spyware I have spybot search and destroy and Adware. I run all 3 of those protection programs at least once every 2 weeks to scan for problems. However, despite having all of this protection it doesn't matter because at least once every 3-6 months my computer gets completely infected with malware or some other type of spyware. I am forced to do complete system restores at least 2-3 times a year now.

Again, like I mentioned above I do not browse adult sites so I am clueless as to how my computer is constantly getting infected. Could I possibly be picking them up from message board forums that I go to? I RARELY download anything and if I do it is usually image files for my small business. Any help is appreciated as to what more I can do to prevent malware attacks or any idea as to what could be the cause. Thanks

Answer 1

Remember to always keep Windows updated. Even if you think, "Oh, I don't need that little update right now. I'll do it later." you still gotta do it. There's a reason Microsoft created this update.



Secondly, you seen to be doing a good job on keeping up with your scans, but I would recommend you scan once a week, or heck, if you're like me, I scan daily.

Also, I'm not a big fan of Spybot S&D or Adaware, what I like to use is Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware.

A little note I would like to add:

Do not scan all at once. Do it one scan at a time. That's like having two doctors trying to examine you, they'll get just in each other's way.



Something that can really help you is a firewall. The one Windows already provides is... okay to say the least, but I would tell you to get a better firewall. My recommendation is Comodo Firewall.



Another good thing to do is clean our your unneeded things. I would recommend CCleaner which will get rid of your temporary files, cookies, and all those unneeded things.



Simple things like these will keep your computer in wonderful shape.



Also, I would like to add that doing a system restore should be the very last resort when you have malware infected on your computer. Take all the steps to try to remove them before you do a system restore.

Answer 2

Malware and Spyware doesn't all come from adult websites. It can be websites that seem safe but are not. Some websites could be infected with malware and it could tell you that you have a virus then it runs a full scan on your computer but what it really does is infect your whole computer. Just watch out for those things.

Answer 3

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is an excellent free tool recommended by virtually all computer help websites. I also recommend it because it has removed several malware for me that other programs could not find. Just give it a try and don't forget to update the database before scanning.

Answer 4

adult websites arent the only websites that secretly install viruses. message board forums are a hacker heaven mainly because people may leave a link to some website they find helpfull. if you click on it, it can secretly install spyware, adware, malware onto your system. i would try some other security systems. norton is great, but i do have a feeling that when you install norton, alot of infected internet cookies get infected.

Answer 5

Hi



It is really important to keep your Windows updates up to date. They fix critical security flaws in Windows which otherwise let viruses and spyware infect your computer.



With an open security flaw you can get a virus just by being connected to the Internet and not browsing.



http://www.freebugfix.com has some great resources and other free antivirus solutions you can try if you are concerned about your current solution.

Answer 6

Not only the adults site have Mal-ware/Spyware, etc... Any page can have this. I think your problem is your anti-virus that not detect nothing. I use Norton 360. Is not cheap but, my computer is ok.





Change your anti-virus. And is your using the free Avira, those free anti-virus don't protect enough.

Answer 7

The main conduit into the system is the browser: and they all must be modified to curtail what's being requested, or you get all kinds of rubbish.

Which one do you use?



Alternately, if all you're doing is light browsing, you might consider a 'dual-boot' arrangement, with Linux as your primary 'on-line' system...saving you time and aggravation trying to keep Windows clean.

It's pretty easy, and free.

See how here: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing

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Note that Windows (post XP-SP2) has a satisfactory firewall. Those only stop unrequested packets: they DO NOT stop malware.

If the browser (or something behind the firewall already) requests a poisoned asset, it gets thru just fine, because it was cleared for entry.

See how those work in my earlier answer here; https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20140620055132AA9iyJM

Answer 8

question for you: in simple terms why are you working your laptop with none protection? Are you in simple terms too lazy to get this for your self and shield your kit? what's your subject? and extra extra,in case you have all those issues,then how do you be attentive to roughly it?

Answer 9

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html Try reading that, it might help.



Try using Malwarebytes too, it's better then the scanners you're using.

Answer 10

stop looking at porn.