Software Alert

Vista Security Cleaner Pro if you see this software or something that says it will improve your computer's security - RUN!

According to Microsoft, it's a rogue program that can only be removed by going into your register.

So far, it's corrupted my Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome browsers.

Microsoft says they can connect to your PC and remove it - for $99!

It does not list itself anywhere in your software list so you can uninstall it.

Anyone with tech savvy tell me how to get it out of my system?

longknife said:

Vista Security Cleaner Pro if you see this software or something that says it will improve your computer's security - RUN!

According to Microsoft, it's a rogue program that can only be removed by going into your register.

So far, it's corrupted my Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome browsers.

Microsoft says they can connect to your PC and remove it - for $99!

It does not list itself anywhere in your software list so you can uninstall it.

Anyone with tech savvy tell me how to get it out of my system?

Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds a lot like the old "PC Power Speed" Trojan Horse. It took me a couple of hours with tech support to get rid of that one.
Any idea where it came from? These things travel in emails sometimes. Beware of FedX emails in particular. The last one I got said "Fed X has your check" Yeah, right. Fed X phony emails have my virus is what they meant.

longknife said:

Vista Security Cleaner Pro if you see this software or something that says it will improve your computer's security - RUN!

According to Microsoft, it's a rogue program that can only be removed by going into your register.

So far, it's corrupted my Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome browsers.

Microsoft says they can connect to your PC and remove it - for $99!

It does not list itself anywhere in your software list so you can uninstall it.

Anyone with tech savvy tell me how to get it out of my system?

Click to expand...

Personally? I'd pay the $100. At least I know if I pay it that it's done right. And if it isn't? I can cancel the charge on my Visa.

Gads!!! Whoever does this **** oughta' be buried in an ant hill. Your unfortunate experience should remind all of us never ever to run something offered for free or trial unless one trusts the source.

Dittohead not! said:

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds a lot like the old "PC Power Speed" Trojan Horse. It took me a couple of hours with tech support to get rid of that one.
Any idea where it came from? These things travel in emails sometimes. Beware of FedX emails in particular. The last one I got said "Fed X has your check" Yeah, right. Fed X phony emails have my virus is what they meant.

Click to expand...

I have absolutely no idea! Started my usual daily browsing with everything fine.

Then got a message on my screen indicating an update of software required I restart my computer. I did and the d****d piece of s**t was there!

longknife said:

I have absolutely no idea! Started my usual daily browsing with everything fine.

Then got a message on my screen indicating an update of software required I restart my computer. I did and the d****d piece of s**t was there!

Click to expand...

It most likely came from a rogue email. Never open any email if you don't know who sent it.

I received one from an email purporting to be from FedX, which really looked legit. Gave me PC Power Speed. I got another one and foolishly opened it, too, but my virus software blocked it, thank goodness. Fool me twice, well shame on me. I got a third one that said Fed X had my check, and dumped it in the trash PDQ. Fool me a third time, I don't think so.

Oh, and unless you're way, way, more computer literate and familiar with Windows t an I am, you're going to need professional help for this one.

longknife said:

Vista Security Cleaner Pro if you see this software or something that says it will improve your computer's security - RUN!

According to Microsoft, it's a rogue program that can only be removed by going into your register.

So far, it's corrupted my Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome browsers.

Microsoft says they can connect to your PC and remove it - for $99!

It does not list itself anywhere in your software list so you can uninstall it.

Anyone with tech savvy tell me how to get it out of my system?

Click to expand...

If its anything like those fake anti-virus or fake anti-spyware programs that block internet access or pop up every time you try to run one of your anti-virus programs you should be able to get rid of it yourself. boot into safemode with networking, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. install it let it run.If that don't work try the same thing with SUPERAntiSpyware.

Try going back to a restore point prior to the date you downloaded and installed the program.

You get any notices to update your java from any websites lately? That's the entry point for a lot of these trojans. The recent ones have a timer so the payload doesn't unfurl until you've rebooted. This is so you're unlikely to know the source of infection.

I swear in college everyone not a gamer or techie had one of these programs and tons of malware/spyware slowing their PC to a crawl w/ constant pop ups. "Something said I had a virus so I clicked it and installed this to remove it":doh

What websites are people going to where they're still getting this crap? Only newbies and idiots download porn anymore from shady sites, or pay for it. The streaming sites are great and safe, open them up w/ browser's incognito mode and no history. Downloading only from invite only, safe torrent sites or TRUSTED e-mails also helps. Ad-block too, though some criticize its effects on advertising.

I don't even bother w/ anti-virus except for on a work PC (to say that I do, like back ups), all my personal files/pictures/music are on the Google cloud now (Google Drive/Music/+) and all my games are either on Steam or have downloadable clients anyways. I keep my PC's pretty clean and organized, though I've never had a hard drive fail on me except for the CIH virus back in like the year 2000 that wiped mine out.

My advice, google the removal of that program. Someone somewhere has to have had the problem before and made a guide for others. That's what I do when removing the crap from someone's computer after:
- Uninstalling unwanted programs
- Deleting unwanted files, temp files
- Removing unwanted start up programs from registry, taskbar icon settings, start menu startup folder and googling every process in one's task manager.

clownboy said:

You get any notices to update your java from any websites lately? That's the entry point for a lot of these trojans. The recent ones have a timer so the payload doesn't unfurl until you've rebooted. This is so you're unlikely to know the source of infection.

Click to expand...

I get a java update notice at least once a week. Didn't know that they could have Trojans. Good to know. Now, I'll be sure to continue to ignore them.

I've been wondering just what Java was and why it had to be updated so often.

clownboy said:

You get any notices to update your java from any websites lately? That's the entry point for a lot of these trojans. The recent ones have a timer so the payload doesn't unfurl until you've rebooted. This is so you're unlikely to know the source of infection.

Click to expand...

That's exactly what happened!!!! I got a notice to update my Java. Right after, I was told to reboot the system.

By the way, every time I try to get to the restore point, the program pops up and blocks it!!!

This software appeared on my computer – completely unwanted – as part of a so-called update to Java.
It really messes things up and was driving me nuts.

However, I did a Google Search [Thanks Google!!!] and came up with the following website”
Remove Vista Security Cleaner Pro (Removal Guide) Explains what this program is and how to stop and even remove it!

Here are the registration codes used to get around the pay requirement. I starred the one that worked for me:

9443-077673-5028
3425-814615-3990 *****
2233-298080-3424
1147-175591-6550

I then followed the clear and easy [for me] instructions.

This guy is a lifesaver https://plus.google.com/108591632450697307603?prsrc=2

He also provides 2 other programs to further clean this and all sorts of malware from your computer

longknife said:

This software appeared on my computer – completely unwanted – as part of a so-called update to Java.
It really messes things up and was driving me nuts.

However, I did a Google Search [Thanks Google!!!] and came up with the following website”
Remove Vista Security Cleaner Pro (Removal Guide) Explains what this program is and how to stop and even remove it!

Here are the registration codes used to get around the pay requirement. I starred the one that worked for me:

9443-077673-5028
3425-814615-3990 *****
2233-298080-3424
1147-175591-6550

I then followed the clear and easy [for me] instructions.

This guy is a lifesaver https://plus.google.com/108591632450697307603?prsrc=2

He also provides 2 other programs to further clean this and all sorts of malware from your computer

Click to expand...

Good for you!! Glad it worked out. And was free!!

longknife said:

That's exactly what happened!!!! I got a notice to update my Java. Right after, I was told to reboot the system.

By the way, every time I try to get to the restore point, the program pops up and blocks it!!!

Click to expand...

Java can be dangerous to your computers health.


Alert (TA13-064A)
Oracle Java Contains Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: March 05, 2013


Systems Affected
Any system using Oracle Java 7, 6, 5 (1.7, 1.6, 1.5) including

•Java Platform Standard Edition 7 (Java SE 7)
•Java Platform Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 6)
•Java Platform Standard Edition 6 (Java SE 5)
•Java SE Development Kit (JDK 7)
•Java SE Development Kit (JDK 6)
•Java SE Development Kit (JDK 5)
•Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE 7)
•Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE 6)
•Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE 5)
•OpenJDK 6 and 6u
•IcedTea 1.x (IcedTea6 1.x)
All versions of Java 7 through update 15, Java 6 through update 41, and Java 5.0 through update 40 are affected. Web browsers using the Java 5, 6 or 7 plug-in are at high risk.

Overview
Oracle Java 7 update 15, Java 6 update 41, Java 5.0 update 40, and earlier versions of Java contain a vulnerability that can allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system.

Description
An arbitrary memory read and write vulnerability in the Java JVM process could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. An attacker could use social engineering techniques to entice a user to visit a link to a website hosting a malicious Java applet. An attacker could also compromise a legitimate website and upload a malicious Java applet (a "drive-by download" attack).

Any web browser using the Java 5, 6, or 7 plug-in is affected. The Java Deployment Toolkit plug-in and Java Web Start can also be used as attack vectors.

Reports indicate this vulnerability is being actively exploited, and exploit code is publicly available.

Further technical details are available in Vulnerability Note VU#688246.

Impact
By convincing a user to load a malicious Java applet or Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP) file, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system with the privileges of the Java plug-in process. Note that applications that use the Internet Explorer web-content-rendering components, such as Microsoft Office or Windows Desktop Search, may also be used as an attack vector for these vulnerabilities.

Solution
Update Java

Oracle Security Alert for CVE-2013-1493 states that Java 7 Update 17 (7u17) and and Java 6 Update 43 address this vulnerability (CVE-2013-1493) and a different but equally severe vulnerability (CVE-2013-0809).

Java 7 Update 17 sets the default Java security settings to "High" so that users will be prompted before running unsigned or self-signed Java applets.

Disable Java in Web Browsers

This and previous Java vulnerabilities have been widely targeted by attackers, and new Java vulnerabilities are likely to be discovered. To defend against these vulnerabilities, consider disabling Java in web browsers until adequate updates are available. As with any software, unnecessary features should be disabled or removed as appropriate for your environment.

Starting with Java 7 Update 10, it is possible to disable Java content in web browsers through the Java control panel applet. According to Setting the Security Level of the Java Client,

For installations where the highest level of security is required, it is possible to entirely prevent any Java apps (signed or unsigned) from running in a browser by de-selecting Enable Java content in the browser in the Java Control Panel under the Security tab.

If you are unable to update to Java 7 Update 10, see the solution section of Vulnerability Note VU#636312 for instructions on how to disable Java on a per-browser basis
Oracle Java Contains Multiple Vulnerabilities | US-CERT

Its not a java problem.. it is a user problem. These type of programs only get installed if the user has compromised their system at some time and/or pressed "yes" when they should have said no

one sure way to rid the pc of all viruses and malware

reformat the harddrive

mike2810 said:

one sure way to rid the pc of all viruses and malware

reformat the harddrive

Click to expand...

LOL! Yeah - but that is SUCH a PITA!

MoSurveyor said:

LOL! Yeah - but that is SUCH a PITA!

Click to expand...

yep, pretty drastic, but if you don't have a lot of programs to reload it at least takes the pc back to factory condition.:lol:

Had to clean my dell laptop a year ago. Was able to do a factory restore from a mirror image on the hard drive. The process formated the C partion of the drive, installed the factory software. the hassle was delete all the garbage trial programs and reinstalling the additional software. The real hassle was downloading all the microsoft updates again.

Alright right people listen up. If you pay money to have your computer fixed, pay it in person to the person or company doing the work. As far as I am concerned any of the remote computer fixing SCHEMES are just asking for trouble. If it were me I would first roll the operating system back in time before you got said virus. This presumes of course you make routine backups. If you don't make backups and you have valuable information on your computer, I have one question for you. Why the bloody hell not? If the operating system roll back doesn't work, then to a fresh install. If you have retail system chances are they have a system image on a partition and you can simply format the main partition and copy the image and the retail system will do it for you. If you made your computer then chances are you don't need my advice and you know how to do a clean install. If what you got is nasty enough to survive a format and clean install, the you need professional help or a new computer. Tip get a copy of your antivirus software and install it BEFORE you go online.

MaggieD said:

Personally? I'd pay the $100. At least I know if I pay it that it's done right. And if it isn't? I can cancel the charge on my Visa.

Gads!!! Whoever does this **** oughta' be buried in an ant hill. Your unfortunate experience should remind all of us never ever to run something offered for free or trial unless one trusts the source.

Click to expand...

Why the bloody hell would you pay the goofball who hijacked your computer?

PirateMk1 said:

Why the bloody hell would you pay the goofball who hijacked your computer?

Click to expand...

Lots of people do. The one I got claimed I had a zillion viruses, and the only way to get rid of them was to send them fifty bucks. People must fall for this, or they'd find a new scam.

Of course, when you give your credit card number to a crook, there's nothing to keep him from taking a lot more than the $50.

I want a delete key that will delete the scammer somehow, over the internet. Zap! You're deleted!

To prevent this sort of thing happening in the future, I recommend Secunia PSI. Use that and, if you get a notice from anywhere else that something needs to be updated, you should ignore that notice.