Ex-Wife's Computer Hacked...

[Ken73]

Oh, and once the machine is rebuilt, make sure you set it to automatically download and install patches!

 

[dan ny escarpment]

aeroadmin.com advertises "Aeroadmin - zero configuration free remote desktop software. Use it for quick and easy remote desktop access and PC control" so safe to say the machine has been compromised when the aero admin was installed by "Bob" from "microsoft" in India. Also, McAfee is rating that ip with 59.162.178.227 - IP - McAfee Labs Threat Center medium web risk.

In addition to the great advice above, once restored I would get some form of anti virus/anti malware protection installed and configured for updates.

 

[Mace Canute]

I don't know why people insist on using their browsers outside of a "sandbox". Install Sandboxie and always run your browsers inside that.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

In addition to the great advice above, once restored I would get some form of anti virus/anti malware protection installed and configured for updates.

Free from Microsoft:

Windows Essentials - for use through Windoze 7
Windows Defender - for use with Windoze 8

 

[cdaigle430]

I work as a Windows System Admin for one of the largest banks in the world so let me chime in on sound advice on computing online.


Sounds like the iYogi scam call. She was scammed for sure-NEVER let anyone call you to tell you have a computer problem or a virus. Glad she changed her passwords because thats the first and smartest thing you can do.

Never store passwords on computer at least unencrypted. If your strapped for cash download a free AV in the least. I have been using AVAST! Free AV on all my computers and smart phones for 15 years now and it really does work better than any other free AV out there, tried them all.

Change password every 90 days if you can. Backup all your essential data on an external drive or CD\DVD and lock it in a safe (more of a disaster recovery prevention but also keeps clean data in the event of a hack\worm or visus).

Keep your home router locked-never leave it opened to public-in fact hide it all together (from broadcasting SSID)

Take advantage of online security sights new security features like secret questions etc. Even if they hack you and get your secret answer you will at least get notified that you changed your workstation or device by email.
Hotmail, yahoo, gmail offer free email so always carry at least two-one for play(make sure email name has nothing to do with your name or lacation) and the other for family communication etc.

There are more security measures like free Spybot, Adaware programs but staying diligent in websites you visit and never allowing anyone into you computer or device is the key to less headache later on.

 

[boggen]

ughs another "microsoft blah blah techsupport call" hoax!!! and scam!!!

not setting at correct pc that has my various "family ware" stuff for cleaning up family member computers right off hand.

spybot search and destroy from... what is it safernetworking.org free version. tends to pull up a lot of extra crud, that "task manager" and file explorer does not show.
--be carefull other companies / scams out there, that list there app as "spybot search and destroy" ya want from safernetworking.org

i don't remember the other program right off, it is a fairly small program. ya download latest version, and run it, and it will make some log files of all the various info on your computer. most tech forums ask for the log to be posted to a forum thread. so they can see it.

i run "avg internet security" so i can get antivirius app and a cheap firewall program. that prompts me when ever something wants to connect to internet. that prompting of the internet firewall software has saved me a couple times from a virus.

hijackthis is the program i was thinking of. right off hand i don't remember correct main website, to grab it from.

 

[xzcVAbc5]

Might not hurt to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-malware free version and do a full scan.

 

[KubotainNH]

I like Malwarebytes and Superantispyware, they seem to find different things but may not find that sort of program. Only download programs from the manufacturer or someone like Cnet. If nothing much on the PC then restore it using the HP recovery tool. Usually you can get it by hitting something like F11 when it first powers on.

How do I RESTORE my system to the original factory settings - HP Support Forum - 50113

 

[PhysAssist]

ughs another "microsoft blah blah techsupport call" hoax!!! and scam!!!

not setting at correct pc that has my various "family ware" stuff for cleaning up family member computers right off hand.

spybot search and destroy from... what is it safernetworking.org free version. tends to pull up a lot of extra crud, that "task manager" and file explorer does not show.
--be carefull other companies / scams out there, that list there app as "spybot search and destroy" ya want from safernetworking.org

i don't remember the other program right off, it is a fairly small program. ya download latest version, and run it, and it will make some log files of all the various info on your computer. most tech forums ask for the log to be posted to a forum thread. so they can see it.

i run "avg internet security" so i can get antivirius app and a cheap firewall program. that prompts me when ever something wants to connect to internet. that prompting of the internet firewall software has saved me a couple times from a virus.

It prolly stinger you're thinkin of...

Here is a McAfee source page for it:
https://community.mcafee.com/docs/DOC-2168

Good luck
T

 

[PhysAssist]

I like Malwarebytes and Superantispyware, they seem to find different things but may not find that sort of program. Only download programs from the manufacturer or someone like Cnet. If nothing much on the PC then restore it using the HP recovery tool. Usually you can get it by hitting something like F11 when it first powers on.

How do I RESTORE my system to the original factory settings - HP Support Forum - 50113

A decent and usually updated place with both good information and comprehensive links to some of the best antiviral and antimalware resources is:

Security Tango?

The web site of a local NPR IT/Computer Guru Nick Francesco.

T