Rootkits are a special kind of software tool used to hide trojans, viruses and other malware from your anti-virus scanner and other security products. Unfortunately, they are extremely effective which means that some of you reading this will be infected even though you believe your PC to be totally clean. Thankfully there is a new class of security product now available called rootkit detectors that use specialized techniques to detect these dangerous intruders. Most of these detectors require quite a bit of technical skill to interpret the results but two of the simplest to use are also amongst the most effective. The first is called Panda Anti-Rootkit . It's my top recommendation for average users because it not only good at detecting rootkits it also quite effective at removing them. As a bonus it's small and doesn't require installation though you do have register at the Panda website before you can download it. I suggest everyone download this product and scan their PC. The chances of you being infected are small but for five minutes work it's not worth taking the risk. Panda Anti-Rootkit will detect most rootkits missed by AV scanners but it can't provide perfect detection; no rootkit detector can. That's why I suggest you use more than one. For experienced users my top recommendation is GMER though you will need to read the documentation carefully before using this one. I like this product a lot but it's not for everyone. So if you are the type that simply likes to press the "scan" button then stick with Panda Anti-Rootkit.
Both these programs are small and quick. Protect yourself again the newest threat (Mebroot).
Update :
WEBROOT is a malicious program is a type of virus known as a rootkit and it tries to overwrite part of a computer's hard drive called the Master  Boot Record (MBR). This is where a computer looks when it is switched on for information about the operating system it will be running. Once installed the virus, dubbed Mebroot by Symantec, usually downloads other malicious programs, such as keyloggers, to do the work of stealing confidential information. Most of these associated programs lie in wait on a machine until its owner logs in to the online banking systems of one of more than 900 financial institutions. <<--
Security firm iDefense said Mebroot was discovered in October but started to be used in a series of attacks in early December. Between 12 December and 7 January, iDefense detected more than 5,000 machines that had been infected with the program. Analysis of Mebroot has shown that it uses its hidden position on the MBR as a beachhead so it can re-install these associated programs if they are deleted by anti-virus software. Mebroot cannot be removed while a computer is running in normal mode (the virus reload's itself). Reboot and come up in the safe mode. GMER has produced a utility that will scan and remove the stealthy program. It is advised to run this program in safe mode. We like this product a lot but it's not for everyone. So if you are the type that simply likes to press the "scan" button then stick with Panda Anti-Rootkit. Please Note : The OS9USER News Room does not recommend that you do Online Banking. Never put your confidential information in your computer, and you will never have to worry ! Labels: breaking news os9user panda anti rootkit trojans virus malware scanner security detect gmer Mebroot
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