Major Computer Issue

[ASUCHRIS]

Went to do my banking online today, and randomly checked an unknown charge, called "Networking Solutions", for $100. I never authorized the charge, and it was made last Saturday, of which I am positive I made no $100 charges. My friend, who is somewhat good with computers, says that a $100 charge for networking solutions is ridiculously high, and I am worried that someone has access to either my credit card info or that I have a virus that allows someone to see my passwords. I ran a virus scan today, and did find a virus, but destroyed it. Any opinions on what to do, beyond contacting the credit card company? is this possibly a virus issue?

 

[CardinalMike]

Originally posted by ASUCHRIS
Went to do my banking online today, and randomly checked an unknown charge, called "Networking Solutions", for $100. I never authorized the charge, and it was made last Saturday, of which I am positive I made no $100 charges. My friend, who is somewhat good with computers, says that a $100 charge for networking solutions is ridiculously high, and I am worried that someone has access to either my credit card info or that I have a virus that allows someone to see my passwords. I ran a virus scan today, and did find a virus, but destroyed it. Any opinions on what to do, beyond contacting the credit card company? is this possibly a virus issue?

Network Solutions is the company who registers internet domain names. Anyways what virus did you have? If you did have a trojan where someone could grab your info then you will need to cancel the card and get a new one as well as completely format your HDD(s) and reinstall your OS just to be safe.

Cardinal Mike!!

 

[ASUCHRIS]

The virus was called W32.Nimda.A@mm. I ran a program, and it said it was deleted. Any thoughts on what it may be, or what to do?

 

[bratwurst]

here is more information on Nimda. You may want to download Symantec's removal tool to make sure that you have truly gotten rid of the entire infection. Deleting the virus itself may not fully rid the problem if it has made changes to your system registry.

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/[email protected]

 

[tommcnabb]

You have a firewall enabled?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Originally posted by tommcnabb
You have a firewall enabled?

No, I don't think so. That may be my first problem...

 

[bratwurst]

If you are connected to the net, you must at least install a decent anti virus program.

Thats tops even over a firewall.

 

[CardinalMike]

Zone Alarm from Zone Labs is your best bet for a free solid firewall.

Cardinal Mike!!

 

[ASUCHRIS]

First of all, thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it. Two questions:

Can you have a firewall with a local network?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of having a firewall? thanks for your help.

 

[Ryanwb]

Originally posted by ASUCHRIS
First of all, thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it. Two questions:

Can you have a firewall with a local network?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of having a firewall? thanks for your help.

Yes you can have a firewall with a local network. Any settings you make on your PC will effect that PC only. If you want a network firewall (that would effect all computers on a network) that is a whole'nother ball of wax

The advantages are simple....keep people from finding open TCP ports on your network connection. Many programs and devices on your computer use those ports to do specific things. The most common port is port 80, which is used to access the internet (basically).

I really can't think of any disadvantages of having a firewall. In today's world, you can't afford not to have one especially if you do your taxes online or keep any personal data on your PC. If you use dial up you are probably not at risk as much and you won't be paid attention to as much....but there are always risks

 

[vince56]

I'm still on dial-up, and I need a good firewall. Everytime my girlfriend surfs the internet I wind up with 2-3 new trojan viruses. Last week I removed 5 of them. I'm new to the firewall game... what are some decent & low cost ones out there?

 

[Chaz]

Originally posted by vince56
I'm still on dial-up, and I need a good firewall. Everytime my girlfriend surfs the internet I wind up with 2-3 new trojan viruses. Last week I removed 5 of them. I'm new to the firewall game... what are some decent & low cost ones out there?

Vince 3 things.

Firewall - ZoneAlarm from zone labs. I think the basic one is still free. They will try to get you to buy the $29 pro version. Basic is fine unless you know pro has some feature you need.

Anti-Virus - I like Symantec/Norton not McAfee. Gris-soft has a free one that I hear is good.

Spyware removal - SpyBot S&D will scan, detect, and remove spyware and adware. A definate must.

Make sure Virus sigs and SpyBot are updated regularly.

Make sure your browser is updated regularly.

Good Luck

 

[vince56]

well I've got 2 out of 3. Norton AV works pretty well, and I've been using Ad Aware as well. I do need a firewall and thanks for the tip, I'll look into that one!

 

[O]

Spy Bot Search and Destroy is a lot more thorough then Ad Aware.
It finds things Ad Aware over looks. I highly recommend it.