PLEASE READ Site hacked (again)

[Michael W.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Thanks for the tip. I hope it is not as debilitating as the virus software the PCs run. The last PC I had, 3 years ago, took over 25 minutes just to boot up due to the McAfee stuff (always uploading/downloading stuff and scanning, etc.), and many times had to be forced closed (battery disconnected) as it would not shutdown from Windows mode. I came to think the virus software was probably worse than most viruses about slowing down your computer. That's what I like about the MacBook, it boots up in 1 minute and shuts down just as fast.

Macafee is one of the worst for the reasons you mention. Try AVG (free) or MalwareBytes (free). Does not inhibit normal operation at all- you wouldn't know they're operating till they find something nasty.

[Bill C.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

I just installed Avast free antivirus for my Mac.
Is this software good to use for my Mac?

[Kevin G.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Apparently you are correct! An all apple MAC household....

Here is a copy of an email I just received..............

And I fix this how? Please speak in english, for us computer dummies?

Dear XFINITY Customer, XFINITY identified one or more of your computers may be infected with a bot. You might have already seen an Alert from XFINITY informing you about bot activity. We strongly recommend you take action to remove malicious software from your computers. We appreciate your prompt attention to this important security notice. Sincerely, Constant Guard from XFINITY Regards

[Rick A.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Bill,

Avast is another good FREE AV program for both Micros*** and Mac systems. But as I mentioned, if you have configured your firewall rules correctly, really NO NEED to run separate AV software. There is inherent within the Mac firewall an AV software that constantly runs in the background.

[Rick A.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Kevin,

Glad to see Comcast actually alerted - never had an alert when I was with them

[Michael W.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

The link in your message provides the answer:

Do It Yourself

I Want To Fix It Follow self-guided instructions for help removing bots and malicious software:

1. Update Java and Flash
2. Check your Operating System
3. Validate or Download Security Software
4. Get a Malware Removal Tool
5. Add Advanced Software Protection

or:


Professional Virus Removal

Fix It For Me Get virus removal and security support from trained tech experts.

• 24/7 Virus Removal Support
• North America-Based Tech Experts
• Live Remote or On-Site Support
• Fast, Convenient Expert Help

but that costs money.

Apparently you are correct! An all apple MAC household....

Here is a copy of an email I just received..............

And I fix this how? Please speak in english, for us computer dummies?

Constant Guard™ Alert

Dear XFINITY Customer, XFINITY identified one or more of your computers may be infected with a bot. You might have already seen an Alert from XFINITY informing you about bot activity. We strongly recommend you take action to remove malicious software from your computers. We appreciate your prompt attention to this important security notice. Sincerely, Constant Guard from XFINITY Regards

[Kevin G.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Thanks Mike, But that one was no good with Chrome as my browser, 16 vs 32 something? I downloaded Avast and running a scan now.

[Rick A.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Kevin and all youse other Mac users,

Check the following link for "The Safe Mac - Mac Malware Guide" - although a little dated, really very objective and straight-forward discussion on Malware on the Mac OS

http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

[Dick W.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Macafee is one of the worst for the reasons you mention. Try AVG (free) or MalwareBytes (free). Does not inhibit normal operation at all- you wouldn't know they're operating till they find something nasty.

Microsoft also has a good program, Windows Defender. That is all I have run for the last several years and have had no problems.

[Bill C.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Rick
Thank you for your interest and reply. I am a computer dummy.I left the PC world
and went to a Mac. I have never had a problem. As I was reading this thread I was getting concerned
I had a virus; but all is good. I guess I will leave the Avast in the system anyway.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

Once with a MAC, you'll never go back.

A word of caution, when Apple went to the intel chip, their OS became little more at risk.

[Paul O.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

I run Superantispyware ( along with other protection ) they have a pay or free version. Also they have a portable 1 to load on a DVD, stick or any memory device so in case of a virus or spyware will not allowing your anti-virus to run this will as the virus does not see it a a anti-spyware or anti-virus. Fixed several computers with the portable.

[Grahame M.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

I also run a mac household and no longer appear to have this problem. In addition to this, please also ensure your wireless, fixed Internet routers and PC firewalls are set to maximum security.
cheers
Grahame

[Paul O.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

One other thing a few years ago the wife had opened an email that allowed someone to change the DNS in our router. You would log into any site and all kinds windows would open. Did some research online and found an outfit called OPENDNS here is their web site http://www.opendns.com/ have had zero router problems since. This was a rare problem back then but now who knows how wide spread it is. Change the DNS in our router to a safe one they suggested to use they also have many other features for router help. As Grahame has said above it now just not the computer anymore.

[Rick A.]

Re: Site hacked (again)

While you are at it, IF you use your cell phone and tablet to access this web site - make sure they are also up-to-date! Remember, they are also computers!