Cleaning Your PC

This section provides links to tools to scan for Trojan horses, viruses, worms and malware. You can use any or all of the tools as long as you scan with at least one antivirus and anti-spyware. The quick scan tools, while convenient for removing infections, will not protect you from infections and should not be substituted for maintaining antivirus software on your personal computer.

Quick scans - Choose one of these quick scans to determine if your computer is infected.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
McAfee Stinger
Trend Macro Housecall
Symantec Online Scan
F-Secure Online Scan
BitDefender Online Scan

Step 1 - Choose one antivirus scan tool from the list

CA Internet Security 2010 - free to Road Runner subscribers
Kaspersky - 30-day free trial
AVG 30-day free trial or AVG Free Edition
Malwarebytes - free/pay
Avast! - free/pay
Microsoft Security Essentials - free to Microsoft Windows users
iAntivirus (Macintosh only) - free
Norton for Mac or Norton for Windows - pay
McAfee for Mac or McAfee for Windows - pay

Step 2 - Choose one anti-malware, spyware or adware program

Spybot Search and Destroy - free
Bazooka - free
AVG Anti-Spyware - trial
Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE - free/pay

Securing Your Computer

Once you have cleaned your computer, secure it to decrease the possibility of future infections.

Step 3 - Updates to Windows

If you use Windows Internet Explorer, download all critical security updates and service packs from Windows Updates. Critical updates fix or reduce security vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

Step 4 - Choose one firewall software from the list

CA Internet Security 2010 - free to Road Runner subscribers
Zone Alarm - free trial of the pro version.
Sunbelt Personal Firewall - free trial
Comodo Internet Security - free/pay

Step 5 - Choose one software update tool

Outdated programs on your computer leave your system vulnerable to attack. Software update tools will scan your computer to see which installed programs have available updates. It is good practice to protect your system by keeping all of your computer programs up-to-date.

FileHippo.com Update Checker - free
Cleansofts.org Update Notifier - free
Secunia Online Software Inspector - free, web-based, no installation required


Securing Your Network

Step 6 - Wireless security

If your computer does not connect to the Internet with a wireless router, skip this step.  For instructions about securing your wireless router, click here, contact your router's manufacturer, or refer to the manual that came with your router.

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Security alerts
Debt Settlement Scams

Many debt settlement firms advertise that they will negotiate for you or wipe out your credit card debt.  Some of these companies require you to pay thousands of dollars up front, and you get ZIP!  A Safer Credit Plan:

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Common threats
Safe Social Networking

Social networking sites are online community sites where users can network with other people.  Some examples of social networking websites are Facebook, Myspace, and LinkedIn.

Check out the FTC's guide and Tom Eston's social media security site about online safety tips on social networking websites.

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Security terms
Insider threats -

Persons with malicous intent that are currently employed by a company.  Malicious intent may include attempting to compromise the company network or stealing proprietary data.

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© 2010 Bright House Networks

Disclaimer: These tools have been provided for your convenience as a courtesy of the owner free of charge to the public for personal use only. All rights have been reserved by the producer of the software. Bright House Networks, Road Runner, and the software owner assumes no responsibility or liability for their use. Also, we do not offer technical support for these tools, but it can be obtained from the software owner. The products are offered by the software owner to be used free of charge and "as is" with no warranty, and no guarantee of success in preventing malicious software (malware) of any type from entering your computer, or in trying to remove it. However, Bright House Networks security departments have been able to use these tools with some success. We wanted to make you aware of their existence to provide you with additional options in the fight against malware.