1. Because my machine has been compromised, is it possible sensitive data has been stolen?
The trojans that I saw were not data thieves. I did not find any phishing attempts. If you have an email account you use in Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, or any other email program (not on the web) - then I would suggest changing that password. Only because of the worm. Worms of this nature usually just use your already logged in email account to send spam from your email address.
2. Why do people write viruses if all they do is cause others pain? I understand if the virus is to steal information, but if its just to be a hassle, what's the point?
Because, virus is usually a term used for malware, also, then I will talk about malware. The main purpose of malware is to steal information, and/or infiltrate security to test how powerful it is. The most dangerous tasks malware does is steal information, and launch botnets. Botnets are a collection of compromised computers, that are used to launch an attack over the Internet or via email. The attacks launched over the Internet include sending malicious downloads and attempts to infiltrate websites using login credentials. The attacks via email are usually spam or hate-mail.
Now, viruses have a reproductive ability, and are not considered the same as adware or spyware or trojans.
3. Should I stop using IE altogether? I'm willing to go to Firefox if its safer.
Firefox can be considered better. But, it is all about your security level on the computer itself. Most browsers are
equally secure and up to standards. As long as you have one antivirus, one firewall, and one antispyware - you are guaranteed safe...as long as they get updates and scans get run at least once every three days.
4. Do I need more than one firewall or just one of the 3?
Just use one firewall. Any more than one can cause crashes of your computer, inaccurate detections, and computer slowdown.
5. Will my machine performance be very slowed down with all these anti malware programs running?
Your machine should perform well, as long as you have 512 MB of RAM or more. With programs nowadays, it is better to have 512 MB or a recommended amount of 1 GB.
6. I have AVG 8.5 - should I get rid of that and use the ones suggested in your post?
If I were to pick any antivirus and antispyware, it would be AVG. Stay with it. It has both antivirus and antispyware technology built in. Which means that is two-in-one protection.
7. What are the chances there is a sleeper cell file we have not detected that will activate these viruses again?
These are usually not possible, unless a "backdoor" trojan was on your computer. I looked through all the logs, and it appears to be clean. If it were some hȋdden file that I could not find, it would not be powerful enough to even start back up a program.
8. When I got the virus notification I was just surfing around normal websites. Do the viruses come from anywhere or did I download an infected music file or something and it time-delay launched? Where do these viruses typically get caught from?
P2P applications, warez, cracks and illegal software keygens, hacks for games, malicious websites. I would recommend to use AVG safesearch with every browser. If you see an AVG toolbar in your browser, you are good to go. I also recommend to use Web-Of-Trust (WOT) website ratings.
9. I have a removable hard drive. Is it wise to backup my entire system onto the drive so I have a clean backup? If I do this is it possible in the future to reformat my hard drive and then load the saved hard drive back onto the formatted system?
Actually, I only recommend to save your personal data, like documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. Do not save programs, system files, normal files, etc. Saving system data is not a good idea, usually. Just your personal stuff.
If you plan on doing a reformat and reinstall, I recommend to read this tutorial for help with it: http://www.geekpolice.net/tutorials-guides-f13/how-to-reformat-and-reinstall-your-operating-system-t15119.htm
10. Last but not least, now that I have posted all my computer files and architecture publicly on this forum is it a simple thing for someone to hack into my computer using the data?
No. The malware experts that we work with, make all these tools. They make it impossible to reveal any sensitive data. Most of the data posted is fairly typical data, and it would be hard to obtain a MAC address or a password to send a remote attack. We cannot and do not want to see that information. I can tell you that your computer is probably at its safest, and if you want to arm it even better, use DragonFix:
This will fix the damages due to malware, and secure your computer to help prevent re-infection. That does not mean it will prevent, it will just help prevent.
Please download
DragonFix by DragonMaster Jay, and save it to your Desktop. Right click and Extract All, and save the files to your Desktop.
- Please disable realtime protection. (If any)
- Double-click RunFirst.vbs. Follow the prompts and make sure it completes. It will confirm the Restore Point was added.
- Double-click DragonFix.reg, and follow the prompt(s).
- Please reboot your computer, for the changes to take effect.
I see you have a good interest in malware. Why not learn how to help people fight it. Check out this topic, I recommend it (after all, you could work here): http://www.geekpolice.net/virus-spyware-malware-removal-f11/do-you-want-to-learn-how-to-fight-malware-t15100.htm