About six months ago I started getting twenty junk email a day like clockwork to one of my email addresses. I tried to write rules to stop them but they kept coming no matter what I did. Now I try to just ignore and work around them.
I use Mailwasher here to cut down on e-mails that I don't wish to receive. If it's unsolicited, I just bounce it. You should try it. You can choose the messages you wish to receive and delete the rest.
Who's behind all this, what are they gaining, and should I assume all my computer data has been transmitted to an outside party?.
Most of them are after your personal information such as your SIN and bank account information. The telephone scammers try to fool you into believing the your computer is infected and they will help you clean it. The want access to your computer where they can find all your personal data.
should i change all my passwords, online banking, etc....?.
Only if you feel it's necessary but I really didn't find anything to indicate that your computer was comprimised. They are some experts that say you should change passwords every six months.
Let's do some cleanup.
Click Start> Computer> right click the C Drive and choose Properties> enter
Click Disk Cleanup from there.
Click OK on the Disk Cleanup Screen.
Click Yes on the Confirmation screen.
This runs the Disk Cleanup utility along with other selections if you have chosen any. (if you had a lot System Restore points, you will see a significant change in the free space in C drive)
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* Click START then RUN - Vista users press the Windows Key and the R keys together for the Run box.
* Now type Combofix /uninstall in the runbox
* Make sure there's a space between Combofix and /Uninstall
* Then hit Enter
* The above procedure will:
* Delete the following:
* ComboFix and its associated files and folders.
* Reset the clock settings.
* Hide file extensions, if required.
* Hide System/Hidden files, if required.
* Set a new, clean Restore Point.
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This step will remove all cleaning tools we used, it'll reset restore points (so you won't get reinfected by accidentally using some older restore point) and it'll make some other minor adjustments...
This is a very crucial step so make sure you don't skip it.
Download DelFix by Xplode to your desktop. Delfix will delete all the used tools and logfiles.
Double-click Delfix.exe to start the tool.
Make sure the following items are checked:
- Activate UAC (optional; some users prefer to keep it off)
- Remove disinfection tools
- Create Registry backup
- Purge System Restore Points
- Re-set system settings
Now click "Run" and wait patiently.
Once finished a logfile will be created. You don't have to attach it to your next reply.
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I suggest using WOT - Web of Trust. WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It's easy and it's free.
Check out Keeping Yourself Safe On The Web for tips and free tools to help keep you safe in the future.
Also see Slow Computer? It may not be Malware for free cleaning/maintenance tools to help keep your computer running smoothly.
Safe Surfing!
