After being shut down temporarily by my service provider and after having lost my Yahoo user ID, I've decided that I have to learn more about malware, so I don't get attacked again.
So, why did McAfee allow what it calls a spy agent to access my computer? If the scan could detect it, why didn't the firewall pick up on it?
The only thing I can think of is that it could have arrived before a McAfee update and the update detected it. What upsets me is that I keep on running various detection software that locates lots of malware, but the firewall is not keeping it from getting onto my computer in the first place.
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8 responses so far ↓
1 Linux OS // Mar 28, 2008
Because that isn't what a firewall does.
If you're really worried about malware, the simple way forward is to not use software from Microsoft. You could upgrade to Ubuntu Linux, for example:
http://www.ubuntu.com/
2 Webman // Mar 28, 2008
I guess anti-virus programs aren't so good in detecting Trojans.
3 SLAP-SOME-FAT-AGAINST-THE-FENCE // Mar 28, 2008
b-coz macfee amd norton s u c k balls ,thats yer 1st problem,,delete that s h i t t t..stay with avast and the doctor,,slams everthing,,and its free
4 george 2 // Mar 28, 2008
a firewall helps keep other people from hacking into your computer. it doesn't stop viruses. that's why you have anti spy ware!!!
5 jibbarjabar // Mar 28, 2008
A firewall only protects against a single infection vector, attacks from the network.
There are many other ways to get your computer infected. Such as opening an infected e mail attachment, visiting a website with malious code or downloading infected programs. There are more.
Besides, NO anti-virus can ever be relied upon to give 100% protection. None of them do, free or paid. Most only detect about 85 to 95% of all KNOWN viruses. When a brand new virus is released, NO signature-based anti-virus will detect it for several hours up to several days. And over 1200 new variants of viruses and other malware are created by the "black-hats" each and every day.
You should consider an anti-virus program to be your "last line of defense". Safe internet surfing and downloading practices along with maintaining your Windows and all your installed software with all critical updates and security patches should be your frontline defense.
The best computer security is that which resides between the keyboard and the chair!
6 David A // Mar 28, 2008
It can come bundled in with something else, therefore is not recognized until it separates on it's own Try adaware, it's free and finds most.
7 foxefire_120032000 // Mar 28, 2008
The reason why McAfee antivirus program could not find it because it is a from of SPYWARE and not a virus (there is a difference) What you need to do is to run your Spware program. Firewalls are to protect your computer from (hackers, viruses, etc.) You need a good spyware program to protect from (trojan horses, adware , etc.) So if you don't have a spyware program on your computer then here is a link that you can click on and download, I highly recomend this program and so do others here. (http://www.superantispyware.com) and it is FREE. So download and start a Scan right away. You will see the difference after the scan. Good Lck
8 luke255 // Mar 28, 2008
There probably wasn't a virus. McAfee wouldn't sell upgardes if they didn't fake a virus now and then. Ultimate solution, Get A Mac: OS Unlimited and comes with the only OS you'll ever need, the most advanced in the world, Mac OS X
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