Killing Smitfraud redux

As part of becoming familiar with ThatDamnPC, I’ve been reading the rich repository of articles published here. Last week, I read Aaron Brazell’s article, “Killing Smitfraud” and tried to download a linked zipfile mentioned.

Immediately, my NOD32 antivirus, anitspyware system flashed a large red popup warning about a possibly dangerous file. Concerned, I immediately took the article offline and asked ESET to evaluate the linked file and tell me why my antivirus alarms went off. This morning, I was not surprised when ESET’s evaluation assured us that it contained no damaging code:

Hello,
That program is safe to download. The reason that it’s flagged by IMON, is that there’s a file in it that’s classified as “Potentially dangerous”. …. It contains no code that can damage a machine.” Thank you for using NOD32! Bernie Gallant, Eset Tech Support

My motto is better safe than sorry; my NOD32 antivirus program: alarms were frightening, however, when antivirus alarms go off, I’d rather be frightened out of my wits than lulled into a false sense of security, so kudos to NOD32 for its alarm system!

Note: Although we write about software, we make no assertions about the availability, behavior or safety of ANY software linked here, in these articles.

Ultimately, your own vigilance is key to safeguarding your PC, because linked files can change from one day to the next and we do not control what other sites do with their files. For example, just Friday, Websense warned that Samsung’s own website was infecting its visitors with a nasty trojan:

“The most current code, which is still available for download, is a Trojan Horse that attempts to disable anti-virus programs, modify registry keys, download additional files, and log keystrokes when connecting to banking websites,” BetaNews.com

Several software tools I use and recommend which may help secure your PC: Ad-aware

Spybot Search & Destroy (freeware)
Spyware Blaster (freeware)
NOD32 (subscription fee)
Windows Defender a Microsoft beta product
OutPost Pro (paid)
HiJackThis )freeware). Most of these programs can be downloaded via the major software sites, including BetaNews. In general, I download directly from the software’s original site.