Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2095081)

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't installed any anti-virus or other software on my computers. I use Windows 11 on a laptop and a desktop. I have had no issues. I did get one of those screen warnings in the past, but I just rebooted the computer and it went away. I think that if it's not broken, don't fix it.

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2095186)

IMO Norton and defender couldn’t catch rainwater with bucket! :shocked: They don’t even catch adware. But, I suspect they are probably programmed to let adware through? I suspect the get paid on both ends.

I use superantispyware after Norton let malware through and had junk computer.

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2095211)

Windows 11 (not sure about 10, but I think it) provides you with a Microsoft anti-virus that also provides live browsing protection (assuming you have it turned on). It is one of the best in the industry - and it is free. Malwarebytes provides an excellent addition to it, as others have said above. I recommend the premium version, but the free version does work.

NO antivirus is 100% effective, the best you can hope for is about 50% to 60%. So, safe browsing is a really good idea.

And yes, you did the right thing - when you hit one of those sites, don't even try to close the window - just power down.

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2094938)

Was searching for an Appliance user instruction online when computer locked up and announced that it was infected with a virus and warned that I should call such and such a number. Warning stated that I should not turn off the computer and all indications were that I lost all access to control of the computer screen ie could not access settings power off.

I used the computer external shutoff which worked. Restarted and no further issues that I know of. Current security systems show no infections.

What is happening? Is this simply a way to get you to call and give someone control or extort money?

Originally Posted by jojo (Post 2095056)

Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes unwanted and unsafe content, giving you a safer and faster browsing experience. Not only that, it is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and stop tech support scams.


Malwarebytes Browser Guard - Blocks ads, scams, and trackers

I have Malware Bytes installed on my computer and have considered the extension for Chrome. I clicked on the link you provided with the intent to download and got a warning message that said Warning- it could change all the data on my websites?

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2095266)

I highly recommend that you have someone help you understand more about your computer's operating system.

That warning is -usually- your Windows OS telling you that you're about to download an executable file that will actually DO something once it opens. It will install onto your computer, and add a few lines to your registry. If it's something you know that you're doing on purpose, from a reputable company, then you're fine - you actually want it to do that.

If you don't know if that's what you're trying to do, you probably shouldn't do it, and ask a computer technician to help you do it and show you step by step what it is that you're doing (so you can know for the next time you need to do something like that).

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy (Post 2095322)

its called an injection virus, which injects a new web address prior to going to the requested web site. FYI, there are drive by viruses which don't need to be clicked on or have any user interaction to go after the stored password files from your browser. Its not as simple as use this or that. Also, crooks are going after two factor authentication to get at your financial accounts. My daughter works for apple, and says alot of it is international. VPN is much more helpful, but not perfect either.

FYI, do not save any financial password in your browser files. There are a recent identity theft in our family when someone purchased a new car and had to unlock the frozen credit bureau files. Do not save any password files in any MS office files as that is by far the most common files which people use. I save all password files in programming files in other seldom used applications.

Malwarebytes is great, but always trying to keep up with crooks, who can change faster than you can update your malwarebytes files.

Even linux can get viruses, however, because the typical usage is not popular, crooks don't go after linux operating machines. I have a new solid state drive to try linux which is much safer, faster but requires learning new crap, which I don't have much time for at the moment.

Also, crooks are going after home hacking, which his the next big fun for hacking target. For this you need more router protection to prevent inbound penetration testing, even though you might not think there is anything they can get from the router, there is, and a place where general public knows less about.