So, you think you're safe?

Britton30 · 29 Nov 2011

We see many people who for one reason or another disdain any security because"I never visit dodgy site or download anything blah blah blah etc"
I have MSE at the moment and surf the net but I just have had what I call a drive by attack. I have been using Weatherbug for years but when I opened it a bit earlier I got this, all that was open was a post here in SF.

So, you think you're safe?-security-threat.png

ATL+F4, closed it all and did a full scan.
So to all who can prevent this sort of thing on your own, you should wise up! MSE did stop and clean it and I sent a very unpleasant email to Weatherbug.

noobvious · 29 Nov 2011

I never take anything for granted....in the nearly two years since I've had this computer, no viruses yet. But you never know!

Good to hear that yours survived unscathed!

Corrine · 29 Nov 2011

ATL+F4, closed it all and did a full scan.

I'm glad you remembered the Alt+F4!

According to WOT for weatherbug.com, "Previous blacklisting by a trusted source may still affect this site's reputation." However, there are a number of comments from this year, including one from WOT Staff:

Warning: Keep out. IP/Hostname/Website containing malware of various types that can seriously compromise the system and corrupt/steal/lock sensible data from it. If you find any discrepancy with my rating/comment or want me to re-review your site, just leave me a Board message: http://www.mywot.com/en/user/915771. "

It appears that the same can be said for the Weatherbug utility.

codyw · 29 Nov 2011

I used to use WeatherBug a long time ago. My computer was running slow and I had Norton at the time. When I was experimenting and putting different AV's on to see if I had an infection, Kaspersky found Adrware galore from WeatherBug. It was a pain to remove because it was embedded. Ever since then, WeatherBug or any other "weather" program has been on my PC. When I need to know the weather, I either go to a local weather website or check my email for watches, warnings, etc.

whs · 29 Nov 2011

Thanks for warning us Gary. Who would have thought. But you had the right reflexes.

Golden · 30 Nov 2011

Good catch - ALT+F4 saves the day.

FranzB · 30 Nov 2011

Just a question. What does Alt+F4 do? I could, of course, try it out but .....
Thanks.

NoelDP · 30 Nov 2011

It forces the focus window to close, so you don't have to hit any buttons (which may be part of the hujack attempt)

Britton30 · 30 Nov 2011

FranzB said:

Just a question. What does Alt+F4 do? I could, of course, try it out but .....
Thanks.

NoelDP said:

It forces the focus window to close, so you don't have to hit any buttons (which may be part of the hujack attempt)

Precisely correct. Clicking the red X will many times just say "OK infect my computer" The ALT+F4 bypasses that. Repeated presses wil close each open window in order until all close.

pparks1 · 30 Nov 2011

In addition, if you can right click on the Taskbar and bring up Task manager, you can End Task on the browser or process that is in jeopardy.

I'm one who maintains that you are a lot safer if you don't use pirated software, scour the web for hacks, use key generators, download from p2p sites, etc. However, that's not a 100% guarantee.

I use MSE myself, because i don't feel that I need super "iron clad" protection because I don't do the type of things I mentioned directly above....but because of the of the experience noted in this thread. It certainly does happen and not always because of a lack of common sense. Thus, I find these software packages just a necessary evil for running a Windows based operating system.