How to keep hackers from turning on sharing with remote computer

[Debby]

Hi! Now and then in recent times, I find my computer turned to remote sharing, and I have to uncheck that option. I have an antivirus (Microsoft Security Essentials), and also CCleaner. I con't want to pay for computer protection. What do you suggest as being the best way to check for unauthorized activity and to stop it? I have a windows 7 Lenovo Laptop Think pad computer.

 

[Snick]

Good free Anti-Virus Anti-Rootkit Anti-ransomware, Good free Firewall, or enhancer for Windows Firewall.
Turn Windows Firewall into Powerful Firewall With TinyWall - Techmixer

And a plethora of my recommendations:

My recommended AV’s, malware scanner, adware scanner, pup scanners
Avast Free this is what I use, Anti-virus.
BitDefender Free Edition don’t use but highly recommend
Malwarebytes Premium (it’s a free 30-day trial) If you utilize the free trial, it includes MB anti-exploit & MB anti-ransomware & will remove the standalone versions that you can obtain and install through the below links.
Malwarebytes Free this is what I use, one of the best all-around scanners, period.
BitDefender free, don’t use, but highly recommend, there is also a paid version.
SuperAntiSpyware free, this is what I use, there is also a paid version that runs real-time.
ADWCleaner Malwarebytes recently purchased from Tools.lib, available on both websites
HitmanProx32 scan is free, and one time trial virus removal, you can use Revo Uninstaller
to remove it and trial cookies if it finds malware to remove, then you can use the trial again.
HitmanProx64 scan is free, and one time trial virus removal, you can use Revo Uninstaller to remove it and trial cookies if it finds malware to remove, then you can use the trial again.
Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit this is what I use, real-time exploit protection, drive-bys, ssl injection, etc.
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware this is what I use, real-time ransomware protection.
TDSSkiller this is what I use, rootkit scanner.
VirusTotal online multi-AV scanner. If you download the app, it adds entry to right-click context menu. You can right-click on the file you wish to scan, and a couple clicks sends the file to them for analysis

Nic

 

[abbeyon]

Also check for the wake up settings in the power options this might also cause the scheduled wakeups

 

[file3456]

MSE won't protect you, and it's just a baseline scanner. Ccleaner is just a temp file remover. That won't help you get rid of malware.

If your settings aren't staying put it may be due to a computer issue. If you do have a "hacker" in your mist, then there are lots of other vectors. Anything from vulnerable software to a hacked router. Make sure your software is updated. Make sure you have the latest firmware for your router. Don't use the router's default username and password. Turn off UPnP. Don't port forward anything unless you absolutely need it.

I used to use Comodo Firewall, and it was decent. I also think Bitdefender Free is a good no bloat anti-virus. Also check out Herdprotect portable. It uses 68 anti-virus engines.

Download Portable herdProtect 1.0.3.9 Beta

Free Antivirus Software - Download Bitdefender Antivirus Free

Comodo Firewall | Get Best Free Personal Firewall Software

 

[Emma Yazz Aza]

Hello Debby. What you're talking about is a RAT (Remote Administration Tool) attack. A few solutions would be good here. Running anti-malware program. Besides standard Windows programs (considering you're using Windows 7), you can use either of the following portable anti-malware programs:
Three Live CD Antivirus Scanners You Can Try When Windows Won't Start
ClamWin, An Open-Source Anti-Virus Solution For Your PC [Windows]

Another method to help you with this situations would be to use Site Adviser websites, a notable one located here:
McAfee SiteAdvisor | Surf. Shop. Safe.

Also, keep informed! Here's a good link on info about RATs: Remote Access Tool

Another good idea is to use Windows auditing programs. I personally suggest this one:
Netwrix Auditor Free Community Edition

One more link for safety, a list of the best active directory tools to keep updated with your system stats, written by the great staff at iTT Systems:
Best Active Directory Tools (FREE) for AD Management & Administration

But most of all, the best thing to do is "Keep informed. Keep safe."

Hope this helps, hope you're safe,
Emma Yazz Aza

 

[Paul Black]

Hi Emma Yazz Aza,

Welcome to Seven Forums,

It appears that you double posted. To delete the duplicate post, click Edit > Go Advanced, and at the top there is a section that says Delete this message!

I hope this helps!

 

[Emma Yazz Aza]

Hi Emma Yazz Aza,

Welcome to Seven Forums,

It appears that you double posted. To delete the duplicate post, click Edit > Go Advanced, and at the top there is a section that says Delete this message!

I hope this helps!

Ah, thank you for informing me Paul Black. Sadly, even using the Find module on my browser isn't showing me where to delete my message in Edit > Go Advanced.

 

[Barman58]

All Done

 

[Paul Black]

All Done

 

[file3456]

I would scan all downloads at Virus Total.

 

[Barman58]

I would scan all downloads at Virus Total.

Agreed, but I would suggest that you use the URL option so that you do not have any need to download any potential malware on to your system.

The default option is useful only when you already have a local file that you suspect may not be totally clean

 

[file3456]

Never even knew there was a URL option. LOL

 

[Snick]

Virus Total URL scans

 

[Debby]

Thanks for explaining! You can close this now.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi Debby,

Thanks for explaining! You can close this now.

You can mark this thread as Solved yourself. It is at the top of the page.

I hope this helps!