As noted in this thread, we were looking into getting FIOS. Well, we’ve ordered it, and in doing the advance “make sure your PC will work” steps, I downloaded their virus scan - Verizon PC Security Checkup.
It ran for a while, and came back and said my computer was roughly as healthy as a 5 dollar hooker after payday down at the docks.
Well, not exactly… But it did proclaim my computer has:
“4 files infected by viruses”
“14 spyware item files are found on your computer”
And detail results lists:
Viruses:
“Unknown”
“w32/MalwareHiderPatched-Based!Maximus”
“is a security risk or a “backdoor” program”
(waitaminute, that’s only 3 files)
Spyware:
(list of things that look like tracking cookies. One might be linked to spyware but doing some research, it’s linked to some work-related software so is legit).
As it doesn’t tell me which files are infected, I’m a bit leery of saying “yeah sure, delete stuff!” especially as we run AVG and it does a full scan every day or so and it hasn’t complained yet.
Anyway - which would people trust? The Verizon scan which is less than informative, or the AVG (professional, and up to date) which has been around for a while.
Try these guys:
Housecall from Trend Micro
I avoid online scans as they are a classic way to get screwed. However this was recommended by a sysadmin friend of mine so I took a chance. Very informative! The first scan listed something like 4 dozen security holes and I was running a Zonealarm firewall sewed up tight, backed up by a Tea Timer system settings protector and routine Spybot S&D scans.
Each security hole is listed along with a link to the recommended patch. After installing XP SP3 (duh) and a dozen or so other assorted patches I finally passed the scan with no hits. It takes awhile, about 20 minutes on my slow-ass connection. But if you want a secure box I highly recommend it.
Also my old standby is the Shields Up scan at Gibson Research Corp. The original white hat.
I don’t put a whole lot of stock in it if it doesn’t actually identify which files are “infected”. That being said, it’s entirely possible to have malware on your machine that AVG isn’t picking up. That’s not a slight against AVG, just a comment on the fact that no single tool is perfect.
I’ve used Housecall in the past, and second the recommendation. You can also try these old stand-bys, and see what (if anything) they turn up:
AdAware
Spybot Search and Destroy
HijackThis!