Infected Fotkis?? or is the entire site infected?

[LynnieB]

Wow that's a lot going on up there Lynnie. Do I only need one or do I need them all? Also what is this add on site you speak of. Is it in one of the links?

ETA- I think I get it. i am going to use thee firefox add on site.

Ok - you should be good to go now. Do not forget to pay attention to any notices/warnings that the programs bring to your attention.

What I normally do is temporarily deny everything first go round then start surfing. If a website doesn't load properly (missing .gifs/pics, "Reply" buttons not showing up, etc.) then I start playing with options until it does load properly. Just keep reading about your options and what they all do or don't do.

Another good one I use is Spybot Search & Destroy. Provides real-time protection from programs messing with your registry files, etc.

Get that here: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Don't try to install them all at once although you can run all of them on your pc with no problem. Install/get familiar with them one at the time then install the next one. HTHs.

 

[camilla]

This happened to me yesterday when I went to view someone's fotki and open their album..a virus opened up instantly on my laptop and said I had 73 infected files w/ just opening up their album. I had a McFee antivirus program and I don't know why it didn't pick it up before hand. So I had to restore my laptop and I downloaded Norton which I have on my desktop and it deleted all infected files that I got from that fotki and its back to normal. I thought I was the only one with this experience.

I was infected mcfee didnt pick mine up either i called them they had the nerve to tell me 90 bucks NO maam its not even that much for the year


My sister restored my computer be foing back to the factory settings DEC 09 I lost few picks but it seems to be gone is it ok now i am not getting the virus warning and my scan was clean?????

 

[teysmith]

Oh hell no! no more fokti for me. I get this msg all the time infact I think it infected my computer!

 

[Nonie]

I was infected mcfee didnt pick mine up either i called them they had the nerve to tell me 90 bucks NO maam its not even that much for the year


My sister restored my computer be foing back to the factory settings DEC 09 I lost few picks but it seems to be gone is it ok now i am not getting the virus warning and my scan was clean?????

I don't trust McAfee. When our office computers were infected years ago, we were running McAfee. I don't even know if it ever features among the top most effective security suites on review sites. Norton has not failed me since I started using so even though it uses a lot of memory and is not cheap, I'd rather have it for the peace of mind it gives. BTW, you need the Internet Security Suite not just Antivirus for best protection.

Here are a few review sites:
http://internet-security-suite-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/3247/2010_suites.html
http://www.consumersearch.com/internet-security-software
http://www.firewallguide.com/suites.htm#Top_Security_Suites

BTW, when I used to have just the antivirus, I used to find I needed to use Spybot to remove malware that the antivirus found but could only quarantine but I haven't needed to use it since I started using Norton Internet Security. Love it!

 

[virtuenow]

I'm giving you the original websites so you can check them out (and see they are not fakers/scammers/spammers) as well as the Firefox Add-on site. It's simple and easy just to use the Add-on site.

Original AdBlockPlus website: http://adblockplus.org/en/

AdBlockPlus ADD-ON for Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865

Original NoScript website: http://noscript.net/

NoScript ADD-ON for Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722

Hopefully some other ladies can list any other good ones they've been using.

I have a lot of questions b/c I feel unprotected!! Here goes:

So are these downloads free? Should we install all of them? Is AVG or Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) enough protection by themselves- as I recently heard about these??? Is the Malawarebytes the same as AVG/MSE? Are adblock/spybot s&d also the same and do you have links? Thanks in advance. I am security shopping since my norton subscription is ending.

And yeah, I guess I will stay away from Fotki for a while; at least until I download the Firefox browser and see how that goes!

 

[virtuenow]

Maybe it'd be a good idea for you ladies experiencing this problem to post some more information about your pcs and any software you're using over in the Science & Technology forums?

Perhaps there's some similarities you all share. If one web site is doing it then you're system is probably open to it happening in other places as well.

Wow, I didn't LHCF had a Science & Technology forum. I'll go check it out!! Thanks!

 

[I Am So Blessed]

everytime i go in fotki my computer is infected!!!!!!!!

 

[virtuenow]

everytime i go in fotki my computer is infected!!!!!!!!

Me too! Apparently, they said if you use the Mozilla Firefox browser this doesn't happen. So maybe u should think about downloading it too. I did download it but I'm still not comfortable going to fotki until i have downloaded several other "security protection" components. Maybe if I was on someone elses computer!

 

[MsButterfli]

wow, i guess i wont be checking the site from my netbook anytime soon..im currently on my macbook and had no clue ..i will definitely exercise caution now..theres NO amount of hairporn worth messin up my computer lol

 

[LynnieB]

I have a lot of questions b/c I feel unprotected!! Here goes:

So are these downloads free? Should we install all of them? Is AVG or Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) enough protection by themselves- as I recently heard about these??? Is the Malawarebytes the same as AVG/MSE? Are adblock/spybot s&d also the same and do you have links? Thanks in advance. I am security shopping since my norton subscription is ending.

And yeah, I guess I will stay away from Fotki for a while; at least until I download the Firefox browser and see how that goes!

I do not use Malawarebytes. I only use Firefox with the following add-ons: AdBlock Plus and NoScript. I also have Spybot Search & Destroy running. I use Sygate Personal Firewall, AVAST Anti-virus and am behind a firewall using a Linksys router. If I wish run a search query in Google, I use the "cache" option within Google's search results if it's a page I'm unfamilar with.

I get no ads, no pop-ups, no hidden scripts, no virus, no trojans, no nothing from any webpage or email that includes the ones running on all haircare boards (yes, it includes LHCF, BHM and NP) and other internet sites. Automatic music (often found on webpages) isn't allowed to use my browser without permission and videos do not automatically load unless I allow them to do so.

If I wish to see a webpage that's shown best in Internet Explorer, I use an IE Add-on for Firefox (IE Tab 2 for Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/92382). I do not need to use IE for anything.

If people are getting virus/trojans/pop-ups/pop-unders it is because their computers are not properly protected.

And for the last time, FOTKI.COM is not giving anyone a virus. Some silly hacker named the virus/trojan to deceive a very wide number of people by using a name many would be familiar with.

If you go go Google and type in Fotki photo sharing site giving me a virus, the only thing you will see will be the ladies of LHCF complaining about a virus. Read carefully.

If Fotki the photo sharing site were passing on a virus, doesn't anyone think that Google would have dozens if not hundreds of results? Not just one from LHCF peeps?

If you're using pirated software, use file-sharing programs, play games, download music, ebooks, audiobooks or movies, the risk is there. If you click/view on pictures in emails, click unknown links, visit porn sites, gaming sites, use email, use social networking sites (like Facebook, MySpace, etc.), use any Instant Messenger programs - you run the risk of picking up a nasty.

The virus/trojan could also be named LHCF.exe, Google.exe, MSN.exe, Facebook.exe or even be named a Windows System (for Windows users, that'd be your operating system or the thing that makes your computer usable) file.

Noscript, adblockplus, spybot search and destroy are all free and provide regular updates. They are all safe to use but do require a learning curve and a tiny bit of patience because they block lots of stuff that may be inconvenient at first until you become familiar with how they operate.

I can only personally vouch for those because I use them. I have never had a virus or trojan. I have never had my browser hijacked. EVER.

 

[adf23]

Yeah, its directly related to IE- this happened to me often. As soon as I started using Mozilla, it's stopped completely.

 

[virtuenow]

I do not use Malawarebytes. I only use Firefox with the following add-ons: AdBlock Plus and NoScript. I also have Spybot Search & Destroy running. I use Sygate Personal Firewall, AVAST Anti-virus and am behind a firewall using a Linksys router. If I wish run a search query in Google, I use the "cache" option within Google's search results if it's a page I'm unfamilar with.

I get no ads, no pop-ups, no hidden scripts, no virus, no trojans, no nothing from any webpage or email that includes the ones running on all haircare boards (yes, it includes LHCF, BHM and NP) and other internet sites. Automatic music (often found on webpages) isn't allowed to use my browser without permission and videos do not automatically load unless I allow them to do so.

If I wish to see a webpage that's shown best in Internet Explorer, I use an IE Add-on for Firefox (IE Tab 2 for Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/92382). I do not need to use IE for anything.

If people are getting virus/trojans/pop-ups/pop-unders it is because their computers are not properly protected.

And for the last time, FOTKI.COM is not giving anyone a virus. Some silly hacker named the virus/trojan to deceive a very wide number of people by using a name many would be familiar with.

If you go go Google and type in Fotki photo sharing site giving me a virus, the only thing you will see will be the ladies of LHCF complaining about a virus. Read carefully.

If Fotki the photo sharing site were passing on a virus, doesn't anyone think that Google would have dozens if not hundreds of results? Not just one from LHCF peeps?

If you're using pirated software, use file-sharing programs, play games, download music, ebooks, audiobooks or movies, the risk is there. If you click/view on pictures in emails, click unknown links, visit porn sites, gaming sites, use email, use social networking sites (like Facebook, MySpace, etc.), use any Instant Messenger programs - you run the risk of picking up a nasty.

The virus/trojan could also be named LHCF.exe, Google.exe, MSN.exe, Facebook.exe or even be named a Windows System (for Windows users, that'd be your operating system or the thing that makes your computer usable) file.

Noscript, adblockplus, spybot search and destroy are all free and provide regular updates. They are all safe to use but do require a learning curve and a tiny bit of patience because they block lots of stuff that may be inconvenient at first until you become familiar with how they operate.

I can only personally vouch for those because I use them. I have never had a virus or trojan. I have never had my browser hijacked. EVER.

Thanks for the wealth of information. I added the Internet Explorer Mozilla thing u talked about ...now how do i access it??!

Update: I found the answer! You have to right click the tab and then click "switch rendering engine". I found this thru a simple google search, but certainly not on the Mozilla IE page (??)!

 

[Shoediva]

Fotki site is NOT infected. Did you read the whole thread?

You need a better browser and better Internet security. Fotki.exe virus has NOTHING to do with Fotki photo hosting site.

Nope didnt read the whole thread. I use Firefox so if that does work, oh well!

 

[Nonie]

Nope didnt read the whole thread. I use Firefox so if that does work, oh well!

Yes, but besides using FF, also get good Internet security suite just to be on the safe side. Check out LynnieB's posts above. They give a lot of 411 of what you can do to ensure that you never have the problem people have been having.

 

[peachfuzzz]

This post is VERY long, but I found this info at techsupportforum.com a while ago. It's very helpful, so I hope it helps you like it's helped me. This should give you all the info that you are seeking, with links and explanations. And to answer the above questions in short: Yes the above programs are free, No Malwarebytes' Anti-malware is it's not w/ AVG, Adblock/spybot are not the same. All links and stuff are below. Adblock is actually a free addon that you can get FREE for Mozilla Firefox browser.

PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

This article is intended to provide you with general hints and tips for PC security, as well as some suggestions for reputable, tried and tested programmes that can help you maintain a clean system. It is not something just to be followed slavishly, without any thought – rather it will provide you with guidelines that will help defend against the large number of viruses, Trojans, diallers and other nasties that lurk in the undergrowth of the internet. So, once you’ve digested every last morsel here, have a think about what you need to do to improve your security and prevent infection.

Please note that TSF does not promote, or is associated with any software mentioned in this article. Where software is mentioned, or links provided, they are done, as far as practically possible while maintaining the readability of the article, on a purely alphabetical basis.

Note: this is NOT a 'self-help' guide, nor is it intended to be - it is intended to make users aware of the risks they face while using the internet - and it provides suggestions and advice on how to best mitigate those risks. Any user looking for specific advice should post in the General Security forum, or, if you are infected, or think you may be infected, then refer to this thread for further instructions.

This has probably been said before but is still worth repeating: there is no such thing as perfect security. And this applies not just to PCs!

Now that that’s out the way, let’s move on and see what we need to think about to keep safe and secure while out and about on the web.

The first and most important thing to get is………commonsense! Yes, that’s what I said, commonsense. Got some handy? Good, you’ll need it. Now you’re thinking “This is all a bit weird – thought I was going to learn about PC security?” You are – just keep paying attention!

One of the most obvious things to avoid on the internet is clicking ‘OK’ to a pop up. Now, you might think that’s a bit obvious, but many inexperienced users still do this – DON’T!!. Unless you can be 1000% sure that you know the source of the pop up and that the originator is someone to be trusted, just DON’T!!. This is one of the easier ways to become infected. This also applies to pop ups that tell you that your system is already infected and if you click here you’ll be able to sort the problem – you won’t!! Chances are you were not infected in the first place, but as soon as you click on the ‘OK’ button you will be! You can find a list of rogue anti spyware programmes at Spyware Warrior – all compiled and tested by Eric Howes. Rogue or suspect means that these products are of unknown, questionable or dubious value as anti spyware protection. Many will sometimes infect you just to force you to buy their product. You have been warned! Don’t click ‘OK’ to a pop up! Did I mention that you shouldn’t click ‘OK’ to a pop up? This also applies to e-mail attachments. If you don’t know the sender, delete the e-mail and ask questions later! If necessary make a note of the sender’s e-mail address and reply with a fresh e-mail.

Some words here about a technique known as phishing. This is where you receive an e-mail or Instant Mesage supposedly from your bank or PayPal or similar institution. The scammers will use something known as "social engineering" to try and make you respond. A link to your Bank's website is usually included and you are asked to click on the link and confirm your account details. Never click on any such links! You will be taken to a website that looks like the real Bank website - but it is not! It is a clever spoof website and allows a scammer to capture your Bank security details - you will then become a victim of identity theft or robbery - or both. Banks will never ask you to confirm security details by re-entering them to a website - NEVER!! If you want to go to your Bank's website, type the address directly into your browser or use a stored, known bookmark. The previous advice is still the same - delete the e-mail. Many Banks offer an e-mail address to which you can forward phishing e-mails - it's a good idea to do this - it may help reduce the volume of such attacks.

Avoid the nastier sites on the web, like pornography, hacker sites, sites offering ‘freebies’ and other dubious sites. By even just going to such a page – not doing anything else mind, just visiting the site – can result in an infection. This is known as a “drive-by” – without your knowledge or consent you can find your system is home to some real nasties. And here we come to our first suggestion for something that can help – a new Hosts file. What is a Hosts file, I hear you ask? Think of it as a telephone directory. When you want to go to a website, Windows looks in your Hosts file to see if the website address is present. If not, it will go to a server and say “Can I have the address of anysite.com please?” So, you can add known bad websites to your Hosts file with an extra command that tells Windows that the address it’s looking for is 127.0.0.1 – which just happens to be the address of your own PC. So you won’t then be taken to the bad website. Simple. eh? And someone has already gone to all the trouble of listing the known bad websites for you – and you can find that Hosts file here – just follow the instructions on the page. Of course, if you’re worried that Internet Explorer is the main target for hackers and hijackers…you’re right. There some things you can do to make IE more secure – read this article by Bobbi Flekman. There is also a tool that places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE restricted list. This helps prevent downloads from these sites although you can still visit the site. The tool is called IE-Spyad and here you will find a tutorial.

continued in next post!

 

[peachfuzzz]

You can also use these alternate browsers that don’t use ActiveX controls, one of the main issues with IE.
Chrome
Firefox
Maxthon
Opera
Safari


Don’t download files unless you know they are genuine or from a reputable source. This includes P2P (Peer to Peer) file sharing programs. The actual P2P application itself might be clean, but you have no guarantee that the files you download are clean – so don’t take the risk!!. If you must use P2P, and it really is a way to invite malware onto your system, please look at this article first.

Keep Windows updated. Sounds obvious, but again, not everyone does it. Microsoft release fixes and other bits and pieces on what is known as “Patch Tuesday” – the second Tuesday of each month. Add that to your diary now! MS also introduced Automatic Updates as a way of ensuring that users were aware that patches were available. Make sure that Automatic Updates is turned on – you can set the updates to download and install automatically if you want, or you can just ensure you are advised when patches are ready and then decide when it’s convenient for you to install them. Here are guides to Automatic Updates for XP and W2K. Here is a list of all MS patches released since 2003.

It's also essential to keep all other software on your system patched up to date. Vulnerabilities are found regularly in programmes such as media players or e-mail clients that, if left unpatched, could increase your likelihood of infection. You can use Secunia Software Inspector to test all installed applications. It will also check that all Microsoft patches are applied. It runs through your browser, so there's nothing to install.


Now let’s look at some useful and necessary programs that can help you in your quest to stay safe and secure on the web.

Perhaps the most obvious is an anti virus or AV. An AV is a program that will search your system for known or potential viruses. Most will also monitor traffic as you surf the web and scan e-mail and e-mail attachments. So far so good. Which one should I get, I hear you ask? Now that really is an impossible question. Among the top paid programs are (in alphabetical order)

Bit Defender
Kaspersky
McAfee
NOD32
Norton
Panda
Trend PC-Cillin

And there are, of course plenty of others. There are also plenty of reviews of these products available on the web. There are also free AV programs available, among which are


AVAST!
AVG
Avira AntiVir Personal
Microsoft Security Essentials
Panda Cloud Free AntiVirus

While these are free, there is very often little or no customer support, compared with the paid programs. You can review independent tests of the top paid AVs at AV Comparatives and find out the best, and worst, performers. You can also review tests of the top free AVs at PC World.

Do I really need an AV? YES!! A good AV will provide protection – not perfect of course (refer to paragraph 2 at the top of the page) - and as long as the programme updates its definition files regularly (daily is preferable as a minimum) then it is a very useful tool in your armour. Find one that suits you - one that you are comfortable using. That way you'll find it easier to master the way it works.

Now, one piece of advice that applies equally to AVs and firewalls. You only need one of each! Having more than one firewall and AV can cause possible conflicts and system instability. Although you may think you have more protection by having more than one of each, it could cause you problems you were not expecting.

Another essential tool is a firewall. What is a firewall? Think of it as a door, an entry point into your system. This door has a good strong lock. Only authorised users, in this case programmes and so on, can open the door, because you have checked them out and given them a key. Any user without a key will not be able to open the door. A bit simplistic I know but I’m sure you get the idea. A firewall can be hardware, such as a server, another PC or a router, and it can be software. Once again I can feel you ready to ask which is best. Ideally, a combination of software personal firewall and a hardware firewall such as a router provides the best protection (not “total protection” – I think I mentioned that there is no such thing as perfect security, didn’t I?). “Hey I’m using Windows XP and it comes with its own firewall doesn’t it?” I hear you cry. Yes that’s true, but did you know that the XP firewall only monitors incoming traffic? It does not monitor outgoing traffic. So, if by any chance you manage to pick up a Trojan or worm that wants to phone home, the XP firewall will allow it to do so, with you being none the wiser. For software firewalls, here are several that are currently free for personal use – note that these companies also offer paid versions, usually with additional features.



Online Armor Free (there is also a Paid version)
Sygate Personal Firewall to download installation files
CA Personal Firewall (previously Tiny) - Trial
Jetico Personal (free version, but for advanced users)
Agnitum Outpost Free
Sunbelt Personal Firewall - 30 day evaluation
Comodo Free Firewall

Please note:

Comodo Free Firewall is now bundled with the installer for Comodo Internet Security. If you already have an AntiVirus, and want to only install the Comodo Firewall, UNCHECK the box for Install Comodo AntiVirus on the installer screen as seen here.


You can test your firewall at ShieldsUp! - Steve Gibson's internet vulnerability test site.


You’ve no doubt heard the old adage “prevention is better than cure” – well it’s true for your system as well. These two free programmes help prevent spyware installing itself on your system. They just sit there and watch, so don’t worry if they don’t appear to be doing anything. The first one is called Spyware Blaster and the second one is called Spyware Guard. Details of each programme can be found on the relevant websites. In a similar vein, there is a useful tool available that let’s you know when a programme wants to record your keystrokes or capture your screen – it’s called SnoopFree. Note that SnoopFree is only suitable for Windows XP. Just the thing to make sure your passwords and other personal details are not being collected without your knowledge. Care - SnoopFree and Comodo Firewall do not like each other. If you are using SnoopFree then please ensure you choose a firewall other than Comodo.


How about scanners? These are useful tools that will scan your system and clean most nasties that have found their way through your defenses.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Spybot - Search & Destroy
SUPERAntiSpyware

Ad-Aware Anti Malware.


NOTE: Users should be aware that Lavasoft (makers of Ad Aware) are currently (January 2008) in negotiations with IAC to bundle the Ask Toolbar with Ad Aware. The intention is that this toolbar will be installed by default, unless users opt out. Users should also be aware that IAC is a company that has distributed bundled toolbars in the past - you will find a review of the company's products here. Note that TSF makes no recommendation - we are simply placing the available facts before you - it is up to each individual to make up their own mind.


The major AV companies also offer the ability to do an online scan – useful as another check on your system. Here’s a variety of online scanners (in alphabetical order as before):

Bitdefender Online Scanner
CA Spyware Scanner
ESET Online Scanner
F-Secure Online Scanner
Kaspersky Online Scanner
McAfee free scan
Panda ActiveScan
Symantec Security Check
Trend Micro Housecall <<<< works with Firefox & IE


Scan your system with your AV and other scanners on a regular basis. Keep the definitions up to date. Keep Windows up to date. Don’t download files from sources you don’t know. Don’t go to dodgy websites. Don’t open e-mail attachments from sources you don’t know. Don't move. Don't breathe. Only joking - I know there are a lot of "don'ts", but that's because I need to make sure you've been paying attention.

Easy really. Well, that’s about it for now. Did you ever find that dose of commonsense I mentioned earlier? If you did, take a large measure before you start surfing. Failing that, at least follow the above guidelines and your chances of being infected will reduce dramatically. Happy surfing!

 

[peachfuzzz]

deleted Duplicate post

 

[LynnieB]

BEWARE - it's making it rounds again. (heads up from DU)

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/youtube.asp

KOOBFACE worm info here; [http://content.usatoday.com/communi...ook-hit-by-another-version-of-koobface-worm/1

The worm arrives in the form of a message from a friend claiming to show erotic encounters captured by a hidden camera. You'll be asked to download a special video player to view the video. Don't do it. You'll trigger an automated program that will send copies of the same viral message to all of your friends, while turning full control of your PC over to the attackers.

You will subsequently receive promotions to buy worthless antivirus protection and have the logons to all of your online accounts systematically stolen. Your machine will remain under the control of hackers, who can use it to spread spam. Or if you're using a work PC, they very likely will use your machine to begin probing other PCs on your company's network, as we described in this front page cover story.

"Don't trust any messages of this type that turn up in social network messaging services," says Eset researcher David Harley. "Be on the lookout for deceptive social engineering and keep your antivirus software properly updated."

 

[cinnespice]

I just don't click on fotkis anymore its happened at work and at home its annoying to me everytime.

 

[glamazon386]

I've had it happen to me a few times too...

 

[Spring]

Has anyone tried checking any fotkis lately?

 

[D.N.A.]

^ I have and I haven't had any problems. I use FireFox.

 

[LynnieB]

Has anyone tried checking any fotkis lately?

Not counting my own - I have at least 25 times over the weekend.

No problems at all on my system.

Peeps need to check their systems a.s.a.p. 'cause Fotki ain't the source of your woes.

 

[NikStarrr]

^ I have and I haven't had any problems. I use FireFox.

I'm always on Fotki and I've never had any issues. I use Firefox as well.

 

[peachfuzzz]

Has anyone tried checking any fotkis lately?

I'm the OP. Since I've been using Firefox/Mozilla, I haven't had any problems. The worm issue is targeting Internet Explorer. Any other browser should be okay!! I visited several Fotkis today using Firefox with absolutely NO PROBLEMS!!

 

[peachfuzzz]

Not counting my own - I have at least 25 times over the weekend.

No problems at all on my system.

Peeps need to check their systems a.s.a.p. 'cause Fotki ain't the source of your woes.

It's the browsers! Don't use Internet Explorer, I think that's the most targeted browser for worms and such.

 

[virtuenow]

it just so happens that it only hits when i'm on fotki (and nowhere else)?? Are you saying its a coincidence? There has to be some correlation to this virus and fotki I accidentally used the IE browser and it immediately hit me when I went to fotki the other day!

 

[Nonie]

it just so happens that it only hits when i'm on fotki (and nowhere else)?? Are you saying its a coincidence? There has to be some correlation to this virus and fotki I accidentally used the IE browser and it immediately hit me when I went to fotki the other day!

Viruses can piggyback on other programs so that when you run that program, the virus comes to life. Considering that the virus uses the same name as the Fotki website, if you already have it on your computer and if IE is its vehicle, then by typing Fotki, you probably just literally call out to it coz it's already on your PC and your PC is vulnerable when you use IE.

Out of curiosity, I just went on Fotki using IE and I didn't have issues. Again, probably because my PC is well-protected to keep the virus from gaining access and therefore it isn't already on my PC where I'd have been giving it full control by using a browser that obviously has security holes.

So to win this battle you really need to pay attention to what LynnieB shared. Coz while you may think that it's doing little damage every time it gets on since you know how to take it off, you may be surprised that it could be making your PC more vulnerable with each visit so that you may never be free of it or its cousins w/o completely wiping off your PC and starting afresh.

For those interested in all the things this virus could be doing, here's a page that should scare you all into making sure you're protected: http://www.prevx.com/filenames/X3155432931931934376-X1/FOTKI.EXE.html

 

[virtuenow]

Viruses can piggyback on other programs so that when you run that program, the virus comes to life. Considering that the virus uses the same name as the Fotki website, if you already have it on your computer and if IE is its vehicle, then by typing Fotki, you probably just literally call out to it coz it's already on your PC and your PC is vulnerable when you use IE.

Out of curiosity, I just went on Fotki using IE and I didn't have issues. Again, probably because my PC is well-protected to keep the virus from gaining access and therefore it isn't already on my PC where I'd have been giving it full control by using a browser that obviously has security holes.

So to win this battle you really need to pay attention to what LynnieB shared. Coz while you may think that it's doing little damage every time it gets on since you know how to take it off, you may be surprised that it could be making your PC more vulnerable with each visit so that you may never be free of it or its cousins w/o completely wiping off your PC and starting afresh.

For those interested in all the things this virus could be doing, here's a page that should scare you all into making sure you're protected: http://www.prevx.com/filenames/X3155432931931934376-X1/FOTKI.EXE.html

Thanks! Now how do i get it off of my computer. I use the Firefox browser and have all kinds of protection, but that thing still shows up when i go to IE fotki. Do I need to get the spybot thing, too??

 

[ellebelle88]

I use firefox. I can't remember the last time I was on Fotki so I don't know what you all are talking about but this thread just makes me never want to touch that site again. Sorry but the info on my computer is just too precious!