I just ran Spybot, but I had not done it for a couple of weeks.
It found loads of spyware all labelled within Firefox folders. These must have crept in on a recent update. Very naughty Firefox. I cleaned them out and spybot reminded me I had not run immunization. So I did, currently running and checking thousands of files.
Where did you obtain your Firefox update???
There is no malware or spyware or junkware or crapware or anything else bundled with the legitimate Firefox installer from the official download site:
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/desktop/
Or perhaps you have some rogue extensions?
As for Spybot S&D, many experts no longer recommend it.I cleaned them out and spybot reminded me I had not run immunization. So I did, currently running and checking thousands of files.
For example, see here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru.../#entry3279369
IMHO There are other, better anti-malware applications.
<just sayin'>
Cheers,
MM
@MoxieMomma 1st of all I don't use Spybot(although I once tried it), an interesting comment from the mod quietman7:
Spybot's Immunization is passive protection, meaning it does not run in the background. When you "Immunize", entries are added to Windows registry which blocks the storing of cookies from some sites and a large number of sites are placed in the restricted zone, by domain (site name) and by range (IP address).
A better alternative is to use SpywareBlaster which does the same job on a larger scale...places sites in the restricted zone, all by domain (site name), prevents the installation of ActiveX and more. In previous versions Spybot would tell you if SpywareBlaster was installed on your computer that it offered more control over your settings by letting you add and remove sites very easily.
Further, Internet Explorer 8 and above uses the SmartScreen Filter which provides similar but more comprehensive protection by identifying and blocking sites on the web that are distributing malicious software. It is kept current in an Internet accessible database, so it can be much larger and more quickly updated than a local static list that is only updated periodically.
REALLY!! I have seen loads of malware embedded in FF over months and I make sure I get the original from Mozilla. Since installation, the current updates appear automatically and install without prompt, only telling me, wait a mo, installing update. The only other site I trust is Major Geeks.
The malware or spyware I found today were all within Firefox folders, no other.
Everyone has their own opinion as to how good, or bad, a particular software is. I go by experience. I have Malwarebytes Premium; AVG Internet Suite, Spy Bot. Spy bot is the freebie version - I tried the pro version offered as a trial from someone in SB, and it took took long to do a system scan, like a whole day!! So I binned it back to the freebie (which is running now). I use MB and SB manually, AVG runs auto.
I binned CCleaner as it screwed up some passwords.
[QUOTE=elbmek;411297]Well, I'm no expert and I don't work for Mozilla, but I've never heard of that.
I've been a long-time Firefox user and forum member at forums.mozillazine.org, as well as several computer security fora. We just don't see lots of similar reports.
I'm not disputing what you say, but: the official installer from mozilla.org does not come with anything embedded.
It just doesn't. The internet would be in an uproar, if it did.
It sure sounds as if you may have picked up PUPs or dodgy extensions or other malware/adware/hijackers/toolbars on your system, with or without your knowledge.
And if they keep turning up on repeat scans, then it sounds as if either they aren't being fully removed, or you are being reinfected (or they are false positives by Spybot?).
Without some diagnostic logs to see what's going on, it's pretty much speculation.
I personally wouldn't trust Spybot S&D alone for the complete clean-up of whatever it is that's on your system.
You might want to wait for someone here with formal malware training or might want to head over to one of the reputable computer disinfection fora for a deeper look at the system and removal with more powerful, specialized tools?
<just a thought>
Take care,:)
Moxie, I agree with you to a certain extent, and am about to remove Spybot, but for a different reason. Every scan removes my password settings and I have to relog into everything. The other thing is that my pc is actually very clean, and a technician remarked on that a few weeks ago when he came into my pc for something or other. (Memory crap!).
However, spybot has dramatically improved from its knights of olde version. But anyway, its going.
edit: interesting point on this uninstallation. I was doing a couple of other office cleaning and rebooted 3-4 times. Every reboot brought up a pop up "Click here to install Spybot". But I had it uninstalled!! So I checked start menu and sure enough there was a start up item entitled" Make sure Spy Bot is in win 10" - cheeky bleeders!! Entry now deleted.
Last edited by elbmek; 01 Oct 2015 at 23:59.
In reply to Moxie, just did a malware./adware scan and came up with these files contained within firefox folders on my pc:
bluesnap x 2
googleleadservices.con x 2
newscastdigitalmedia.net
liveperson.net
lv.com
statdealtime.com
just run same check minus firefox and running chrome as default:
NIL
Well, again, just because you have them in "firefox folders" does not tell us much.
It's not clear what you mean by "firefox folders".
In your Firefox profile folder?
In the Firefox program files folder?
In the Firefox program data folder?
And again, it does not mean that they came with Firefox.
They could be PUPs and/or other junk that came with dodgy extensions or with other legit software, or by some other means. And they could be false positives from Spybot S&D.
If they keep turning up, then that suggests that either whatever tool you're using to remove them isn't working, or they are respawning somewhere, or you are being reinfected.
Moreover, no one tool will pick up 100% of all junkware, crapware, adware or PUPs.
Complete detection and removal often requires multiple tools, as explained HERE.
Without hard data (such as FRST diagnostic logs), it's impossible to say exactly what is going on.
But I respectfully disagree with your assertion that the legitimate Firefox installer comes bundled with anything nefarious.
As it is open-source software, it would be hard to get away with such a stunt.
If it were my computer, I would head over to one of several reputable computer disinfection fora for some free, expert help.
<just saying>
Cheers,
MM
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