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Fellow scribes,

My PC was hit with a CryptoWall 3.0 ransomware infection, which encrypts all of your data -- documents, photos, etc. -- and from everything I've researched, there's no way to get your data back without paying $500 in "bitcoin" payment to cybercriminals (with no guarantee of recovery) via I2P anonymous peer to peer networks. Machines are typically infected by opening a fake UPS delivery exception notification e-mail. I have the full Webroot protection suite of software installed, and it failed to prevent the infection. I thought I was backed up with an external drive. Wrong.

So a lesson to the wise: employ the best anti-virus protection, and back up your documents/photos frequently.

As far as I'm concerned, these cybercriminals can pound sand. I'll spend the $500 on a new computer-- mine was getting tired, anyway -- and rebuild my files as best I can.


If you're fixin' to put a hole in something,
make it a hole to remember.
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The word I have heard is a good IT tech can fix it and if you send the ransom they will not repair it.


Originally Posted By: P_Weed

I never met a gun I didn't like.

SEdge,

I have an AMT Hardballer I can fix you up with.
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Consider getting a Chromebook (very hard to infect because you can only install software from the google app store) and your docs are stored in the cloud. Or buy Mozy Home Backup so you can just wipe the OS and restore your docs from backups on the Mozy site.

Chromebooks are less than $300 (but you'll need a web accessible printer to go with it).

Chromebook at Amazon

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If you are on a Windows machine, never click on a link or open an attachment from email, and make sure the account you sign in on does not have Administrator privileges.


It ain't all burritos and strippers my friends...
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Originally Posted by SEdge
The word I have heard is a good IT tech can fix it and if you send the ransom they will not repair it.


Discovered:
June 19, 2014
Updated:
November 10, 2014 3:02:09 PM
Type:
Trojan
Systems Affected:
Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Vista, Windows XP
1. Prevention and avoidance
1.1 User behavior and precautions
1.2 Patch operating system and software
2. Infection methods
2.1 Spam campaigns
2.2 Exploit kits
2.3 Malware
3.Functionality
3.1 File encryption
3.2 Ransom notice
3.3 Ransom payment web page
4. Additional information



1. PREVENTION AND AVOIDANCE
The following actions can be taken to avoid or minimize the risk from this threat.


1.1 User behavior and precautions
Be aware of attackers� social engineering techniques and avoid opening attachments or links in emails that were sent by unknown recipients. Attackers will attempt to entice users into opening attachments or links in their messages in many different ways, such as claiming the attachment is a bill, a fax notification, a special offer, or a delivery notice.



Do not download archive files (.zip, .jar, .tar, .7z, .msi, etc.) or executable/script files (.com, .exe, .scr, .bat, .js, .jse, .vb, .vbe, .wsf, .wsh, .cmd). Companies should not need to use these file types when distributing a document.

Do not click on any links or advertisements if it�s unclear if they come from trusted sources. The web browser will normally show where the link leads to when the user hovers over the link with the mouse. Users can also check online website rating services such as safeweb.norton to see if the site is deemed safe to visit.

Regularly back up any data stored on your computer. If your computer has been infected with ransomware, then you can restore the previous backup to regain access to the encrypted files after the malware has been removed.

If your computer has been compromised with Trojan.Cryptowall, do not pay the ransom. There�s no guarantee that the attacker will provide the decryption key needed to unlock the files. By paying, you�ll only encourage the attacker to continue spreading the malware.

Keep your security software up to date to protect yourself from the latest variants of this threat.


1.2 Patch operating system and software
Attackers have been observed spreading the threat through exploit kits hosted on malicious ads or compromised sites. These kits are designed to take advantage of any software bugs on your computer in order to install malware. You can prevent exploit kits from succeeding by keeping your operating system and software up to date. Install the latest updates to your computer�s software and operating system as soon as possible to patch any security vulnerabilities.

You should turn on automatic updates if available so that your computers can receive the latest patches and updates when they are made available.



2. INFECTION METHODS
The Trojan may use the following infection methods to compromise the affected computer.


2.2 Spam campaigns
The Trojan can arrive through spam emails with malicious attachments, usually a zip archive file containing the threat. The emails include a message to convince the user to download and open the attachment.


If the user opens the attachment, then the malware will install itself on the computer.


2.2 Exploit kits
The Trojan may arrive through exploit kits that take advantage of particular vulnerabilities in order to install the malware on the affected computer. The exploit kits that have been observed distributing Trojan.Cryptowall include the Rig exploit kit and the Nuclear exploit kit. These kits exploited the following vulnerabilities to drop the Trojan onto computers:
Oracle Java SE Remote Java Runtime Environment Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2012-0507)
Adobe Flash Player Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2014-0515)
Adobe Flash Player and AIR Unspecified Heap Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2014-0556)

The attacker may host the exploit kits on legitimate websites that have been compromised. Attackers may compromise these sites by injecting malicious code into them, which redirects the site�s visitors to another web page hosting the exploit kit. The kit then checks the user�s computer for potentially vulnerable programs and attempts to exploit them accordingly. This will allow the kit to drop the Trojan onto the computer.

Along with compromising legitimate websites, the attackers may host the exploit kit on malicious websites. They may email links to these sites to users as part of a spam campaign. The emails will contain a message that attempts to convince users to visit the malicious site.

Additionally, the exploit kits may be linked by malicious ads, which could appear on otherwise unconnected websites. These ads redirect users a number of times before sending them to a web page hosting the exploit kit.


2.3 Malware
The Trojan could arrive on computers through other malware that has already installed on them. Some threats include functionality to allow them to download other threats on the already compromised computer. Downloader.Upatre and Trojan.Zbot have both been used to download Trojan.Cryptowall onto compromised computers.



3. FUNCTIONALITY
Once the Trojan has compromised the computer, it may perform the following actions.


3.1 File encryption
When the Trojan is executed, it creates a number of registry keys to store the path of the encrypted files and run every time Windows starts.

The threat then connects to one of a number of remote locations. The Trojan first sends a profile of the compromised computer to the remote server and waits for a reply. Once the Trojan receives the reply, it encrypts all files with the following file extensions:
xls
wpd
wb2
txt
tex
swf
sql
rtf
RAW
ppt
png
pem
pdf
pdb
PAS
odt
obj
msg
mpg
mp3
lua
key
jpg
hpp
gif
eps
DTD
doc
der
crt
cpp
cer
bmp
bay
avi
ava
ass
asp
js
py
pl
db
c
h
ps
cs
m
rm

The Trojan encrypts these files through public-key cryptography using strong 2048-bit RSA encryption. Once the files have been encrypted, the user will not be able to decrypt the files without the necessary private key.

The Trojan then sends the private key back to the remote server. After the remote server confirms that it has received the key, the Trojan will send a screenshot of the computer�s desktop to the remote server.


3.2 Ransom notice
Next, the Trojan creates new files in each folder that contains encrypted files. The new files contain a message describing how the user can get the decryption key. The message is either stored as a text file or a web page. It tells the user that all of their files have been encrypted with a 2048-bit RSA key and if they want to unlock the files, they will need to pay for the private key. The message then points to links to allow the user to pay the ransom demand. It may also contain additional instructions on how to access this page, as the page may be hosted on the anonymous Tor network.




3.3 Ransom payment web page
If the user opens these links, they will be presented with a CAPTCHA page which are designed to determine that the user is human or a bot.


Once the user inputs the CAPTCHA code correctly, they will arrive at the ransom payment page. The page tells the user how much they have to pay for the decryption key. It may say that the price will increase if the user does not pay within a certain time period. This is designed to put pressure on the user to pay the ransom as soon as possible. Trojan.Cryptwall typically asks the user to pay with bitcoins and provides instructions on how to purchase bitcoins and use the cryptocurrency to pay for the decryption key.


The page also offers a �My screen� button, which directs users to a screenshot of their desktop to prove that their computer is compromised. The page also has a �Test decrypt� button, which allows the user to decrypt one file to show that decryption is possible. This is like a �try before you buy� service to try and convince users that the decryption works.

However, even if the user pays for the decryption key, there�s no guarantee that the attackers will ever provide a key or remove the malware from the compromised computer.



4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information relating to this threat family, please see the following resource:
CryptoDefense, the CryptoLocker Imitator, Makes Over $34,000 in One Month
Recommendations
Symantec Security Response encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following basic security "best practices":
Use a firewall to block all incoming connections from the Internet to services that should not be publicly available. By default, you should deny all incoming connections and only allow services you explicitly want to offer to the outside world.
Enforce a password policy. Complex passwords make it difficult to crack password files on compromised computers. This helps to prevent or limit damage when a computer is compromised.
Ensure that programs and users of the computer use the lowest level of privileges necessary to complete a task. When prompted for a root or UAC password, ensure that the program asking for administration-level access is a legitimate application.
Disable AutoPlay to prevent the automatic launching of executable files on network and removable drives, and disconnect the drives when not required. If write access is not required, enable read-only mode if the option is available.
Turn off file sharing if not needed. If file sharing is required, use ACLs and password protection to limit access. Disable anonymous access to shared folders. Grant access only to user accounts with strong passwords to folders that must be shared.
Turn off and remove unnecessary services. By default, many operating systems install auxiliary services that are not critical. These services are avenues of attack. If they are removed, threats have less avenues of attack.
If a threat exploits one or more network services, disable, or block access to, those services until a patch is applied.
Always keep your patch levels up-to-date, especially on computers that host public services and are accessible through the firewall, such as HTTP, FTP, mail, and DNS services.
Configure your email server to block or remove email that contains file attachments that are commonly used to spread threats, such as .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.
Isolate compromised computers quickly to prevent threats from spreading further. Perform a forensic analysis and restore the computers using trusted media.
Train employees not to open attachments unless they are expecting them. Also, do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised Web site can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.
If Bluetooth is not required for mobile devices, it should be turned off. If you require its use, ensure that the device's visibility is set to "Hidden" so that it cannot be scanned by other Bluetooth devices. If device pairing must be used, ensure that all devices are set to "Unauthorized", requiring authorization for each connection request. Do not accept applications that are unsigned or sent from unknown sources.
For further information on the terms used in this document, please refer to the Security Response glossary.
Writeup By: Laura O'Brien, Jeet Morparia
Summary| Technical Details| Removal

Discovered:
June 19, 2014
Updated:
November 10, 2014 3:02:09 PM
Type:
Trojan
Systems Affected:
Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Vista, Windows XP
You may have arrived at this page either because you have been alerted by your Symantec product about this risk, or you are concerned that your computer has been affected by this risk.

Before proceeding further we recommend that you run a full system scan. If that does not resolve the problem you can try one of the options available below.



FOR NORTON USERS
If you are a Norton product user, we recommend you try the following resources to remove this risk.


Removal Tool
Run Norton Power Eraser (NPE)
Norton Power Eraser did not remove this risk

If you have an infected Windows system file, you may need to replace it using the Windows installation CD.


How to reduce the risk of infection
The following resources provide further information and best practices to help reduce the risk of infection.
Operating system updates to fix vulnerabilities
File sharing protection
Disable Autorun (CD/USB)
Best practices for instant messaging
Best practices for browsing the Web
Best practices for email


FOR BUSINESS USERS
If you are a Symantec business product user, we recommend you try the following resources to remove this risk.


Identifying and submitting suspect files
Submitting suspicious files to Symantec allows us to ensure that our protection capabilities keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape. Submitted files are analyzed by Symantec Security Response and, where necessary, updated definitions are immediately distributed through LiveUpdate� to all Symantec end points. This ensures that other computers nearby are protected from attack. The following resources may help in identifying suspicious files for submission to Symantec.
Locate a sample of a threat
Submit a suspicious file to Symantec


Removal Tool
Run Symantec Power Eraser in Symantec Help (SymHelp)
About Symantec Power Eraser
Symantec Power Eraser User Guide

If you have an infected Windows system file, you may need to replace it using the Windows installation CD.


How to reduce the risk of infection
The following resource provides further information and best practices to help reduce the risk of infection.
Protecting your business network



MANUAL REMOVAL
The following instructions pertain to all current Symantec antivirus products.


1. Performing a full system scan
How to run a full system scan using your Symantec product


2. Restoring settings in the registry
Many risks make modifications to the registry, which could impact the functionality or performance of the compromised computer. While many of these modifications can be restored through various Windows components, it may be necessary to edit the registry. See in the Technical Details of this writeup for information about which registry keys were created or modified. Delete registry subkeys and entries created by the risk and return all modified registry entries to their previous values.
Writeup By: Laura O'Brien, Jeet Morparia
Summary| Technical Details| Removal

Discovered:
June 19, 2014
Updated:
November 10, 2014 3:02:09 PM
Type:
Trojan
Systems Affected:
Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Vista, Windows XP
1. Prevention and avoidance
1.1 User behavior and precautions
1.2 Patch operating system and software
2. Infection methods
2.1 Spam campaigns
2.2 Exploit kits
2.3 Malware
3.Functionality
3.1 File encryption
3.2 Ransom notice
3.3 Ransom payment web page
4. Additional information



1. PREVENTION AND AVOIDANCE
The following actions can be taken to avoid or minimize the risk from this threat.


1.1 User behavior and precautions
Be aware of attackers� social engineering techniques and avoid opening attachments or links in emails that were sent by unknown recipients. Attackers will attempt to entice users into opening attachments or links in their messages in many different ways, such as claiming the attachment is a bill, a fax notification, a special offer, or a delivery notice.



Do not download archive files (.zip, .jar, .tar, .7z, .msi, etc.) or executable/script files (.com, .exe, .scr, .bat, .js, .jse, .vb, .vbe, .wsf, .wsh, .cmd). Companies should not need to use these file types when distributing a document.

Do not click on any links or advertisements if it�s unclear if they come from trusted sources. The web browser will normally show where the link leads to when the user hovers over the link with the mouse. Users can also check online website rating services such as safeweb.norton to see if the site is deemed safe to visit.

Regularly back up any data stored on your computer. If your computer has been infected with ransomware, then you can restore the previous backup to regain access to the encrypted files after the malware has been removed.

If your computer has been compromised with Trojan.Cryptowall, do not pay the ransom. There�s no guarantee that the attacker will provide the decryption key needed to unlock the files. By paying, you�ll only encourage the attacker to continue spreading the malware.

Keep your security software up to date to protect yourself from the latest variants of this threat.


1.2 Patch operating system and software
Attackers have been observed spreading the threat through exploit kits hosted on malicious ads or compromised sites. These kits are designed to take advantage of any software bugs on your computer in order to install malware. You can prevent exploit kits from succeeding by keeping your operating system and software up to date. Install the latest updates to your computer�s software and operating system as soon as possible to patch any security vulnerabilities.

You should turn on automatic updates if available so that your computers can receive the latest patches and updates when they are made available.



2. INFECTION METHODS
The Trojan may use the following infection methods to compromise the affected computer.


2.2 Spam campaigns
The Trojan can arrive through spam emails with malicious attachments, usually a zip archive file containing the threat. The emails include a message to convince the user to download and open the attachment.


If the user opens the attachment, then the malware will install itself on the computer.


2.2 Exploit kits
The Trojan may arrive through exploit kits that take advantage of particular vulnerabilities in order to install the malware on the affected computer. The exploit kits that have been observed distributing Trojan.Cryptowall include the Rig exploit kit and the Nuclear exploit kit. These kits exploited the following vulnerabilities to drop the Trojan onto computers:
Oracle Java SE Remote Java Runtime Environment Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2012-0507)
Adobe Flash Player Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2014-0515)
Adobe Flash Player and AIR Unspecified Heap Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2014-0556)

The attacker may host the exploit kits on legitimate websites that have been compromised. Attackers may compromise these sites by injecting malicious code into them, which redirects the site�s visitors to another web page hosting the exploit kit. The kit then checks the user�s computer for potentially vulnerable programs and attempts to exploit them accordingly. This will allow the kit to drop the Trojan onto the computer.

Along with compromising legitimate websites, the attackers may host the exploit kit on malicious websites. They may email links to these sites to users as part of a spam campaign. The emails will contain a message that attempts to convince users to visit the malicious site.

Additionally, the exploit kits may be linked by malicious ads, which could appear on otherwise unconnected websites. These ads redirect users a number of times before sending them to a web page hosting the exploit kit.


2.3 Malware
The Trojan could arrive on computers through other malware that has already installed on them. Some threats include functionality to allow them to download other threats on the already compromised computer. Downloader.Upatre and Trojan.Zbot have both been used to download Trojan.Cryptowall onto compromised computers.



3. FUNCTIONALITY
Once the Trojan has compromised the computer, it may perform the following actions.


3.1 File encryption
When the Trojan is executed, it creates a number of registry keys to store the path of the encrypted files and run every time Windows starts.

The threat then connects to one of a number of remote locations. The Trojan first sends a profile of the compromised computer to the remote server and waits for a reply. Once the Trojan receives the reply, it encrypts all files with the following file extensions:
xls
wpd
wb2
txt
tex
swf
sql
rtf
RAW
ppt
png
pem
pdf
pdb
PAS
odt
obj
msg
mpg
mp3
lua
key
jpg
hpp
gif
eps
DTD
doc
der
crt
cpp
cer
bmp
bay
avi
ava
ass
asp
js
py
pl
db
c
h
ps
cs
m
rm

The Trojan encrypts these files through public-key cryptography using strong 2048-bit RSA encryption. Once the files have been encrypted, the user will not be able to decrypt the files without the necessary private key.

The Trojan then sends the private key back to the remote server. After the remote server confirms that it has received the key, the Trojan will send a screenshot of the computer�s desktop to the remote server.


3.2 Ransom notice
Next, the Trojan creates new files in each folder that contains encrypted files. The new files contain a message describing how the user can get the decryption key. The message is either stored as a text file or a web page. It tells the user that all of their files have been encrypted with a 2048-bit RSA key and if they want to unlock the files, they will need to pay for the private key. The message then points to links to allow the user to pay the ransom demand. It may also contain additional instructions on how to access this page, as the page may be hosted on the anonymous Tor network.




3.3 Ransom payment web page
If the user opens these links, they will be presented with a CAPTCHA page which are designed to determine that the user is human or a bot.


Once the user inputs the CAPTCHA code correctly, they will arrive at the ransom payment page. The page tells the user how much they have to pay for the decryption key. It may say that the price will increase if the user does not pay within a certain time period. This is designed to put pressure on the user to pay the ransom as soon as possible. Trojan.Cryptwall typically asks the user to pay with bitcoins and provides instructions on how to purchase bitcoins and use the cryptocurrency to pay for the decryption key.


The page also offers a �My screen� button, which directs users to a screenshot of their desktop to prove that their computer is compromised. The page also has a �Test decrypt� button, which allows the user to decrypt one file to show that decryption is possible. This is like a �try before you buy� service to try and convince users that the decryption works.

However, even if the user pays for the decryption key, there�s no guarantee that the attackers will ever provide a key or remove the malware from the compromised computer.



4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information relating to this threat family, please see the following resource:
CryptoDefense, the CryptoLocker Imitator, Makes Over $34,000 in One Month
Recommendations
Symantec Security Response encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following basic security "best practices":
Use a firewall to block all incoming connections from the Internet to services that should not be publicly available. By default, you should deny all incoming connections and only allow services you explicitly want to offer to the outside world.
Enforce a password policy. Complex passwords make it difficult to crack password files on compromised computers. This helps to prevent or limit damage when a computer is compromised.
Ensure that programs and users of the computer use the lowest level of privileges necessary to complete a task. When prompted for a root or UAC password, ensure that the program asking for administration-level access is a legitimate application.
Disable AutoPlay to prevent the automatic launching of executable files on network and removable drives, and disconnect the drives when not required. If write access is not required, enable read-only mode if the option is available.
Turn off file sharing if not needed. If file sharing is required, use ACLs and password protection to limit access. Disable anonymous access to shared folders. Grant access only to user accounts with strong passwords to folders that must be shared.
Turn off and remove unnecessary services. By default, many operating systems install auxiliary services that are not critical. These services are avenues of attack. If they are removed, threats have less avenues of attack.
If a threat exploits one or more network services, disable, or block access to, those services until a patch is applied.
Always keep your patch levels up-to-date, especially on computers that host public services and are accessible through the firewall, such as HTTP, FTP, mail, and DNS services.
Configure your email server to block or remove email that contains file attachments that are commonly used to spread threats, such as .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.
Isolate compromised computers quickly to prevent threats from spreading further. Perform a forensic analysis and restore the computers using trusted media.
Train employees not to open attachments unless they are expecting them. Also, do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised Web site can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.
If Bluetooth is not required for mobile devices, it should be turned off. If you require its use, ensure that the device's visibility is set to "Hidden" so that it cannot be scanned by other Bluetooth devices. If device pairing must be used, ensure that all devices are set to "Unauthorized", requiring authorization for each connection request. Do not accept applications that are unsigned or sent from unknown sources.
For further information on the terms used in this document, please refer to the Security Response glossary.
Writeup By: Laura O'Brien, Jeet Morparia
Summary| Technical Details| Removal


Good luck, because the new one is even worse.




Swifty
IC B2

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Posts: 29,663
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It is very difficult to protect someone from a threat when a user voluntarily accesses its source.


1Minute
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K
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Originally Posted by SEdge
The word I have heard is a good IT tech can fix it and if you send the ransom they will not repair it.


Nope. This new one (3.0) is a very bad actor. I've spoken with several data recovery specialists and they, in turn, talked with their peers.

They're telling me the only way to deal with this thing with certainty is to wipe your computer and start over. You can recover your data if it's backed up externally, but if it's not, once the infection is discovered, disconnect from the Internet immediately to halt the encryption process and save any data that hasn't already been encrypted.

They're telling me that this one is really starting to take off. They saw a spike during the holidays with people getting the infection from fake UPS or other delivery service emails. In my case, since I am signed up for UPS email notifications, I didn't spot the fake.

Bastids... there should be a special place in hell for the azzwipes who create these things.


If you're fixin' to put a hole in something,
make it a hole to remember.
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I'm glad this is a computer virus issue.

I thought "ransomware" was like underware, but with a remote lock on it.

That can't happen.....

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K
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K
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Was in the local Best Buy last night and they said this new 3.0 version is taking off. Since the holidays, they're seeing 5-10 cases per week just in that store.


If you're fixin' to put a hole in something,
make it a hole to remember.
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R
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R
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Posts: 20,787
None of my files reside on my computer. I keep it all on jump drives.


Throttle fixes everything. If it doesn't fix the problem, it’ll end the suspense.
IC B3

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They're telling me the only way to deal with this thing with certainty is to wipe your computer and start over. You can recover your data if it's backed up externally, but if it's not, once the infection is discovered, disconnect from the Internet immediately to halt the encryption process and save any data that hasn't already been encrypted.

Yup, that's what Norton said too. That's why I wished you luck.

Last edited by Swifty52; 01/29/15.


Swifty
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 39,301
S
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S
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Posts: 39,301
I am sorry for your devastating loss and hope you have backups and have not it all. My recommendation is to ditch Windows and go to Linux. You can run it on the same machine and even run a duel boot system to do things you have to do in Windows but stay off line when in Windows and only connect in Linux. I have used Ubuntu for years and do not have any form of virus of spyware protection. Never a problem.

As a bonus for those with Scot heritage it is all free.


The first time I shot myself in the head...

Meniere's Sucks Big Time!!!
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J
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J
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this is exactly why you should have an external HD and pickup a product to do backups constantly.

I've used a product called Ribit for years and it flat works for a Full recovery..OS and everything from whatever date you tell it

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Originally Posted by Scott F
I am sorry for your devastating loss and hope you have backups and have not it all. My recommendation is to ditch Windows and go to Linux. You can run it on the same machine and even run a duel boot system to do things you have to do in Windows but stay off line when in Windows and only connect in Linux. I have used Ubuntu for years and do not have any form of virus of spyware protection. Never a problem.

As a bonus for those with Scot heritage it is all free.


That's fine for the computer literate, but a Chromebook is a better choice for those not that capable with computers.

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S
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S
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Posts: 39,301
If you can get around in windows you can get around in Mint or Ubuntu and there is no need to spend one cent to make the change.


The first time I shot myself in the head...

Meniere's Sucks Big Time!!!
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Originally Posted by Scott F
If you can get around in windows you can get around in Mint or Ubuntu and there is no need to spend one cent to make the change.

Absolutely correct.

Today running Mint or Ubuntu is no trickier than Windows or the Apple OS. Honest!

Furthermore, even a cheap PC running Mint will be a FAR more capable machine than a Chromebook (and work better if you are not in constant contact with the internet).

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Originally Posted by Scott F
If you can get around in windows you can get around in Mint or Ubuntu and there is no need to spend one cent to make the change.


Uh,no, Ubuntu is quite different from Windows. A non-savy person will be lost.

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Then I must be lost. Whenever I decide I need to do something with my Ubuntu is simply Bing the question " installing _______ in Ubuntu 14.04. The cut and paste the instructions. Trust me, if I can do it anyone can.

Now XUbuntu is a different ballgame.


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Scott, aren't you a computer professional?

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I've heard of Linux but not the other stuff. I'm interested though.

Is it possible to start using (and learning) one of the other systems before completely walking away from Windows and IE.............without screwing anything up?

BTW, I had some clown from India call last week to inform me that I'd been infected, and needed to log onto my computer to cleaning it up. I strung him along for as long as I could, trying to waste the time he could be suckering someone else.


Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.
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I will take this to a PM as it really doesn't belong in this forum.


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Originally Posted by Scott F
I am sorry for your devastating loss and hope you have backups and have not it all. My recommendation is to ditch Windows and go to Linux. You can run it on the same machine and even run a duel boot system to do things you have to do in Windows but stay off line when in Windows and only connect in Linux. I have used Ubuntu for years and do not have any form of virus of spyware protection. Never a problem.

As a bonus for those with Scot heritage it is all free.


Not a dig, but weren't you the one who jumped off line and and started searching for a fix a couple of months back when the big nasty effecting only OSX, Unix, and Linux hit the fan. Also the last I knew there were over 700 viruses and growing for Linux. It's not really any safer, especially when you open a link and ask for it.

This one Bash bug. Big nasty.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/unixlinux-bash-critical-security-hole-uncovered/

Last edited by Swifty52; 02/02/15.


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No, not guilty of this one. I really don't even remember it happening. Hug a jackass is my go to guy now that Les. Is overseas. Drop him a line and ask him.

I will say I have been using Ubuntu fly several years and have had no problems with it since I switched.

I am now running a duel boot system with Windows 7 and Ubuntu on the same computer. I do about 99.9% on Ubuntu but when I switch to Windows it is so slow it is sickening.


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My mistake. CRS time I guess. frown
I'm outta this one. Wrong forum



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the people who open email attachments are the same ones that wire money to nigerian lottery winners.


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Originally Posted by Swifty52
Originally Posted by Scott F
I am sorry for your devastating loss and hope you have backups and have not it all. My recommendation is to ditch Windows and go to Linux. You can run it on the same machine and even run a duel boot system to do things you have to do in Windows but stay off line when in Windows and only connect in Linux. I have used Ubuntu for years and do not have any form of virus of spyware protection. Never a problem.

As a bonus for those with Scot heritage it is all free.


Not a dig, but weren't you the one who jumped off line and and started searching for a fix a couple of months back when the big nasty effecting only OSX, Unix, and Linux hit the fan. Also the last I knew there were over 700 viruses and growing for Linux. It's not really any safer, especially when you open a link and ask for it.

This one Bash bug. Big nasty.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/unixlinux-bash-critical-security-hole-uncovered/


If you're running your Linux/Unix/Mac as an un-patched web server then yes, BASH is an issue. If you're running it as a normal type user browsing the fire and reading e-mail then not an issue.

Do not confuse "Virus'', "Maleware" and "Trojans" they are separate and distinct and dealt with differently. Yes, these all exist in the Unix world however in no case am I aware of can they run without you giving it your sys admin password. Not to say they won't be developed some day but not right now. Windows is very susceptible to many of these without you even being aware you've been had. It HAS gotten far better but there's a reason that companies make a lot of money with Antivirus software and cleaning up computers.

This from some who is a professional and architecting and deploying a global enterprise with north of 25,000 physical and virtual Linux and Windows servers and workstations that run Unix (whatever flavor including Mac OS X) is far more secure for the average user.


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I'm no computer expert, I'm a mechanic. Linux has proved itself to be a great option to me for close to 10 years. Knoppix was the first version of linux I tried. Just a "live" cd that you could boot from and experiment with. What an amazing thing, an operating system running from a cd!! I tried to install it with some minor success. Then I used Mepis for a number of years until the maintainer had to get a real job.

In recent times I've used Mint (based on Ubuntu). Is it totally 100% secure? I doubt it. The bash vulnerability was a surprise to many but it was quickly patched. (When I checked my computer was not vulnerable to that bug. I don't really know if it was only attacking old versions of bash or ??) Computer operating systems have so many lines of code that nobody has 100% confidence. Is it more secure than windows? I'm absolutely sure of it. Bad guys want to maximize their efforts so they go for the big numbers of windows users. There have been a few reports of linux viruses but mostly in the computer lab. In the wild it's not a worry. I tried to install and use a virus program for the first few years of linux use, then I gave up, there was no problem to be found.

Yes, you can use a browser you're familiar with like Firefox or Chrome. You can sync your bookmarks over from the windows versions with xmarks or sync or others that I don't know about. Adblock works great in linux! Dual boot with windows is easily done by most of the installers.

A "live" linux cd or flash drive will allow you to access your data without starting windows or making a permanent change to your computer. You can recover data and save it to an external drive or the internet even if windows has croaked. http://www.pcworld.com/article/2147...ntu-can-help-a-computer-in-distress.html

The most amazing thing to me was how most versions of linux that I have tried can configure hardware on the fly. Only the most obscure printers and scanners require extra work to make them functional. Old stuff seems to work perfectly. Brand new may be more of a problem. I recently pulled the hard drive from my spare computer and put it in a computer with totally different hardware. It started and worked perfectly with all my bookmarks and data intact. Not gonna do that in windows.

It's fast and it's FREE! If you have an old computer or one that's giving you trouble please download and "burn" a live cd or flash drive of linux to try. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!


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I got the Cryptowall thing recently, it's BAD. I would rather have a case of the clap.

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I had my work computer infected with a version of this virus today.

It was a brand new computer with work-related stuff only on it. I opened a couple of emails in Gmail, but no attachments, but did open a "news" article on Facebook. IT guys suspect it was the Facebook article that had the virus. Not gonna open any of THEM again!!

IT people are gonna wipe the hard drive and get it back to me in a couple days.


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Originally Posted by postoak
Scott, aren't you a computer professional?


I recognise my laptop most days. I am anything but a computer Pro.


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Just get an Apple McIntosh PC.

They don't get viruses and such.

Besides, Bill Gates gives $$$ to gun control initiatives.


Don't blame me. I voted for Trump.

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Sm security for free without the cost of a new computer and Microsoft won't get a penny from you. Not saying anything bad about apple you just don't need to spend the money apple wants.

Now lets take this somewhere else and not clutter up the Gunwriters Forum.


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Anyone use CryptoPrevent from Foolish IT as part of their defenses?

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Went back to Norton because AVG was trash.
Also added Malwarebytes.


Wanna bet this is probably one of our own government agencies
pulling this crap ?


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