Expert: Lorry - 9/15/2009

Question
Lorry:
I received a rougue piece of software when I downloaded the NY Times. It basically has disabled Internet Explorer unless I purchase their software. Very clever blackmail. Are you familiar with this new problem and if so how can I get rid of it. Hope you can hel and thansk for volunteering.

Answer
Hi Nicholas,

Learning from the NY Times Attack Ad

Erik larkin

Sep 14, 2009 2:31 pm

The NYTimes.com site warned Sunday that it had inadvertently displayed an "unauthorized advertisement" over the weekend that tried to use fake malware warnings to trick viewers into installing scareware.

The various analyses of this attack point to a browser hijack, which uses Javascript to display the fake scan warnings in modified browser windows. As long as you're not tricked into downloading any software, security experts say this type of attack is relatively harmless. But fake malware warnings can also signal an existing malware infection on your PC.

The above and more information available at:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/171941/learning_from_the_ny_times_attack_ad.html

Have you tried using System Restore by going to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore and restore to an earlier date?

Assuming that you have an anti-virus program installed, run a virus scan.

Since Internet Explorer is not working, download the trial version of Norton AntiVirus, put it onto a CD, then install onto your computer.

https://shop.symantecstore.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=symnahho&id=QCShoppingCartPage

Hope this helps!
Lorry