Expert: Brian Benosky - 4/16/2011

Question
Hi Brian,
  Thanks for all your help in the past, our computer has been running super smooth! I have a few new questions for you. I have SAS free edition running. The past three days it's detected Adware Tracking Cookies (30-80) and something called Browser HiJacker.Tubby (10). I clicked on to have them fixed. Each time it's said I need to reboot to complete the process, which I did. After my computer starts back up I get a message from Windows Security Alert to check my antivirus software. I definitely think I smell a skunk here. Also, I've noticed that everytime I click on Internet Explorer from my start up menu, I get a full screen add for SAS Premium or whatever their pay for edition is called.
 I've been playing around with different browsers since my last question to you. I've found I really don't know what I'm doing. I guess I can't comprehend a browser as anything else besides what I call a search engine. All the things it can do really never appealed to me since I just click on favorites and go from there. I upgraded to Internet Explorer 8, and then 9. I tried Mozilla, even went over and over their tutorial, but still couldn't get it to configure they way I envisioned. Right now I've got Bing because I like it as what I call my search engine. Heck, I'm still trying to get it through my head that a browser is not the same thing as my home page. (At least I don't think it is). So any suggestions on how to keep my "search engine" safe would be most appreciated.   
  Thanks much, Brian.                      Sincerely, Jax

Answer
Hi Jax

There are many things you can do to keep your browser secure.  More than I have space to list here.  Microsoft has made a very useful site which lists tips on using and securing IE9.  Check it out here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/help/ie-9

Check out the tips in the Security & Privacy tab.

Also, have you updated and run a Malwarebytes scan recently?  I suggest you do so just to make sure SAS did not miss anything.  If you run into trouble, let me know.

Brian