[Kevin]

Security Help Tools

Best Online Scanners:

• HouseCall
• Panda ActiveScan
• eTrust Scan
• Kasperksy Online
• ESET Online Scan
• Online malware scan (Utilizes multiple major Antivirus Scans to analyze individual files. Norman AV "sandbox" component provides detailed analysis)

Libraries and further information:

• Symantec
• Trend
• McAfee
• Sophos
• Panda
• CA
• Multiple Vendor library and informational repository from Secunia (Excellent research resource)
• Anti-Phishing Working Group and Phishing Archive (Learn about this increasingly popular and dangerous method of web site spoofing)
• Security Alerts from WebsenseSecurityLabs (malicious Web sites, phishing-based attacks, and other emerging threats)
• Spam and Fraud: Information and Reporting (courtesy of the University of Oregon)
• Malware Help.Org (Devoted to "Malware" -- its nature, methods, detection and removal)

Spyware Database and research Links

• Parasites (Descriptions and removal instructions from CA)
• Spyware Guide

Rootkit Detection and Removal Information

• Rootkit Detection and Removal
• Wikipedia

Free fix and removal tools:

Viral:

• Grisoft AVG Free Download and AVG Update Download Options tip
• Free avast! 4 Home Edition (free registration required)
• BitDefender 8 Free Edition
• Specialized Removal Tools from Grisoft AVG
• Symantec
• Trend Micro Damage Cleanup Services (uses the latest definitions, downloadable)
• BitDefender (Specialized removal tools)
• McAfee AVERT Stinger (Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses)
• From Microsoft: Malicious Software Removal Tool (for Windows XP and 2K, includes Rootkit Detection): Online and Downloadable

Specialized Trojan Removal Applications (Trial versions):

removed old non-working link to Wilders Security Advisors
Parasitic (applications to assist in detection and removal):

• Windows OneCare (Firewall, Antivirus and other protection all-in-one...This is still in Beta, it will be a pay-for service from the looks, only for XP w/SP2, see the requirements)
• New! Windows Defender (This replaces MSAntispware Beta...read about it)
• HostsXpert (Will fix many "page cannot be displayed" and "DNS" errors caused by hijacked hosts file in all Windows versions.)
• SpySweeper fully working trial (This link changes from time to time, ask in forum if you cannot find it. SpySweeper= one of best for detection, removal and protection)
• Spybot Installation and Usage More about SpyBot S&D's Tea Timer
• Ad-Aware Home Page and VX2 Plugin
• SpywareBlaster and Tutorial from BleepingComputer.com
• HijackThis QuickStart
• HijackThis direct download, (version 2.0.2); and Tutorial
• Startuplist 2.02 completely new and remodeled from Merijn
• lspfix (Layered Service Protocols) repairs damaged Winsock2 vxd associated with connectivity problems
• Winsock fix specific to XP by "Option Explicit"
• SpywareInfo: Detection, Prevention and Removal Tools, SpywareBlaster and others
• How to temporarily turn off protective programs when fixing malware
• CoolWebSearch -- Information and Removal Tool Version 2.19
• Kazaabegone and other downloads from Merijn
• Other Tutorials from BleepingComputer.com

Alternate Download Sites for HijackThis, Spybot, CoolwebShredder (and others):

• Information, Advice and Specialized Tools from Aumha.org
• Lurkhere
• Spybot download and Tutorial at Safer-networking
• Anti-Spyware at Majorgeeks

HijackThis Analysis

• Tutorial from BleepingComputer
• Tutorial from Malware Help.org

Lists:

• BHOs and Toolbars (02,03)
• Extra Internet Explorer Buttons(09)
• LSPs (010)
• Filter:text (018)
• Appinit (020), SSODL (021)
• Startups
• Tasks and Processes (1) (2)
• O23 List of Windows XP/NT services
• NT (XP/2K) Services list
• Vista Services (Black Viper's site)

Free Firewalls:

• ZoneAlarm and 3rd party ZA Guide (Generally applies to "Pro" version, but still useful for the free) Zone Labs User Forums
• Kerio(update: Now owned by Sunbelt Software-info at forums) and Manual Kerio User Forums
• Agnitum Outpost Pro Firewall(30 day trial) and Manual User Support Forum
• Outpost Free Firewall

Vulnerability testing, Information and Fixes:

• Steve Gibson's Homepage (Are you safe? Gibson's site is a world of its own, with tests and fixes for many Windows security vulnerabilities)
• Secunia Software Inspector (checks whether your windows & other programs are vunerable to patched exploits)
• Top 100 Network Security Tools

Microsoft Security Information:

• Security Updates (Bulletins)
• Security and Privacy (Home Page)
• Understand and Maintain Security with Internet Explorer (includes latest Critical Updates)
• Security at Home: FAQs, updates and advice for all
• TechNet Security Resource Center: technical information and security updates for IT professionals
• Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center
• Microsoft Network Security Hotfix Checker {aka Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer}
  
  If you have Windows NT/2K/XP and want to check your current update status without visiting Windows Update, this tool has a graphical user interface which will give you a detailed scan and analysis of your current configuration