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Security Attack

Quickbeam

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Posted March 2, 2012 at 11:49AM

I run Zone Alarm on Windows 7 which has recently blocked '3 severe security threats' which has resulted in the computer shutting down for 5 minutes.

Does this mean I have something lurking on it still? I have a recent drive image which I can easily load if need be, or will Zone Alarm sort it out by itself in time?

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Quickbeam

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Posted March 2, 2012 at 11:59AM

I use the Zone Alarm Pro, paid for version for 3 computers.

I must admit this is the first time in 10 years or more that I've had what seems to be a serious attempt to breach the security firewall.

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rdave13

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Posted March 2, 2012 at 12:17PM

Forgive my ignorance, as I don't use ZA, but isn't there a log somewhere you could check up on to see what kind of threat it was? Usually security apps block and warn of malicious scripts, not shutting down the PC.

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northumbria61

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Posted March 2, 2012 at 12:27PM

I would run Malwarebytes to see if it throws up anything and then a full scan with ZA (like rdave13 I don't use ZA)

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john bunyan

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Posted March 2, 2012 at 12:53PM

I also use a different firewall, but suggest like others you run a scan with your anti virus programme, and I like Superantispyware as well as Malawarebytes to look for malware. If all the scans are negative, I think you are ok.

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Quickbeam

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Posted March 2, 2012 at 1:18PM

The Zone Alarm log shown an attempt at the same time as the shutdowns. But I've never had the shutdowns before, so I don't know if that's a normal thing or not. When Windows restarts, it tells me it's recovered from an unexpected shutdown, and would I like it to check online for a solution to the problem.

I'll run the scans now as I have to admit that over the years I've relied on the software to sort everything out for me. Probably most do now, 10/15 years ago you had to become involved in these matters to sort it out (or phone a friend). I think we've all become complacent with the reliance of the software's apparent infallible ability to self maintain:(

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