I'm confused about how to use the virus protection feature.
While surfing, I got a "security alert." Firefox scanned my computer and found several viruses. After clicking the "start protection" button a download of "InstallSecurityCenter_927.exe" began. When I attempted to open the file, it opened as a text file. How can I successfully use this feature, and how can I eradicate these viruses? Thanks. -Tom Fitzgibbon P.S. I have lately had some issues with my e-mail account being hacked, as well as some credit card fraud. Could these be related?
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Firefox does not scan for viruses. You accessed a malicious site that is trying to get you to install some form of malware. The scan that said your computer was infected was not a real scan. It is trying to get people to install malware by tricking them into believing that their computer is infected.
If you ran that file you need to run a full scan with your anti-virus software. I also recommend running several malware scanners. It is best to run several as each will pick up things that the others miss. Some scanners you can try are:
- Malwarebytes - http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
- SuperAntiSpyware - http://www.superantispyware.com
- Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
- Windows Defender - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
- Spybot S&D - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
Firefox is a browser only, it has no capability to scan your computer. DO NOT open, download, or pay attention to these pop-ups, they are all SCAMS and will install viruses into your computer. It's good that you cannot open that ".exe" file, otherwise your computer will be infected with viruses.
As a suggestion, do not open any "exe" from sources you are not familiar with, especially from emails.