Remove malware step-by-step

Certain adware, viruses and rootkits can really take considerable time to remove from a system, so use the tricks outlined in this tip (courtesy of SearchWindowsSecurity.com) to respond to an infection on your customer's network.

It seems that one of the biggest problems plaguing Windows users -- both at work and at home -- is recovering from a malware infection. In fact, it's the most common problem posed to me in my SearchWindowsSecurity.com Ask the Expert forum. Whether or not they do any damage, certain adware, viruses, and (heaven-forbid) rootkits can really take considerable time to remove from a system.

I've come across various tricks over the years to remove virtually anything and at the same time keep your cleanup efforts -- and the ensuing stress -- to a minimum. Make sure you consider each of the following steps when the time comes to respond to an infection.

Remove malware step-by-step

  Introduction
  Step 1: Use several tools
  Step 2: Try free tools
  Step 3: Check obvious places
  Step 4: Dig deeper
  Step 5: Unload infected software
  Step 6: Disable system restore, reboot in safe mode
  Step 7: Check for software corruption or hardware problem
  Step 8: Don't rely solely on a search engine
  Step 9: Check for vendor-specific removal tools
  Step 10: Hash suspect files
  Step 11: When in doubt, reload
  Step 12: Create a formal security incident response plan

About the author
Kevin Beaver is an independent information security consultant, author, and speaker with Atlanta-based Principle Logic, LLC. He has more than 18 years of experience in IT and specializes in performing information security assessments. Kevin has written five books including Hacking For Dummies (Wiley), Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies, and The Practical Guide to HIPAA Privacy and Security Compliance (Auerbach). He can be reached at kbeaver@principlelogic.com.