Well, this guide will teach you how to prevent these infections. By following this guide, I am not responsible to any damage that may happen. Use these tools at your own risk and have a backup just in case.
1. Use a Good Antivirus
Norton, McAfee(aka McAfee), and AVG are the most popular, but you are not getting the best protection. This is my recommend setup.
Free($0, except your bandwidth to download these):
Avast Free
Comodo Firewall Free
KeyScrambler Personal
Malwarebytes Free
Comodo Dragon(Comodo's Chrome-based browser)
Web of Trust
AdBlockPlus
Bonus: NoScript
Cheap($24.99)
The free setup, except with Megabytes Pro instead.
Paranoid and willing to shell out a lot($24.99 + $14.99 + $49/year)
Bitdefender Internet Security(latest version)
Malwarebytes Pro
Comodo Firewall
KeyScrambler Premium
Comodo Dragon
Web of Trust
AdBlockPlus
NoScript
2. Windows Updates Are Important.
Windows Updates may include a critical patch for a very serious malware. Also, it has the latest features and security. DON'T DISABLE THE AUTO UPDATE ON SHUTDOWN! It is critical to update in some cases .
3. Use Secure Passwords
Don't settle on a password like "1234" or "password".
Make sure it has:
8 characters
20% numbers
10% symbols
Not a word in the dictionary.
Examples:
Insecure: "diamonds"
Vulnerable: "lover1234"
OK: "ladybug123*()"
Secure: "1adybug149';"
Very Secure : "jilkysafcu6219('')"
Overkill : "thiwnsukwimsuwjsuw2384321'"
4. Scan With Popular Tools Frequently
These tools are well known:
Malwarebytes(
malwarebytes.org , scan every 2-3 days)
HitmanPro(surfright.nl, scan every day-2 days because it only takes 3 min)
AdwCleaner
(http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/ , every 3-4 days)
TDSSKiller(
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/tdsskiller/ , every week)
5. Backup Your Files
I don't have explain about this.
6. Use a VPN
A VPN directs all your traffic into their system. You enjoy a hidden IP and anonymity. I don't have any recommendation, but you will have to shell out a few bucks to get a good one. If you want to take it further, use Tor. It routes your traffic through multiple nodes(~6-10), for excellent anonymity.
7. Prevention and signs that you have Malware
These are the signs you have malware:
Slow computer(Low risk)
Weird actions(Medium risk)
Typing without you doing it(Scan now!)
Mouse moving without you moving it .
If you have these signs, SCAN NOW !
9. Steps in case you get Infected
1. Don't use computer for banking or login.
2. Scan with the tools from step 4.