Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Question 1

Bluescreens and spontaneous shutdowns - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 1

• Pop-ups in your browser - May look like a legitimate application
• Update your browser - Use the latest version with pop-up blocker
• Scan for malware - Rebuild from scratch or known good backup

Question 2

Browser redirection - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 2

• Instead of your Google result, your browser goes elsewhere
• Malware is the most common cause
• Use an antimalware/antivirus cleaner - Not the best option
• Restore from a good known backup

Question 3

Browser security alerts - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 3

• Security alerts and invalid certificates
• Look at the certificate details
• May be expired or the wrong domain name
• The certificate may not be properly signed (untrusted CA)

Question 4

Malware network symptoms - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 4

• Slow performance, lock-up
• Internet connectivity issues, OS updates failures
• Rebuild from scratch or known good backup

Question 5

Malware OS symptoms - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 5

• Renamed system files
• Files disappearing or encrypted
• File permission changes
• Access denied
• Restore from a good known backup

Question 6

System lockup - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 6

• Completely stops - No status light changes
• May still be able to terminate bad apps
  
  • Windows and Linux Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Del / Task Manager)
  • Mac OS X Force Quit (Command-Option-Esc)
• Check logs when restarting
• May be a security issue - Perform a virus/malware scan
• Perform a hardware diagnostic

Question 7

Application crashes - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 7

• Application stops working
• Check the Event Log - Often includes useful reconnaissance
• Check the Reliability Monitor - A history of application problems
• Reinstall the application - Contact application support

Question 8

Virus alerts and hoaxes - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 8

• Rogue antivirus - May include recognizable logos and language
• May require money to “unlock” your PC
• May require a specific anti-malware removal utility or technique

Question 9

Email security - Troubleshooting Common Security Issues

Answer 9

• Spam - Unsolicited email messages
  
  • Advertisements, phishing attacks, virus spreaders
  • Spam filters can be helpful
• Hijacked email
  
  • Infected computers can become email spammers
  • You receive odd replies from other users
  • You receive bounce messages from unknown email addresses