Google Earth Risk - Mods Please confirm

[HyperTF]

Hi mods, I just downloaded a google earth app from a now deleted thread here and went to install it when AVG picked up a virus threat. I checked the originator and it was a first time poster... and now it seems that the thread has been deleted and maybe the OP has been banned (hopefully)... can this be confirmed? I am now checking my system for traces of it.

Just hoping other members didn't download it here.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/193/googlescamgd4.jpg
and the result

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1779/googleearththreatje6.jpg

(Images converted to links for size reasons by admin - these 2 links in this post are safe)

[pam123]

It was reported to us and removed for just that reason.
If you want Google Earth it's no trouble to get it from Google : http://earth.google.com/

[HyperTF]

Thank you and yeah, it was more out of curiosity, it's just the virus took me by surprise... I just hoped no unsuspecting person tried to run it not knowing.

I still see some references to it floating around in my system.

Cheers

[Statica]

& hopefully this is something you will take seriously .. just because someone offers a seemingly free software you shouldn't just take your mouse over to click it. You were lucky that your a/v caught the file.

[Kov-Ice]

On the second picture, it says that the file has been successfully installed, even though AVG picked up the trojan. Does Hyper need to maybe go into Safe Mode to scan and remove the malware fully?

[HyperTF]

I know what making this thread implied about my general knowledge or lack of, but touch wood I have never had a virus harmfully affect my system in many years of trialling software... this was a momentary lapse of clear thought... I am usually more careful. The file was removed on detection... just the other files need to be removed.

The problem was caught because of the extra measures I had in place which is partially why I have them there... i do actually take these things seriously and don't mind making this example of myself if it benefits others.

I was more concerned for others who might have done the same and not caught it... yes I have gone over my PC to make sure it is gone as much as I can do at this time.

Cheers guys.

[rjfvillarosa]

i do actually take these things seriously and don't mind making this example of myself if it benefits others.

I was more concerned for others who might have done the same and not caught it... yes I have gone over my PC to make sure it is gone as much as I can do at this time.

Cheers guys.
Comendable, sometimes we need to lead by example and by doing what you have done maybe someone a little less savvy than yourself will learn not to be so trusting in the future.

Thank you HyperTF for bringing this to the other forum members attention.

~rjfvillarosa. securities forum moderator~

[Statica]

HyperTF it wasn't meant as a commentary on your knowledge of computers.

My comment was meant as a general comment on malware out there. Far too often, there are users (and admins) who either cannot resist the charm of another free software or think that their methods of protection are invulnerable enough that they can either test out or try to get to that free software. Both lines of thought are dangerous enough.

I actually came upon the thread and was in the process of purging it .. you happened to arrive at it before. I assure you that I am - what I, perhaps foolishly, believe - to be adequately protected .. but I still will not click on a link even to test it out. Simply because I simply dont know if I am adequately protected .. and I refuse to believe that a software someone is offering me something for nothing.

Take it for what you will, but let me leave you with this line of thought ... In my job as a moderator out of concern for others, I deleted the thread. Out of concern for others using my PC or my network or people I email etc etc etc, I refused to click on the link to test it out before.

And that's inherently what I'm talking about .. the social/psychological aspect of malware transmission.

[HyperTF]

Sorry, don't get me wrong I am not stomping my feet or anything and even though you don't need to explain yourself to me I agree with everything you say :)

I wouldn't expect you or any other mod to test the content that may present itself, I was just stupid enough to do it for you ha ha

The right thing was done by you without a doubt, and I have hopefully learned my lesson or be more wiser in future.

Keep up the great work... I have been absent for a long while but I am enjoying being back here again.

Cheers.