Just Got A Load of Spyware Installed from Filezilla

radderfire

radderfire

radderfire

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Hi Guys

So, I've got a new Surface Pro 3, and I needed to install an FTP client.

I was using Filezilla with no problems on my old computer, and I liked the program, so I just downloaded it from Sourceforge and installed it.

It has also installed browser spyware on my new computer :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

That is the last time I am using Sourceforge to download anything.

Any tips to get rid of the spyware. It just changes the search function on Chrome and IE. I have just downloaded malwarebytes and I guess I should use that?

Rgds :mad:
 
Always be careful when running any installer.

I tend to grab the 'zip' version of tools like Filezilla nowadays.
 
Always choose "Custom Install" over "Express Install" that way you get to choose exactly what you install. Unless its outright malware it'll have to give you the choice somewhere or other however deep it's buried.
 
When I saw that Windows Defender was anti-virus and anti-malware, I decided to go with it, instead of install anything separate. In retrospect, this was a big mistake. I can't believe that a company like Microsoft can describe something as anti-malware, yet it can't actually do the job.
 
Another reason for using ninite

No bundled crap ware with anything and let's me install the basic software in a couple of clicks
 
radderfire said:
When I saw that Windows Defender was anti-virus and anti-malware, I decided to go with it, instead of install anything separate. In retrospect, this was a big mistake. I can't believe that a company like Microsoft can describe something as anti-malware, yet it can't actually do the job.
Click to expand...

It's not spyware, just crapware.

As said above, you'll have had the choice during installation. Blame Filezilla, not MS
 
So how do I know it's just crapware and not anything more malicious like spyware? I am now worried there might be a keylogger or trojan on my computer.

What it does is change the home page of Google Chrome, and change its default search.

Thanks
 
Also, I see Windows 8.1 has a rollback feature, would it be better to use this?

I had just managed to successfully install Adobe CS3. If I rollback and try to reinstall CS3, will my genuine activation codes be accepted again?

Thanks
 
As soon as I click the large green download image on FileZilla's website, ESET gives me this message: "This page is identified as potentially unwanted."

That's a pretty poor move on FileZilla's part. But I don't think SourceForge would inject files with unwanted software.

Edit: I just noticed the text underneath the button: "This installer may include bundled offers. Check below for more options."
 
Bundled offers means very annoying malware. :mad:

I have just done a full reset on my new Surface Pro 3. :mad: Even then, one item of Malware persisted and it still changed my browser home page. :mad::mad::mad: I then removed this last item with Malwarebytes.

It is an incredibly annoying and sneaky installer from Filezilla. They have totally lost my trust. :mad::mad::mad:

Also of note, is that Windows Defender is not actually fit for purpose, in that it was unable to block the malware install :mad::mad::mad: I think I might try complaining to Microsoft, because it really should be able to do better. :mad:

Rgds
 
radderfire said:
Also of note, is that Windows Defender is not actually fit for purpose, in that it was unable to block the malware install :mad::mad::mad: I think I might try complaining to Microsoft, because it really should be able to do better. :mad:

Rgds
Click to expand...

It's not Microsoft. It's the file you are installing. As already said don't get anything any more from Sourceforce.

https://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=server

This installer may include bundled offers. Check below for more options.

Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1 are supported, each both 32 and 64 bit.
Click to expand...
 
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Don't worry that is the last time I get anything from Sourceforge. :mad:

The mistake that I made was not doing any research beforehand, and trusting that software I had used a few years ago would still be OK. Also, I installed it whilst watching TV, so didn't pay much attention to the installer.

Microsoft Defender was incapable of identifying the malware that malwarebytes did. Whilst I accept some responsibility for my lack of due care, Microsoft should still be able to identify malware that changes your browser. :mad::mad::mad::mad:
 
radderfire in his other thread said:
Windows did question when I tried to install the program, saying it was from an unknown Publisher. I guess that was a warning sign.
Click to expand...

radderfire in this thread said:
I think I might try complaining to Microsoft, because it really should be able to do better.
Click to expand...

User error me thinks. Annoying, but if you don't specifically know what it is you are going to install, don't do it. It might not be classed as spyware when you specifically install something going past UAC to force the install.
 
It wouldn't be anything to do with filezilla either, sourceforge will host the files and also try and download/install other rubbish with it. Your best bet would be to download the zip package, and use the installer inside that.
 
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