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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" ><generator uri="https://jekyllrb.com/" version="4.4.1">Jekyll</generator><link href="http://localhost:4000/feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" /><link href="http://localhost:4000/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" /><updated>2025-11-29T15:57:25-05:00</updated><id>http://localhost:4000/feed.xml</id><title type="html">Sanders Technology Group</title><subtitle>Web design and technology agency serving Northeast Georgia with beautiful, effective websites and technology solutions.</subtitle><author><name>Sanders Technology Group</name><email>sales@sanderstg.com</email></author><entry><title type="html">Malware Removal Guide 2025</title><link href="http://localhost:4000/malware-removal-guide/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Malware Removal Guide 2025" /><published>2025-11-29T00:00:00-05:00</published><updated>2025-11-29T00:00:00-05:00</updated><id>http://localhost:4000/malware-removal-guide</id><content type="html" xml:base="http://localhost:4000/malware-removal-guide/"><![CDATA[<p>This guide will not work if the computer will not boot.
Complete any OS upgrades AFTER removing malware.</p>

<div class="language-plaintext highlighter-rouge"><div class="highlight"><pre class="highlight"><code>1. Remove all suspicious items from your browser’s extensions and settings/default search provideders
2. Run rkill which can sometimes take a few minutes to complete and do NOT reboot when complete
    1. Kills running malicious processes
    2. Removes policies in the registry that prevent normal OS operation
    3. Repairs file extension hijacks
3. Download an updated copy of Malwarebytes and turn on “scan for Rootkits” option then run a “scan”
4. Run Malwarebytes ADWCleaner using the “Scan Now” button
    1. Removes majority of adware, PuPs, Toolbars, and Browser hijacks
    2. Scans for bloatware &amp; pre-installed software and lets you quarantine any or all of it
    3. Fixes proxy settings changed by malware
    4. Removes certain non-default browser settings
</code></pre></div></div>

<p><strong>Links to tools mentioned:</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill/">rkill</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/thankyou/">Malwarebytes</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner">Malwarebytes ADWCleaner</a></li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Optional step but…</strong></p>

<div class="language-plaintext highlighter-rouge"><div class="highlight"><pre class="highlight"><code>1. Run Sophos HitmanPro
</code></pre></div></div>

<p>HitmanPro is a phenomenal “second-opinion” malware scanner. I recommend clicking “Settings” and uncheck “Scan for tracking cookies” before starting the scan. This will drastically reduce scan times. This tool can only be run ONCE for free. Use it wisely.</p>

<p><strong>Please note:</strong> If malware has prohibited you from browsing the web or downloading files, you can try running the NetAdapter Repair Tool with all options checked which will attempt to restore your internet connection &amp; default browser settings. You may have to download these tools on another computer and move them to a flash drive that you can plug into the infected machine.</p>

<p>If you have run all of the above tools successfully, you should be malware-free. Should you still be having issues then please don’t hesitate to call us at 877-481-1205 and we’ll be happy to take a look further.</p>

<p><strong>Follow-up Steps (highly recommended):</strong></p>

<div class="language-plaintext highlighter-rouge"><div class="highlight"><pre class="highlight"><code>• Using a computer that has not been infected, change passwords to all your online accounts. 

• Consider enabling two-factor authentication on all accounts! 

• Install a better anti-virus. See recommendations below. 
</code></pre></div></div>

<h2 id="what-is-malware">What is malware?</h2>

<p>Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software, including computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, scareware, and other malicious programs. It can take the form of executable code, scripts, active content, and other software. [Source: Wikipedia.com]</p>

<h2 id="how-did-i-get-infected">How did I get infected?</h2>

<p>It is difficult to track down the source of an infection. Most infections are actually given permission to run unknowingly by the user. It is recommended to keep User Account Control turned on and never give access to something you do not trust or did not open. Many other infections come via exploits in your browser or browser plug-ins on websites you visit. Always be very careful what you install. Make sure you trust the source implicitly. When downloading programs, always use the publisher’s website directly.</p>

<h2 id="how-to-prevent-future-infections">How to prevent future infections:</h2>

<p>Be very careful what you download and install. Keep your software up-to-date. Using Ninite for installing/updating software is very easy &amp; safe and uses official installers without adding extra software to your PC during installation. Make sure Windows is kept up-to-date as well, including Windows 10 feature updates. Many Windows updates patch exploits and vulnerabilities in your operating system. Most infections are active because the user has unknowingly given it Administrative permission to install and run. The first line of defense starts with you.</p>

<h2 id="the-following-tools-will-aide-you-in-keeping-your-computer-clean">The following tools will aide you in keeping your computer clean:</h2>

<p><strong>Free Anti-Virus Suggestions:</strong></p>

<p>• Malwarebytes (free version must be run manually)
• <a href="https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/free-antivirus">BitDefender</a>
• <a href="https://www.eset.com/us/home/online-scanner/">ESET Free Online Scanner</a></p>

<p>Free anti-viruses will only get you so far. I would highly recommend purchasing the AV of your choice to get better protection. Companies who offer products for free are usually making money of you one way or another. This has been <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/privacy/antivirus-firm-avast-is-reportedly-selling-users-web-browsing-data/">proven again recently with Avast</a>. Don’t use Avast!</p>

<p>One more helpful tool is <a href="https://ublockorigin.com/">uBlock Origin</a> which is more useful paired with <a href="https://www.firefox.com/en-US/">Firefox</a> or a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/browsers/comments/1j0p156/list_of_firefoxbased_browsers/">Firefox-based browser</a> since <a href="https://blog.chromium.org/2024/05/manifest-v2-phase-out-begins.html">Google began phasing out v2 support</a>.</p>

<p>Article <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/33evdi/suggested_reading_official_malware_removal_guide/">source</a></p>

<p>Photo by Antoni Shkraba Studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-black-laptop-computer-5475752/</p>]]></content><author><name>Sanders Technology Group</name></author><summary type="html"><![CDATA[This guide will not work if the computer will not boot. Complete any OS upgrades AFTER removing malware.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://localhost:4000/assets/images/pexels-shkrabaanthony-5475752.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="http://localhost:4000/assets/images/pexels-shkrabaanthony-5475752.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Happy Fourth of July</title><link href="http://localhost:4000/happy-4th-july/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Happy Fourth of July" /><published>2025-07-04T00:00:00-04:00</published><updated>2025-07-04T00:00:00-04:00</updated><id>http://localhost:4000/happy-4th-july</id><content type="html" xml:base="http://localhost:4000/happy-4th-july/"><![CDATA[<p>Happy Fourth of July from Your Friendly Neighborhood IT Shop!</p>

<p>This post marks a special occasion for us – not just because it’s Independence Day, but also because it’s the launch of our newly designed website! We’re excited to welcome you to this fresh online space that we’ve built with speed, ease of use, and clarity in mind.</p>

<p>We know how frustrating it can be when websites take forever to load, whether you’re shopping online, reading the news, or trying to get IT support quickly. That’s why one of our main goals with this redesign was to create a faster, cleaner experience for our customers and community. You’ll notice pages load almost instantly now, making it easier than ever to find the services and information you need.</p>

<p>As we celebrate the Fourth of July today, we’re reminded of the importance of independence and freedom – values that extend beyond our country to how you use technology every day. Whether it’s having the freedom to work remotely without worrying about computer crashes, or the independence of knowing your backups are secure and your devices are protected, our mission is to support you in staying connected and stress-free.</p>

<p>Our team is taking some well-deserved time off today to celebrate with family and friends, grill some burgers, and enjoy the fireworks. But starting Monday, we’re back and ready to serve our customers with the same reliable, friendly service you’ve come to expect. From virus removals and computer cleanups to setting up new business networks and protecting your data from cyber threats, we’re here to help you keep your technology working for you, not against you.</p>

<p>We’re also excited to kick off our blog with this post. Going forward, we’ll be sharing helpful tips, troubleshooting guides, local business spotlights, and updates about our shop. Our goal is to keep you informed, empowered, and confident when it comes to anything tech-related. If you ever have questions or suggestions for topics you’d like us to cover, don’t hesitate to reach out – we love connecting with our customers and making sure our content is relevant and practical.</p>

<p>As you celebrate today, remember to stay safe – not just with fireworks, but with your devices too. If you’re working from home or catching up on projects over the holiday, make sure your antivirus is up to date, your passwords are strong, and your backups are current. And if you need help with any of that, you know where to find us.</p>

<p>Thank you for being a part of our community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you and look forward to many more years of keeping your technology running smoothly. Enjoy the holiday, celebrate with those you care about, and check back soon for more posts to help you get the most out of your tech.</p>

<p>Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Sanders Technology Group!</p>

<p>Photo by Designecologist: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-fireworks-display-2526105/</p>]]></content><author><name>Sanders Technology Group</name></author><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Happy Fourth of July from Your Friendly Neighborhood IT Shop!]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://localhost:4000/assets/images/pexels-designecologist-2526105.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="http://localhost:4000/assets/images/pexels-designecologist-2526105.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry></feed>