BleepingComputer.com: Best Practices for Someone who Cleans Infected Systems

I often am asked to resolve system infections on other systems. I have read thru several of the pinned items on BC's forums and they are a treasure trove of information!

Generally speaking, what are the best practices for someone like myself who does regularly attempt to resolve infected PCs for others?

Here are some of the questions that may help you to understand my question:

1. What is the best practice (safest way) for me to attach flash drives and external HDDs when connecting them to potentially malware infected systems?
2. Related to #1 above, what is the best practice for me to ensure that all my flash drives and external HDDs (which may include backed up data from other possibly infected systems) are safe for me to use in my own systems and in other systems in general?
3. Of all the anti-malware / anti-spyware and related utilities, apps, and similar, what are the ones that I should rely on for a majority of possible infected systems? In other words, is running unhide.exe, then rkill.exe, and then a combination of MBAM and SAS and removing any infections found and continuing this process until both scans show NO infections ... the best general practice? Or, should I add other steps and processes to this?
4. What is the final scan utility/app I should run once it appears I've cleared a infected PC to ensure (due diligence ... within reason) it is infection free? Or, is MBAM and SAS coming up clean a good enough assurance?

I understand there is no ONE way to do this. I understand that any response and provided recommendations will not fit all situations. I'm simply trying to ensure my process, procedures, and products used to fight PC infections are the ones that are currently recognized as the recommended ones in many cases.

Any input and feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks much,
Brian

This post has been edited by boopme: 31 January 2012 - 09:38 PM
Reason for edit: Moved to more appropriate forum

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Brian

Quote

I would recommend you get formal training where you will learn such practices and more. There is just too much material to cover in a few sentences. Training in malware removal and learning how to use advanced tools is conducted at various online Unite Schools after you are accepted and enrolled.

These are not typical training programs that one may participate in at college or a local Tech School. There are no special certificates or credits toward any specific degree but you will learn material they do not teach in college curricula. You work at your own pace under the guidance of experts so the actual length of training will vary depending on the effort you put forth.

quiteman7 ... thanks for the information. I will definitely look into the Unite Schools training. Much appreciated.

You're welcome.

Since you are interested, check your inbox, I will PM you with more information.