Evert advert on web pages is asking for authentication

[Teancum]

This just happened when I logged into my work PC this morning, but every ad in every browser is asking for a username/password combo. I've searched google and askjeeves with no useful results. Anyone had this happen?

[[RDH]Zerted]

Sounds like spyware or your worked added security that requires you to log into something to get external images/media. But I've never heard of it before.

[Teancum]

Yeah, that's what I was wondering to. I'm not a system admin, but I do have local admin privileges. The problem is we use Symantec, and their Spyware detection is awful. Guess I'll install SpyBot, clean, and uninstall it.

[redgroupclan]

The problem is we use Symantec, and their Spyware detection is awful.

Great, I learn ANOTHER insuffeciency about my computer. I swear...my dad....

[Teancum]

Just FYI for those who understand this, the problem was an updated HOSTS file that our division of the university pushed out to all machines. The update didn't take place until restart, so only a few computers were actually affected. Essentially the division was trying something new to block ads, and the trick wasn't quite ready for public use. The update got pushed and and we were good to go.

[Delta 47]

Yeah, I had some Trojan's on my PC and just now got rid of them for good...I think. I was using Spyware Doctor but it didn't seem to delete them, it said it did but after a restart they were there again. Anyway, purpose of this post, between Spybot - Search & Destroy and a Program called AutoRuns I got rid of them. AutoRuns is a very useful tool to analyze your auto-start files and stealth programs to help detect third party executables. Great tool to look into.

[Teancum]

This didn't end up having a thing to do with viruses/spyware (I was pretty sure of that when I started the thread), but that's helpful info anyways.