Bleeping Computer is a computer help site founded by Lawrence Abrams in 2004. It is a resource site for answering computer, security, and technical questions. All services to the public are free, including malware and rootkit cleanup of infected computers and removal instructions on rogue anti-spyware programs. The site offers "unbiased information" and "experienced volunteers offer tailored advice". Analysis by Bleeping Computer editors on newly detected ransomware families has been covered in major media ranging from NBC News to the BBC.
Community
Members, volunteers and staff
As of July 2019 there were over 700,000 registered members, the vast majority 'regular' members. The membership also includes a significant proportion of members who work for the site, in varied roles, as volunteers. Volunteer roles include the Malware Response Team and Trainees and also BC Advisors. The site has an administration team, comprising the Administrator, Site Administrators, Global Moderators and Moderators.
Bleeping Computer offers free one-to-one malware removal help to registered users via its support forums. All malware removal help is provided by volunteers trained in the use of anti-malware tools such as HijackThis, DDS, OTL, GMER, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, and Rkill, developed by Abrams.
Ransomware work
Since the CryptoLocker ransomware attack in September 2013, Bleeping Computer's ransomware support topic forum has become very active. Bleeping Computer editors, along with help from security researchers, have published reports on various ransomware families on a regular basis, as they're spotted in the wild. Their work has been recognized, acknowledged, and cited in various articles in most major media that covers technology and IT security news. Free decryptors to unlock files encrypted by various ransomware families have been released through the forums or the site's news section. In 2018, Bleeping Computer was added as an associate partner to the Europol NoMoreRansom project for the ransomware information and decryption tools provided by the site.
Resources
Tutorials
Bleeping Computer has a large library of free tutorials covering the basics of TCP/IP, hardware configuration, partition management, internet security, and other topics. The site also includes mini guides such as "How to Re-Install Windows", "How to Install and Use Ubuntu or any version of Linux", and guides on removal of common malware infections.
Malware removal training program
Bleeping Computer offers a malware removal training program at Sophomore, Junior, and Senior levels. It is UNITE-accredited.
Databases
Bleeping Computer maintains several databases of common programs, startup entries and files found in Microsoft Windows operating systems, including malware, with information on them.
Lawsuit with Enigma Software over SpyHunter review
In early February 2016, Enigma Software, the developers of the anti-malware suite SpyHunter, filed a lawsuit against Bleeping Computer in response to a negative review of SpyHunter, alleging a campaign to damage the reputation of their company and product. Bleeping Computer requested financial aid from their readers to help pay legal fees arising from the lawsuit. At the beginning of August 2016, Bleeping Computer filed their own lawsuit against Enigma Software for an alleged long-running smear campaign against Bleeping Computer. The lawsuit against BleepingComputer ended in settlement, with BleepingComputer removing Quietman7's posts on Enigma Software's product.
