Security Guard Explained

GCI is discontinuing this service on July 31, 2013.

Security Guard is a software program providing anti-virus and computer security for your Windows computer.

GCI has discovered that Security Guard will not work on Windows 8. Please do not attempt to install Security Guard on any Windows 8 Operating Systems. GCI is evaluating future support for this product.

Overview

GCI offered a software Internet security solution to all residential and small business customers for your computer. Security features include:

• Parental Controls of Internet sites
  • Limit access to sites
• Internet Shield
  • Firewall
• Antivirus
  • Internet antivirus
• Spy Protection
  • Spyware protection and Pop-Up Blocker

System Requirements & Installation

Security Guard 9 Installation Steps

Adding/Updating License Key

How do I update/enter my new Security Guard license key?

Step 1:

Open the GCI Security Guard program

• From the ‘Start’ button, select ‘GCI Security Guard’ program, and then select ‘Open GCI Security Guard’ from the available options, or
• ‘Double click’ the security guard icon in the system tray

. *Please note that if you have parental controls activated, you may be prompted to enter a password to open up the application.

Step 2:

Click the ‘Change’ option for Subscription status

Step 3:

Select the ‘Change Number’ button

Step 4:

Enter your ‘License key’ (also referred to as subscription number) into the appropriate fields

Step 5:

Push the ‘Register’ button

If any further assistance is needed, please contact GCI technical support at:

• 868-0316 in Anchorage
• 1-800-800-4800 Statewide
• Email to support@gci.net

GCI technical support is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Parental Control

Steps to Add Allowed Web Sites for Small child account

Steps to Add or Remove Parental Control with Security Guard 9

1. Open Security Guard

• From the Desktop, Double Click Icon
• From the System tray: Right click on the Security Guard icon, then click on Open Security Guard

2. Displays Open Security Guard; Click on Tasks

3. Task Window displays; Click on Settings

4. Settings window displays; Click on Internet

5. Internet options displays; Click on Parental Control

6. Check Turn on Parental Control; Click OK. If you want to turn off Parental Control, you would uncheck the Turn of Parental Control check box. Then Click Ok, will take you back to Task, and click Close

7. Click on “Edit browsing modes…”

8. Enter theSecurity Password you created when installing the program. Starts the Parental Control Wizard

If you can not remember the password,

• you can click on Password Hint or
• Forgotten password

Click OK

9. Click Next

10. Select mode. This example selects Small children and teenagers. Click Next.

11. Check restrictions for weekdays and /or weekends and select number of hours for the restriction. Small children is completed first, then teenagers. Exact hours is selected next.

Click Next

12. Check either weekdays, weekends or both and highlight time to restrict. Restricted hours will be displayed in red.

Click Next

13. Check restrictions for weekdays and /or weekends and select number of hours for the restriction.

Click Next

14. Check either weekdays, weekends or both and highlight time to restrict. Restricted hours will be displayed in red.

Click Next

15. Click in the box next to the category of the type of content you wish to block on your teenager profile.

Click Next

16. Create a password for your teenager. This password should be different than your password. It will allow the teenager to bypass small child restrictions

Click Next

17. Create a parent password. This will allow a parent to avoid both teenager and small child restrictions.

Click Next

18. Create a hint to help you remember the parent password.

Click Next

19. You are finished setting up GCI Security Guard

Click Finish

back to top

Allowing Web Sites on Small Child Account

If you created a Small Child account, You need to add acceptable web site for the child to visit. GCI Security Guard will only allow a Small Child account to visit specific web sites you allow. If you did not create a small child account, you are finished setting up GCI Security Guard. To add web sites to the allow list, please follow these steps.

1. Go to the parent control screen (Steps 1 through 5 above) or Open Security Guard =>Click on Task =>Click on Settings=> Enter password=> Click on Internet=> Click on Parental Control

Click on Small Child tab

2. Ensure the “Allow only selected sites” is checked.

Ensure “Restrict time …” is checked

Click on View web sites link.

3.  Click on the Allowed tab.

4. Click on the Add button to add a site for viewing.

Note: from this screen you could also select Teenager from the drop down box and modify the teenager settings.

5. Enter the web site for the child to visit.

Press OK

Repeat as need.

6. Click Close, OK, Close to exit the program.

You are finished setting up Parental Control with your GCI Security Guard.

back to top

FAQs

General

Q: What does GCI mean by “removing all security software”?
Q: Why must my computer meet minimum system requirements before I install Security Guard?
Q. Does Security Guard work with Microsoft Vista Operating System?
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for Security Guard?
Q: How do I check my computers system properties?
Q: Where is the online link to sign up for Security Guard?
Q: I only have limited access, how can I sign up for Security Guard?
Q: What steps should I take to install Security Guard?
Q: How can I remove Norton?
Q: How do I remove McAfee?
Q: Security Guard is prompting me for a password. I forgot my password what should I do?
Q: Does IRC (Internet Relay Chat) work with Security Guard Services ?

Updating

Q: How do I know that I have the latest update?
Q: Is the service really updated automatically?

Installation

Q: I have subscribed to the Security Guard Service but cannot install my software because my system is already infected with a virus. What can I do?
Q: How can I tell that the installation was successful?
Q: After I installed the product and re-booted, the computer seems to lockup. What is happening?
Q: I used to play network games or use peer-to-peer software on the web before I installed the software, now these applications do not work anymore, what now?
Q: How do I uninstall the software?
Q: I purchased the multiple copy version, where can I down load the additional copies?

Anti Virus

Q: Security Guard Service Virus Protection has detected a virus in the “System volume information” or the “_RESTORE” folder, but it cannot disinfect, rename or delete the infected file? What can be done to get access to those files?
Q: I have many files with extension like “0xe”, “0ll” and so on on my hard drive. What are these files?

Firewall

Q: What does Security Guard Service Personal Firewall mean, and what is a firewall?
Q: How do I change the Personal Firewall profile?
Q: How do I change the Personal Firewall rules?
Q: Firewall rules vs. Security Guard Service security profiles?

General

What does GCI mean by “removing all security software”?

Security software includes anti virus, firewall, and spy-ware/ ad-ware programs.

back to general

Why must I check my system minimum requirements before I install Security Guard?
What are the minimum system requirements for Security Guard?

Security Guard is a program running in the background of your computer. This means that the program is always functioning without you consciously aware of the program. To run in the back ground the program needs a certain processor speed and takes memory from your other running programs.

The Minimum System requirements for Security Guard are:

• Processor: Minimum of an Intel Pentium 1GHz, or AMD equivalent.
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP and Vista (32-bit)- Not compatible with MAC OS
• Memory:
  • Windows 2000 and XP Minimum 512 MB RAM
  • Windows Vista (32-bit) Minimun 1GB RAM
• Hard Drive Free Space
  • Minimum 500 MB Free (1GB is recommended)

During installation Security Guard does not check for minimum requirements. If your system does not meet these requirements, the program may install, but your computer performance will be severely impacted, or cause system failure. In extreme cases it may cause your computer to completely lock up, and not function at all. This situation is not unique to Security Guard, but can occur for any program you install if your computer does not meet the program minimum requirements.

back to general

Does Security Guard work with Microsoft Vista Operating System?

Yes. If signing up as a new subscriber, you will receive version 7.0, which is Windows Vista and XP compatible. GCI is in the process of upgrading all current Security Guard customers with the new version of GCI Security Guard. This upgrade will be completed during October 2007, and all GCI Security Guard subscribers will be on version 7.0, which is Windows Vista and XP compatible.

back to general

How do I check my computers system properties?

1. Click on Start
2. Right mouse click on My Computer
3. Left mouse click on Properties
4. Click on the General tab
5. That displays the system properties information, which includes your Operationing System, processor, and RAM.

back to general

Where is the online link to sign up for Security Guard?

The online line to sign up for Security Guard is located at: http://portal.gci.net/join_form/?sg=sg. You may click here to go to that page.

back to general

I only have limited access, how can I sign up for Security Guard?

If you signed up for MYgci using your email address, you only have limited permissions in MYgci. MYgci will not allow you to add a billing plan to your account. This is intentional and for your protection. You may call GCI at 868-0316 (Anchorage), 1-800-800-4800 (Statewide) and speak to any agent, who will verify your assoication with the account and sign you up for Security Guard.

back to general

What steps should I take to install Security Guard?

1. From the Security Guard Screen, select the Save Option.
2. Save the Security Guard file to your desktop.
3. After the program has finished downloading to your desktop
4. Remove the computer from the network!
   • You can unplug the cable modem or
   • Remove the network cable from the back of the computer, or back of the cable modem
   • (Working off the Internet allows you to remove your other programs, add Security Guard, and not be exposed on the Internet)
5. Once the computer is no longer connected to the Internet
6. Uninstall your other security programs.
   1. Click on Control Panel
   2. Click on Add or Remove Programs
   3. Click on the Program
   4. Click on Remove
7. Double-click on the Security Guard icon
8. Follow the Security Guard installation wizard
9. Reconnect your computer to the Internet

back to general

How can I remove Norton?

Click here to use Norton SymNRT

For older versions of Norton, click here, this removes older norton files and can repair a Microsoft file.

Please be aware that these programs are owned and controlled by a third party vendor. GCI does not endorse or have any control over these programs. If you have problems with these programs, please contact the vendor. These links are provided as a courtesy for our customers.

back to general

How do I remove McAfee?

Click here to go to McAfee Virtual Technician Then click on Run McAfee Virtual Technician button.

Please be aware that this program is owned and controlled by a third party vendor. GCI does not endorse or have any control over this program. If you have problems with this program, please contact the vendor. These links are provided as a courtesy for our customers.

back to general

Security Guard is prompting me for a password. I forgot my password what should I do?

This can occur at several different places, including changing parental control setting, or firewall settings.

• During the free trial, you will need to reinstall Security Guard program. This question will be updated, once you are required to purchase this product.

back to general

Does IRC (Internet Relay Chat) work with Security Guard Services ?
A: Yes. Normal Personal Firewall profile allows IRC. If you are using your own custom security profile, remember to define “Service IRC” and “Service IDENT” traffic allowed in both ways in your customized profile

back to general

Updating

How do I know that I have the latest update?
A: You can see the update packages and their date stamps on the Security Guard Services ‘Automatic Updates’- pane.

back to updating

Is the service really updated automatically?
A: Yes. Security Guard Service is updated daily and the application is developed for this demand and we can guarantee that the update process is automatic and transparent. However, you need to be connected to your service provider network, so that the Security Guard Service can connect to the update server via Internet.

back to updating

Installation

I have subscribed to the Security Guard Service but cannot install my software because my system is already infected with a virus. What can I do?
A: Go to the following URL for support information:

http://support.f-secure.com/enu/corporate/ols.shtml#

Use the On-Line Scanner to confirm the infection and to help you remove them.

Downloads another program
Customer must run after download is installed

back to installation

How can I tell that the installation was successful?
A: You will see the ongoing installation progress or main user interface, if installation was successful, by opening Security Guard Services red circle icon in the system tray.

back to installation

After I installed the product and re-booted, the computer seems to lockup. What is happening?
A: You most likely installed the application on top of an existing anti-virus or Firewall application. You will need to re-set the computer and start the system in Safe-Mode. Once in Safe-Mode, you will need to uninstall the old anti-virus and/or firewall application.

back to installation

I used to play network games or use peer-to-peer software on the web before I installed the software, now these applications do not work anymore, what now?
A: Open the Security Guard Service user interface by clicking the red circle icon in the right-hand corner (in the System Tray). Click Profiles (the middle pane) and select the ‘Normal’ profile as you active profile. You may also add the rule for the program yourself if you know what protocol it uses and if you are familiar with TCP/IP fundamentals. Remember to also allow these programs in ‘Application control’ of Personal Firewall.

back to installation

How do I uninstall the software?
A: You can uninstall the Security Guard Service from the Start menu.

Follow the steps below to uninstall:
1. Click on Start
2. Click on Programs
3. Click on GCI Security Guard
4. Click on Uninstall GCI Security Guard
Reboot after completion

The steps listed above, will uninstall GCI Security Guard in most cases. In the rare case the above steps do not remove the application, there is a special uninstall program available. Follow these steps, especially if these steps were recommended to you by GCI Integrated Technical Support.

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Run
3. Type cmd in the text box
4. Type ftp
5. Type open home.gci.net
6. At the username prompt type omni
7. At the password prompt type Pass123word
8. After the password is entered, you are logged in, a blank ftp> prompt is displayed
9. Type the word binary
10. Type set to I is displayed
11. Type get sgremove.exe
12. After receiving message transfer complete
13. Type Close
14. Click on the X in the top right corner to close the window.
15. Program is saved in C:Documents and Settings(current username you are logged in)

To find the program on your computer

1. Click My Computer
2. Click on Local Disk C:
3. Click on Documents and Settings
4. Click on your username
5. YOu will see the file sgremove.exe
6. Double click on the icon to start the uninstall process

back to installation

Q: I purchased the multiple copy version, where can I down load the additional copies?

A: You can download Security Guard for multiple computers at the Mygci Support Page,

1. Go to the Support Page
2. Click on My Accounts,
3. Scroll down to the Security Guard section,
4. Click on the word download.

back to installation

Anti Virus

Security Guard Service Virus Protection has detected a virus in the “System volume information” or the “_RESTORE” folder, but it cannot disinfect, rename or delete the infected file? What can be done to get access to those files?
A: System Restore is a feature of Windows XP and Windows ME and if the virus infects the computer, it is possible that the virus could be backed up in the system restore folder. You need to disable System Restore and here are steps how to do it:

Windows XP
1. Select My Computer (right click).
2. Select Properties.
3. Select the System Restore tab.
4. Select “Turn off System Restore”.
5. Press Apply.
6. Press OK.
7. Restart the computer.
8. Scan all hard drives and all files with Security Guard Service.
When you have scanned all files and disinfected them, please go through those steps again and turn on the system restore.

Windows ME:
1. Close all open programs.
2. On the Windows desktop.
3. Right-click My Computer.
4. Select Properties.
5. Select the Performance tab.
6. Select File System.
7. Select the Troubleshooting tab.
8. Select Disable System Restore.
9. Select OK.
10. Select Close.
11. Select Yes to restart your computer.
12. Scan all hard drives and all files with Security Guard Service.

When you have scanned all files and disinfected them, please go through those steps again and turn on the system restore.

back to anti virus

I have many files with extension like “0xe”, “0ll” and so on on my hard drive. What are these files?
A: These files were infected and Security Guard Service Virus Protection renamed them.

Based on Security Guard Service Virus Protection settings, files can be renamed if they cannot be disinfected or they can be renamed even without trying to disinfect them. You should check your Security Guard Service Virus Protection settings by double clicking the red circle Security Guard logo in the system tray. Rename operation changes the first character from the file extension to 0 (zero).

Disinfection may fail for example if the file is a worm or a trojan since worms and trojans cannot be disinfected.

Depending on real-time scanning settings, they (0xe, 0ll, etc) might not be scanned with real-time scanner but normally manual scanning is configured to scan all files in the system and when running manual scanning, these files are detected if manual scanning is set to scan all files. You may check your Security Guard Service Virus Protection settings by double clicking the red circle Security Guard logo in the system tray.

These files contain malicious code, but they cannot spread from the computer and they cannot harm your computer anymore.

If you think that these files are important, you may try to scan and disinfect them again with manual scanning. Please check that “action on infection” is set to “Disinfect automatically” in Virus Protection settings of your Security Guard Service

If you think that these files are not important, you may delete them for example by setting the “action on infection” to “Ask from the user” and you may delete those files after manual scan.

back to anti virus

Firewall

What does Security Guard Service Personal Firewall mean, and what is a firewall?
A: Security Guard Service has built-in firewall (Personal Firewall), that will protect you from other users trying to intrude on your workstation, and prevent hacking by denying port scans on your computer. The difference between Security Guard Service Personal Firewall and a traditional firewall is that the traditional firewall protects the whole network from outside attacks, whereas the Security Guard Service Personal Firewall protects individual computers inbound / outbound connections from / to unknown sources and has an advanced intrusion detection system.

back to firewall

How do I change the Personal Firewall profile?
A: Double-click the red circle icon on your system tray in the bottom right corner of your screen. On the Security Guard Service main menu, choose ‘Personal Firewall’. On the ‘Personal Firewall’ pane, choose ‘Personal Firewall profile’ and click ‘Change…’ Next the ‘Personal Firewall Profiles’ selection dialog is displayed, where you can choose the suitable profile from a selection of different profiles.

back to firewall

How do I change the Personal Firewall rules?
A: Double-click the red circle Security Guard logo on your system tray in the bottom right corner of your screen. On the Security Guard Service main menu, choose ‘Personal Firewall’. On bottom of the ‘Personal Firewall’ pane, click ‘Advanced Settings’ Next, the ‘Network Protection Settings’ are displayed. By choosing “Rules” tab, you can check your firewall rules and perform needed changes, if necessary.

back to firewall

Firewall rules vs. Security Guard Service security profiles?
A: Security Guard Service includes several security profiles, which are pre-configured firewall rule sets. Security Guard Service users may also create their own firewall rules when the partially customizable or custom profile is activated. The Security Guard Service user can change the profile depending on what kind of traffic is needed to allow or deny.

back to top