Sample Spyware Programs
Sunbelt Software made a survey on the different active spyware programs. This survey proved the variation of tactics used by the creators of spyware programs. Pop-ups, downloadable programs, and website ads are the usual forms spyware programs take.
DesktopScam is a spyware program that flashes an alert notifying the user of the computer infection. A Windows update, which is fake, fools users into believing that the Microsoft Windows must be behind this alert. DesktopScam tops the survey done by Sunbelt Software in August.
StartPage.TimesSquare spyware works through Internet Explorer (IE) by displaying ads at the beginning and the search page of IE. StartPage.TimesSquare is termed to be hijacking the Internet Explorer. This spyware could be a modification of Trojan.StartPage.
Trojan.Smitfraud is another spyware that operates by downloading programs that are supposed to check spyware programs. Afterwards, this spyware will make false alerts on the detected spyware Thus the user is tricked into purchasing this bogus program.
Recommended Anti-Spyware Programs
Certain measures of detection and prevention have been made to disable the spyware program. The anti-spyware programs were specially designed to identify and hinder spyware programs. With these anti-spyware programs, spyware programs can be detected prior to their downloading.
The Spy Sweeper anti-spyware program from Webroot proves to be the best among all tested anti-spyware programs. Spy Sweeper offers a free trial and works well with Windows 98 and Windows XP. The level of performance of Spy Sweeper is cut above the rest. Not only that, this anti-spyware program can trace spyware effectively and solve the problem.
Microsoft Anti-Spyware is known as a famous anti-spyware program due to its renowned and reliable company, Microsoft. Giant Softwate Inc., used to own this anti-spyware program. Most people use this anti-spyware program because of its dependable name.
Ad-Aware comes as a pioneer in anti-spyware programs. The program version without charge scans the spyware after its installation. While the version with applicable charges include a spyware scanner.
Spybot Search and Destroy is practically a free anti-spyware program. Though a donation is asked once this anti-spyware is utilized. Spybot Search is a useful anti-spyware program because of its process of immunization, although this feature does not guarantee Spybot Search and Destroy could actually detect and prevent all spyware.
Spyware Blaster comes as another free program that asks for a donation. The capacity of this anti-spyware program includes process of immunization, especially for Mozilla and Internet Explorer users. Also, this program supposedly prevents spyware downloads.
Fake Anti-Spyware Programs
Anti-spyware programs are not all that real and useful. Certain pseudo anti-spyware programs have paraded. Beware of these pseudo anti-spyware programs as they are disguised as spywares as well. These programs pop on the screen hoping to get money from computer users.
Spyware Cleaner is one false anti-spyware program that resembles the error page of the Internet Explorer. On the surface, this program may look like an authentic anti-spyware with its display of a spyware information page. Of course, this program comes with a fee. The owner of this program have been traced as having scrupulous transactions before.
Spyware Stormer looks similar with Spyware Cleaner, but with a different skin and set of icons. The process is the same as with Spyware Cleaner, leading to speculations that Spyware Stormer and Spyware Cleaner are from the same group of program creators.
Spyaxe program is another false anti-spyware program that comes as a pop up on the screen showing warnings of spyware detection. Once a pop up is clicked, the website of Spyaxe appears. Although, Spyaxe denies the allegation that they are connected with this scheme.
SpySheriff is masqueraded as an anti-spyware program, but is actually a spyware itself. Once the download is made, pop ups come like an avalanche, making internet surfing quite an unpleasant activity.
People are getting alarmed as to the number of companies that create false anti-spyware programs. Investigations are already being made as to the original domains of these fake programs. Suffice to say, people are now aware of anti-spyware programs which are bogus in nature and are taking action against these fake programs.
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