Posts Tagged ‘Spyware’

Spyware has become the most prominent computer security problem. How do you choose a good spyware removal tool? Beware of antispyware software which installs spyware/adware to your computer.

Spyware is a hidden software program. It is often used to monitor the browsing and shopping habits of computer users. Spyware can also be a remote control program that steals confidential banking and personal information.

Spyware has quickly become the most prominent internet security problem. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of home PCs. Recent survey shows that spyware is also sneaking into the network of corporate computers.

Spyware is often coupled with free downloads, such as free music, game and software downloads. Spyware may slow down computer, hijack homepage and create uncontrolled pop-up advertisements. Some spyware programs can remain unnoticed, secretly gathering information from the computer. Once installed, spyware is difficult to remove without the help of dedicated antispyware software.
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Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept a computer’s operation without the user’s consent or knowledge.

Anti-spyware programs offer real time protection, and scanning and removal. Real time protection functions similar to real time anti-virus protection. That is, the program monitors all incoming data by scanning all the files that the user tries to download from the Internet, and blocks the activity of components that represent spyware. Real time protection also blocks any unauthorized attempts made to install startup programs or to change the browser settings. The scanning and removal features offered by most anti-spyware programs are simple. The program scans the contents of the operating system files, Windows registry, and installed programs and removes any entry or file which tallies with those in the already existing list of identified spyware components.

Anti-spyware programs also require a frequently updated database of latest spyware components. Whenever a new spyware is released, the anti-spyware developers discover and evaluate them, and create “definitions” or “signatures” which help the anti-spyware programs to identify and remove the spyware. Hence, it is highly recommended to update the anti-spyware program frequently to ensure protection.
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I was reading an excellent article today titled “Identity Theft” by Judith Collins at eWeek.com, when it got me to thinking…. I’m in the Anti-Spyware business, and I’m doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to…..who? Strangers basically, Geez!.

The majority of identity thefts occur thru contractors employing people in entry-level jobs that have not been properly screened. Not even Hackers,Phishers or Dumpster Divers account for as many! The ideal location for a Identity stealer would be in a out sourced agency that fails to use adequate screening processes.

I’ve read many articles lately that state we need stricter guidelines and procedures to insure we have proper security as consumers. A set of universal rules that would be adhered to by all. To even think of the enormous complexity of this project staggers the mind!

So here I am, I want to take a advertisement out at a prestigious magazine that is published in a traditional print paper and online. I may have to deal with people online and on the phone.I give my name, address, phone number, and……my credit card number! EGAD, what am I doing? Read the rest of this entry »

Protecting your computer from spyware is getting harder. Even corporate giant Microsoft has found its own systems compromised on more than one occasion. Just like antivirus software, Anti-Spyware software is essential to a computer’s ability to fend off spyware. These products are designed to protect against the ability of spyware to take over your PC.

For more information click on:

http://www.zunio.com/comparisons/Spyware_review_article.html

Top 10 Recommended Anti-Spyware Software Programs

At our site we have more detail on these products as well as a detailed comparison chart at:

http://www.zunio.com/comparisons/Spyware_review.html

Click here for the Product Review Table and Comparison Chart

1) Editor’s Choice: BitDefender

BitDefender has won PC World’s #1 Best Buy award for its new antivirus and anti-spyware suite, BitDefender Antivirus version 10. BitDefender’s premium products have been popular for years in Europe and elsewhere, and now it’s catching on in the United States as it surpasses the more familiar Norton and McAfee suites. BitDefender protects your computer in real time — defending you against malicious websites, emails and — most importantly — spyware, which is the leading source of identity theft.

Easy to install and updated automatically, BitDefender is an “install and forget” security program. No more annoying “in-your-face” scanning and reminders to upgrade your security software to a more expensive version, simply the knowledge that your computer is protected from virus and spyware threats. For advanced users who want more control over their computer security, BitDefender is also customizable to suit your needs.

The vendor allows you to purchase two licenses for the price of one and protect two computers for two years for only $39.95.

2) Webroot Spy Sweeper

Webroot Spy Sweeper is the hottest anti-spyware on the Web today. It won PC World’s Editor’s Choice and Best Buy awards in 2006 and was Softpedia’s “Pick” of 2007. Even the most malicious and advanced spyware installations such as CoolWebSearch and Look2Me are no match for Spy Sweeper’s security suite.

Its easy-to-use interface and accessible online and telephone customer service allow users of all skill levels to protect themselves against spyware. Less computer-savvy users can click through the standard setup, while experts can customize their level of protection to suit their needs. Spy Sweeper also now offers automatic inbound and outbound email attachment scanning, the option for manual or automatic updates and the ability to seek out and destroy existing spyware on a computer that’s already infected. It is priced at $29.95.

3) Spyware Doctor

Spyware Doctor is a very popular program — boasting more than 100 million downloads over its lifespan. Its won awards from Computer Shopper, PC World and tucows — and PC Tools “Best of the Year 2005 and 2006. Spyware Doctor offers free customer service to all its users, the latest security upgrades to let you know you are always protected, and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Spyware Doctor has beaten many other programs in head-to-head spyware detection tests, and it consistently outperforms the competition in spyware detection, removal and blocking. Spyware Doctor is constantly evolving to block new threats, so even as the spyware coders are outsmarting other programs, Spyware Doctor is working overtime to protect your machine and personal information. It’s available for download for $29.95.

4) AntiSpy

Ever worry that someone might be watching your online activities? Never fear, AntiSpy is here! AntiSpy is designed to completely erase your computer history — all the websites you’ve visited, downloads you’ve made, documents you’ve sent… It’s all history when you activate AntiSpy.

AntiSpy can erase your tracks from Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Opera, Mozilla, Windows and even IM messaging programs. It also clears your history from Windows Multimedia Player, ACDSee and RealPlayer, and it can rid your computer of its network logon history, records of opened files, all Internet searches, temporary files and swap files. Not only that, but it will clear your Cookies, program files you might have downloaded, Plug-ins, computer caches… the list goes on and on.

AntiSpy is also an award-winning anti-spyware program. It is not as full featured as BitDefender or Spy Sweeper, but for the casual user it is easy to use and reliable. Not only will AntiSpy ensure that Big Brother can’t look over your shoulder, it will also save you loads of space on your hard drive! Available now for $24.95.
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