What is Spyware? "A technology that assists in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet, "spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties." Even in some cases after these programs have been removed from your system. As such, spyware is cause for public concern about privacy on the Internet. Also in many cases causes unknown browser problems."* 11/10/2003
If you don't believe that spyware is a serious problem, then Read This. Be prepared to be Shocked and Frightened!!
Acquitted Man Says Virus Put Pornography on Computer: "One evening late in 2001, Julian Green's 7-year-old daughter came upstairs from the computer room of their home in the resort town of Torquay, in western England, and said, "The home page has changed, and it's something not very nice."
When Mr. Green checked the machine, he found that the family PC seemed almost possessed. The Internet home page had somehow been switched so that the computer displayed a child pornography site when the browser software started up. Even if he turned the machine off, it would turn itself back on and dial the Internet on its own.
Mr. Green called the computer maker and followed instructions to return his PC to a G-rated state. The pornography went away, but the computer still often crashed and kept connecting to the Internet even when "there was no one in the blinking house," he said.
But Mr. Green's problems were only beginning. Last October, local police knocked on his door, searched his home and seized his computer. They found no sign of pornography in his home but discovered 172 images of child pornography on the computer's hard drive. They arrested Mr. Green."* By JOHN SCHWARTZ - New York Times - August 11, 2003 11/10/2003
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Andrew Clover, of DoxDesk.com, has a great page about Unsolicited Commercial Software, which he calls Parasites. Parasite’ is a shorthand term for “unsolicited commercial software” — that is, a program that gets installed on your computer which you never asked for, and which does something you probably don’t want it to, for someone else’s profit.* 07/23/2003
The Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC) is a group dedicated to building a consensus about definitions and best practices in the debate surrounding spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies.
Composed of anti-spyware software companies, academics, and consumer groups, the ASC seeks to bring together a diverse array of perspective on the problem of controlling spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies.* 02/06/2006
a-squared HiJackFree is a detailed system analysis tool which helps advanced users to detect and remove all types of HiJackers, Spyware, Adware, Trojans and Worms.
BleepingComputer.com Tutorial Center - They have an awesome list of Spyware/Hijacker Software Tutorials! 07/01/2004
Browser Security Test - Scanit's Browser Security Test automatically checks your browser for various security problems. When the test is finished you get a complete report explaining the discovered vulnerabilities, their impact and how to eliminate them.* 02/06/2006
Eric Howes' Privacy & Security Page - On this web site you'll find links to thousands of web sites and programs. When adding links to web sites and programs I try to be as inclusive and non-judgmental as possible. The programs and web sites you do see listed here may vary widely in quality, but I do not personally endorse or recommend any web site or program over another. Nor do I accept money or any other form of compensation for product placement or listing.
I do occasionally see complaints in newsgroups or on web boards about some of the programs and web sites you'll find here. Unless a program or web site does something absolutely intolerable or is a flat-out scam, however, I will list it and let the users themselves sort it out. I have encountered programs and web sites that I've refused to list for one reason or another, but those are rare cases. There are plenty of web pages out there that list only a few "pet favorite" web sites and programs, but I want to do something different with this site. My policy is simply to say, "Here they are," and let the users investigate.* He has an awesome List of Spyware/Adware/Hijackware Tools! And check out the Spyware Warrior group of web sites: Anti-Spyware Comparison, Anti-Spyware Testing, Blog, Forums, List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware, and more. Updated 10/20/2005
ewido Anti-Spyware - The efficient solution against the new generation of threats spreading over the internet. Secure your data and protect your privacy against sypware, adware, trojans, dialer, keylogger and worms. We offer you advanced scanning and detection methods and state-of-the-art technology behind an easy to use interface.* 09/26/2006
Kephyr.com has an awesome site dealing with Spyware including their Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner and The File Database that has more than 800 file and startup entries. 07/01/2004
Lavasoft Ad-aware - Ad-aware is a free multi spyware removal utility that scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware and scumware components and lets you remove them safely. It is updated frequently. If you are new to Ad-aware, we recommend you read the getting started tutorial.*
Malwarebytes - Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance.* 06/06/2008
MalwareHelp.org - MalwareHelp.org provides "step-by-step instructions for cleaning common Malware and to prevent recurrence to those who are new to online security."* 10/20/2005
Malware Removal - Welcome to the Malware Removal website - a website and forum dedicated to helping people regain control of their computers.
With so much in the way of malware around, sites like this are needed to help the individual person be able to fight back against all that is bad on the internet.
Had a hard time with Malware? Then make your complaint and Stand Up and Be Counted!* 06/26/2007
Michael Horowitz - Removing Spyware - Malicious software goes by many names: Spyware, worms, viruses, Trojans, Adware, keystroke loggers, pests, and more. "Spyware" often is used to mean all malicious software other than viruses. I use the term "malware" instead.
The following is a blueprint for removing any and all malicious software from an infected Windows computer. This is not customized for a particular malware program, but applies to any and all malicious software. The intended audience are computer nerds and, as such, many details have been omitted. If you think your computer may be infected (see Symptoms section below), print this page and give it to your local techie.
The goal described below is to remove the malware from Windows. This should not, however, be the goal in all instances. Depending on the circumstances, the correct approach might be to wipe the hard disk clean and re-install or recover Windows. A clean install is the only 100% guaranteed way to return the computer to a fully functioning state. If the computer is used for anything judged to be important, a clean install is probably called for. If the person who owns the infected computer says there are no important files or that all important files are backed up, then a clean install is called for. Regardless, the first thing you should do is a disk image backup.* 08/24/2004
MVPs.org's Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites - Do you have "Spyware" on your system? Parasites or an Unwanted Search Engine? Don't panic -- this is a learning experience on how some of these so-called friendly companies treat you as a valued customer! Many of us are totally amazed (including myself) at just how sneaky and underhanded some of these companies are.* 11/10/2003
OldVersion.com - A collection of older programs, before they became Spyware!
PC Pitstop Spyware Information Center - Since PC Pitstop opened in March 2000, we've tested and optimized more than a million computers. During that time, spyware has become a growing problem that threatens the stability and performance of your PC. Our statistics indicate that more than 20% of PC's have some sort of spyware active in memory, stealing CPU cycles, using up system resources, delivering unwanted advertising, and often creating system instability. Worse yet, spyware can threaten your privacy.* 04/25/2004
ScumWare.com - The stealing of traffic from independent Web site publishers has become the biggest threat to the survival of the Internet to date.*
Simovits Consulting has an exhaustive Trojan List.
Spybot Search & Destroy - Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too :)* Solution to fix the pop-ups in TeaTimer. I made a donation for this program since I've been using it for a while and it works great! Well worth donating for as far as I'm concerned. 06/26/2003
Spychecker.com - Whether you are concerned about your online privacy or have suspicions that someone may be spying on your PC activities, you'll find a solution here that you can download and try, or even use it for free. All software has been downloaded and tested before it was listed.* - Not only can you check the name of the software you're concerned about with this tool, but there are some good Definitions of "What is Spyware" at SpyChecker!
Spy Sweeper - Spy sweeper anti spyware and adware articles tips and free anti spy software download. Spyware and Adware - Learn more about Spyware and Adware, trojan horses browser hijackers and learn why it's so important with an anti spyware software to protect you against these pests. Free Spyware Removal - Learn more about spyware, how it can affect your system and read our free spyware removal articles about specific spywares.* I haven't used this product myself, but Duane, who is a Regular Poster at The Motley Fool, did recently and he was very happy with the results! 07/01/2004
SpywareBlaster - Spyware Blaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.
By setting a "kill bit" for spyware ActiveX controls, SpywareBlaster can prevent the installation of any spyware ActiveX controls from a webpage. It does this while not interfering with "friendly" ActiveX controls - so your browser can work correctly and you can have peace of mind!
You won't get any more annoying "Yes/No" boxes popped up, asking you to install a spyware ActiveX control (which can increasingly be found in pop-up ads!). In fact, Internet Explorer will never even download or run the spyware ActiveX control!
In addition, SpywareBlaster can prevent many of these spyware ActiveX controls from running, even if they are already installed on your system.*
The newest SpywareBlaster version can even block spyware/tracking cookies! And SpywareBlaster does not need to be running in the background to provide this protection!
The SpywareBlaster database contains information on these known spyware Active-X controls. Make sure you run the Check For Updates feature frequently to get the latest database! (And make sure you check the new items to protect your system against them!)
SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to SpywareBlaster's protection method.
An anti-virus program scans files before you open them and prevents execution if a virus is detected - SpywareGuard does the same thing, but for spyware! And you can easily have an anti-virus program running alongside SpywareGuard.
SpywareGuard now also features Download Protection and Browser Hijacking Protection!* Javacool Software also has Other Programs available. 06/04/2003
Spyware Guide - The Spyware Guide was created to provide an all inclusive and updated resource on spy ware applications, what they do and how they’re used. These resources include: which software applications can detect and defeat spyware, an extensive database of all known spy software and adware applications and contact information as well as other privacy related products. As the spy versus spy battle rages on we have decided to document this fascinating battlefield.* 05/20/2004
SpywareInfo.com - This site is dedicated to giving you the tools and knowledge you need to protect your privacy from the onslaught of spyware, adware, and corporate and government surveillance. Click here for an explanation of spyware.* Please consider sponsoring SpywareInfo.com by either Donating to Their Cause Directly or by Purchasing SpywareInfo Products.
Spyware Sucks - Teaching all Internet users about the latest risks to their online safety and how to stay safe when surfing the Web* - Sandi Hardmeier's Spyware Sucks blog is a worthwhile read! 06/06/2008
Spyware Warrior Forums - Spyware Warrior Weblog - Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites - Note: "Rogue/Suspect" means that these products are of unknown, questionable, or dubious value as anti-spyware protection. Some of these products simply do not provide proven, reliable anti-spyware protection. Others may use unfair, deceptive, high pressure sales tactics and false positives to scare up sales from gullible, confused users. A very few of these products are either associated with known distributors of spyware/adware or have been known to install spyware/adware themselves. Users are advised to rely on anti-spyware applications with deserved reputations for trustworthy performance.* Anti-Spyware Family Resemblances - One surprising and depressing aspect of the anti-spyware scene is the sheer number of applications that are either knockoffs or rip-offs of Ad-aware or Spybot Search & Destroy (two of the most recognized and trusted anti-spyware apps on the Net) or are simply re-branded clones of other applications released under different names and by different companies. In many cases, the "family resemblances" among these applications are all too easy to detect.* 07/01/2004
Tom-Cat.com - TomCat Internet Solutions has a great Internet Security and Privacy Site! They also have a great Spyware List.
Wilders.org - Welcome to this security website. If you are looking for malware, better leave at once; this website is totally devoted to security.
If you are looking for information and advice to secure your pc the best you can, you came to the right place!
In principal, we build this website for all those who don't have much knowledge concerning security and how to secure one's pc. If you are one of them, scroll to the top of this page and start at the first link. You will be guided through the whole procedure.
No doubt, visitors who do have knowledge about pc-security will find very useful and quite interesting information, free security software and free services as well. Just browse to those pages you find interesting. And there are quite a lot of them.* 08/04/2004
Vitalsecurity.org - Vitalsecurity.org is regularly involved in some of the biggest spyware stories out there - from being a passionate member of the worldwide ASAP organisation to breaking absolutely massive security stories, we know what's ticking at the heart of the latest security issues.* 01/17/2006
WinPatrol - Scotty the Windows Watch Dog will sniff out malicious, nasty "mysteryware" that may attack your computer. WinPatrol puts you back in control of your computer with no need for constant updates. WinPatrol is a FREE a multi-function tool.
WinPatrol uses a heuristic approach to detecting attacks and violations of your computing space. Traditional security programs depend on signature or reference files which are like the guy who holds the shovel behind the horses in a parade. WinPatrol takes a snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that occur without your knowledge.* 04/25/2004
Zero's Realm - Here, I provide you with helpful links to software that can aid you using your computer, whether it be an Anti-Virus program, Anti-Trojan program, Anti-Spyware, etc. Most of the downloads are free, though some I have included may cost money but in my opinion, worth ever penny.* 08/30/2004
ZoneAlarm now has an Online Security Scanner; Scan for a range of Internet tracking devices...and delete them.
Simply surfing the Internet exposes your browsing habits to others. Files can be placed on your computer to track your activity online and report back to questionable parties. These tracking devices are unwanted files that invade your Internet privacy.
These unwanted files, also referred to as "cookies", can facilitate or perform the following types of actions:
The Zone Labs Security Scanner quickly informs you of the presence of these unwanted files. There is no limit to the number of scans you can perform.* 04/15/2004
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