|
 On December 8, 2004 Webroot, an
award winning anti-spyware solution provider, released a
press release identifying the ten most significant
emerging spyware and adware threats. Most of these you
probably haven’t heard of and a few may surprise you.
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 computers are infected
with spyware, also known as, adware, scumware, malware and
many others.
Here’s the top 10.
•PurtyScan – popup ads that trick users into
installing by claiming to find and delete pornographic
images.
•n-CASE - adware program that delivers targeted
popup adds. This program is usually bundled with freeware.
•Gator - adware program that displays banner ads
based on your Web surfing habits. This program is usually
bundled with the Kazaa file-sharing program, as well as
other free software programs.
•CoolWebSearch – hijacks home page, Internet
Explorer settings, and Web searches.
•Transponder - monitors sites visited and any
data entered into online forms, and then delivers targeted
ads.
•ISTbar/AUpdate – spyware
posing as a toolbar. Has been reported to display porn,
pop-ups, and to hijack homepage and Internet searches.
•KeenValue – an adware program that collects
personal information and delivers advertisements.
•Internet Optimizer – hijacks error pages and
redirects them to its own site.
•Perfect Keylogger – records all keystrokes
(including personal information, passwords, etc), clicks
and web sites visited.
•TIBS Dialer – hijacks phone modem and
redirects to pornography pay by the minute phone sites.
The following precautions are recommended in the fight
against spyware: install Microsoft security patches, avoid
downloading and using freeware; and disable ActiveX
downloads in Internet Explorer. In addition, install at
least one anti-spyware program, some experts actually
recommend that you have two installed. For starters you
can download one of the free spyware removal programs such
as Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-aware. There are also
a few good anti-spyware programs on the market that
proactively protect your computer (alert you before the
spyware is installed). When purchasing an anti-spyware
program you need to be sure it is from a reputable company
as many of the anti-spyware programs available actually
place spyware on your computer. They do this by offering a
free scan, which places the spyware on your computer as it
is scanning. Then they entice you to purchase the product
to remove the spyware.
In conclusion, if you take a few precautions and install
anti-spyware software on your system you should be well
protected in the fight against spyware.
|
|
|
Create
PDF eBooks Instantly!
Still No PDF Download
Option For Your Customers Because Your Brain Just Shrivels
Up When You Try To Buy/Use Adobe Acrobat software?
Now, You Can Point And Click Your
Way To Instant, Hassle-Free PDF Publishing ... Using One
of The 33 Free To Nearly Free Tools!
Order Now and Receive Master
Resell Rights, Keep 100% of The Profits!
(This Offer May End At Any Time)
|
