Sssdirect.com - The Ten Most Common Spyware Threats
You've heard the phrase "know thy enemy." Well, here are your most common spyware enemies (source:FaceTime Security Labs). Don't be fooled - spyware is not a game. It costs individuals and corporations millions of dollars each year. Spyware can be used to watch your surfing habits, steal credit card information, or just be a nuisance. In any case, it's a royal pain. Know they enemy.1. Gator - Gator is installed by users as a password vault. That means that passwords can be recalled for you automatically when visiting sites. The trade-off for this service is that you have to endure pop-ups when visiting certain sites. Claria, the maker of Gator,has cleaned up its act a little by labeling the pop-up ads, but they're still annoying.
2. CoolWebSearch - This has got to be one of the most notorious browser hijackers out there. This is the name given to a program with many different variants that redirect users to coolwebsearch.com or datanotary.com. Uninstallation can be extremely complex. Users shouldn't try to manually remove this software.
3. 180SearchAssistant - This software either serves ads in pop-ups or pops up website windows based on your keyword searches. This software usually comes bundled with other "freebie" type software installs like emoticons or wallpaper. Newer versions of the software have an add/remove program uninstall item.
4. Huntbar - Now here's an annoying piece of software. Huntbar installs a toolbar onto internet explorer and windows explorer windows. It changes your home page and search page settings to point to their servers. If you use another search engine, Huntbar will redirect you to theirs. Great stuff. Oh, and it puts a 15% drain on memory resources.
5. Cydoor - This software usually comes with P2P software, ie. peer to peer. Again, it barrages you with a series of pop up advertisements. It also tracks usage information.
6. ISTbar - Yet another nice, unwanted piece of software. ISTbar does "drive-by" install via ActiveX and javascript. Basically, that means that you visit a site and it tries to install itself to your computer. Nice, huh. The Activex control installs a toolbar that pushes information to my-internet.info and blazefind.com.
7. WhenU-DesktopBar - Displays advertising content. Monitors internet traffic, collects search profiles, and can execute code from a remote server using its update feature only. Relevant searches may cause it to display a special offer, coupon, or other advertising content. The adware may also display advertisements.
8. New.Net - New.Net is a company that sells domain names for "nonstandard" top-level domains. It should be removed pronto.
9. IEPlugin - As the name implies, it installs a toolbar in Internet Explorer. It tracks web site usage, form items (like names, addresses, etc. - ie. yikes!), and local filenames that are browsed. It's invasive - remove it.
10. BargainBuddy - Bargain Buddy used to be everywhere. It is distributed by BullzEye Network. And it sets up a Browser Helper Object (BHO) and monitors your computer usage. It then, you guessed it, pushes advertisements your way based on that usage.
Tags: Spyware, Spyware Removal, Anti Spyware, Common Spyware, Security
Where Spyware Lurks On The Internet
Understand how your computer gets infected with spyware, what websites are likely to carry spyware and how to prevent getting infected by spyware in the first place.
The Modern Wild West
They may think they are the Yosemite Sam's of the modern world, but you are the New Sheriff in town! Marauders of today do not come moseying up bow-legged into your path with a six-gun slung across their hip telling you to, "Stick ‘em up, or else.&qu
The Home Computer User's Guide To Spyware
Understand the different types of spyware that can invade your home computer. Learn simple tips and strategies to reduce the chance of your computer being infected.
Signs That Your Home Computer Is Infected By Spyware Or Adware
Learn 7 common symptoms that your computer is infected by spyware and understand changes spyware makes to your computer to look out for.
Protect Your Privacy
The internet is evolving rapidly as its uses grow in number and variety. More and more users are shopping online, chatting with their friends, or just browsing the web for something interesting. But the net isn't an entirely safe place; some people out th
Phishing, Fraudulent And Malicious Websites
Warning: There are Websites You'd Better Not Visit.
My Spyware Nightmare, Your Lesson
Spyware is a nuisance by any standard and by my standared, destructive. Not too long ago, I found myself asking, 1. Why is my brand new computer slowing down to a crawl? 2. Why is it taking so long to load a basic word processor? 3. Why do I have so ma
Is Your Computer Really Safe?
Discusses computer safety
Internet Security: The Secure Free Option
With the ever growing popularity of internet browsing and the burst of high speed connections via Broadband or Cable, the security and protection of your personal data contained on your home computer has entered a new phase.
Detect Spyware And Adware And Remove It Without Spending A Dime
Spyware - Learn how to detect spyware and remove it using resources that are either free or very little cost, such as Spyware Nuker.