feeds2read
Latest Flows from this sub-category:
Blank89 - Technology Exposed

Talk to a Real Geek Podcast

RegCure Blog

Shon Harris' CISSP Blog

Spyware, Adware News

Information internet computer network security

BackTrack Box

Arovax SmartHide News

Last post

Lavasoft Computer Network Security Solutions

random selection from this sub-category:
Spyware and Adware

Spyware Finds You Out

Lavasoft Computer Network Security Solutions

Joomla! powered Site

The Register - Security: Anti-Virus

Remote support: Network & server monitoring, technical services

Security Crawler

The Morning Ride

Security Crawler

Protocol Solutions Network Security Blog

Rss Directory > Computer > Security > virusandspyware


virusandspyware - LiveJournal.com
 
  Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:06:17 +0100

As an experienced PC user you almost certainly have an antivirus tool already, but does it really deliver the features and performance you need? There are numerous AV options available, from thre free tools through to commercial editions from AV developer heavyweights, such as Symantec. So, what does AVG Anti-Virus do differently that enable the software to standout from other apps?

It all starts with a compact antivirus engine that won't swallow all your system resources. Our test PC saw the major AVG Anti-Virus components consume only around 4 MB of RAM when running in the background, for instance, and CPU utilisation is also very low, so most of the time you'll never even know the program is there.

The efficient approach pays off in scanning performance, with AVG Anti-Virus able to check your entire system at a very reasonable speed. Although if even that's not fast enough, you could set up a custom scan that would run much more quickly. The default System Areas Test, for example, checked commonly infected areas on our test PC in under 5 seconds.

Of course the real aim of AVG Anti-Virus is to prevent you getting infected in the first place, and so the program's Resident Shield looks for and blocks threats before they can be launched. It will scan your incoming and outgoing mail, too, and you can also schedule further scans to trap anything that manages to get by.

The latest AVG Anti-Virus 8 ships with anti-virus and anti-spyware support, as well as protection against rootkit and a webshield. This is the paid-for trial version.

Download Free:javascript:doDownload('/articles/download/2210684','','avg_avwt_stf_all_8_81a1271.exe','http://guru2.grisoft.cz/filedir/inst/avg_avwt_stf_all_8_81a1271.exe');

  Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:26:50 +0100
Symantec develops both standalone PC protection apps and comprehensive suites and Norton AntiVirus (NAV) 2008 with Antispyware falls under the former category.

Installing the software on our test rig took 12 minutes, mostly due to the app running a preliminary system scan and making you endure an online registration process. Unfortunately, you have to complete this process at this point or else the installation won’t allow you to move forward.

On firing up the app, the most noticeable difference over its predecessor is its slick new interface. The changes are evolutionary mind you, meaning Norton veterans needn’t worry about relearning the interface. The new GUI is very user-friendly and Symantec packs in tons of on-demand help. So in terms of usability, this latest NAV release is still miles ahead of Eset’s NOD32.

Unfortunately, like its older cousin, NAV 2008 is also still a resource hog. Monitoring the app’s various executable files in Windows’ Task Manager, we counted a solid 97Mbytes of RAM being used. The scanner itself is also something of a let down too as it is still much slower than Eset’s excellent NOD32. In the time Norton took to scan our testbed’s single partition, NOD32 finishing scanning both. And, like its predecessor, NAV 2008’s definition and program updates are still quite large meaning a broadband connection is a must.

Source:itp.net/reviews/details.php?id=3265
  Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:21:37 +0100

The Web site for Indian antivirus vendor AvSoft Technologies has been hacked and is being used to install malicious software on visitors' computers, security researchers said last week.

The download section of AvSoft's S-cop Web site hosts the malicious code, according to Roger Thompson, chief research officer with security vendor AVG. "They let one of their pages get hit by an iFrame injection," he said. "It shows that anyone can be a victim. ... It's hard to protect Web servers properly."

The technique used on the site has been seen in thousands of similar hacks over the past few months. The attackers open an invisible iFrame Window within the victim's browser, which redirects the client to another server. That server, in turn, launches attack code that attempts to install malicious software on the victim's computer.

The malicious software is a variant of theVirutvirus family.

The iFrame pages are commonly used by Web developers to insert content into their Web pages, but because it is possible to create an invisible iFrame window, the technology is often misused by hackers as a way to silently redirect victims to malicious Web sites.

AvSoft, based in New Delhi, sells an antivirus product called SmartCOP and has sold a second antivirus product called Smartdog. The company, which is not well-known in the U.S., also specializes in recovering data lost due to virus attacks. The company could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

That data recovery service could come in handy for some, as Virut is known as a "parasitic infector" virus that is extremely difficult to remove. "It infects all of your programs on your local hard drives, and then it starts hitting your network drives as well the first time you run," Thompson said.

Fortunately, the malware used to install Virut exploits only well-known bugs, meaning that users who are running antivirus software on fully patched systems will probably not be infected by the attack in its current state, security experts say.

Nobody knows how the malware got onto the Web site in the first place. News of the hack was reported on theFull Disclosuresecurity discussion list on Thursday.

McAfee Security Research Manager Dave Marcus believes that the site was compromised by exploiting a Web programming error, most likely in the site's SQL or PHP code. Security experts say that criminals have written automated programs that scour the Web for these types of flaws and then automatically infect sites, making this an increasingly common problem.

Source:washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/09/AR2008020901240.html

 


Continuation of Part 7

It is the trial version which protects your computer for thirty days after which you can either choose to continue the service or delete from your system. After installation of Norton into your computer, it scans your entire system files and lets you know about any virus or spyware if detected.

to be continued...

Continuation of Part 6

It is the trial version which protects your computer for thirty days after which you can either choose to continue the service or delete from your system. After installation of Norton into your computer, it scans your entire system files and lets you know about any virus or spyware if detected.

to be continued...

Continuation of Part 5

Norton software is highly recommended spyware removal software which is known today. They are introduced from Symantec and the most advantageous feature about Norton is that a trial ware is offered for the software's they posses. It helps the customers to evaluate the software and understand its benefit so that you can determine whether it is right for you. 

to be continued...



Continuation of Part 4


There are several anti-virus packages coming along with anti-spyware programs. This ensures complete protection for your computer against the virus and spyware. For those who prefer to have both separately, it is possible to download individual softwares too.

to be continued..

Continuation of Part 3

With the improving and advancing technology, latest editions of the spyware removal software are available. If you cannot get these, the earlier ones used by the customer could also be updated easily. With the internet the spyware removal software installed in your computer also updates by itself.

to be continued...

Continuation of Part 2

The spywares are present in the form of cookies where it gets automatically installed into the computer. Illegal operations are also done by this program by hacking the passwords and other useful information such as the credit card number etc. the spyware removal software made available these days perform continuous operation in guarding your computer from further attacks of the program and also detect and deletes any found.

to be continued...

Continuation of Part 1

Most of the spywares are harmless and are intended to promote marketing and advertisements of the remote master which has send the spyware to your computer. The intention of a spyware that might infect your computer is to collect data from your computer regarding the topics that you would like to search for in the internet and such other information like your choice of articles in online shopping, your favorite down loads and the most frequently visited websites.

to be continued...

Spyware removal software is basically a part of everyday computer maintenance. It is also the surest way to ensure your computer. The spyware removal software that is currently on the market today is created to detect any spyware that is on your individual computer and then to remove it while at the same time the software is constantly defending your computer. There are a number of different ways that spyware can get on your individual computer. Your computer can become infected with spyware through downloads, installation of new software, browsing the internet and receiving and receiving and opening emails.

to be continued...

Source: Article Blotter

Continuation of Part 1

To get rid of any virus or spyware infection back up your files and scan them for viruses and/or spyware. Keep your virus and spyware software updated and run the scans regularly. If you have no spyware or virus scanning software it is recommended you find a free programs that will detect and warn you of possible infections.

Once you have the proper software it is important to get rid of spyware infections and viruses as well as protect your privacy and your computer from further invasions. If spyware has latched onto your computer and at scanning tool catches it you will most likely have to remove the entire programs to completely rid yourself of those spyware applications.



Spyware and viruses infect an individual or business computer in many ways, from the obvious methods to the sneaky, back door tricks. Viruses are designed to interrupt and alter normal computer functioning and spyware is intended to literally spy on its victims, all the while recording their personal information. Either infection, no matter what the method in which it intruded by, can cause an array of difficulties for the computer user.

Often times viruses and spyware are put into your computer by opening insecure emails and sharing files with infected computers. Spyware also intrudes as a “ride along” on third party software you might purchase and download online. In other situations spyware and viruses find a “back door” in your computer and use it to install their malicious codes. Signs your computer has been affected by viruses or spyware could be unusual behavior and slower functioning.

Unauthorized dial out from your internet connection are most likely spyware applications. Other common signs include browser crashes, longer boot ups, more pop ups and possibly missing files.

To be Continued...

Source: Ezine Articles

 



On the Internet, there's so much to see and do. You can communicate, shop, play and learn. It's a veritable treasure trove of information and activities for just about anyone of any age. Unfortunately, just like in the real world, everything also has a downside. For the Internet, that downside includes, scams, spam, viruses and spyware. Basically, people who want to take advantage of you. This article will give you some basics for protecting yourself online.

Scams

One of the worst scams comes to you via email, in the form of "phishing" emails. They come to you in the form of an email from banks, eBay, a store, Paypal or other business or financial institution. The email will have the name of the company in the from area and the email may look real, complete with corporate logos and official sounding text. Don't be fooled, however. A reputable financial institution or business will never ask you for your username, password, account number or other sensitive personal information via email. NEVER click on the link to the site provided in their email. If you are unsure if the email is fake, then open up your browser and manually type in the URL of the company's website. Go there and login and see if they are requesting something from you there. Chances are, they aren't. You can report these emails or simply delete them.

Other scam emails may come to you from foreign countries asking you to hold a large sum of money for them, in return you get a percentage of the money, usually millions of dollars. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. This scam has been around for years, don't fall for it. It's just a way to get your bank account information and to empty it before you even realize what has happened.

Scam websites are also a problem, whether it's a fly by night store, a phony eBay seller or a store that's actually just trying to get you to give them your personal information for marketing purposes, you can easily avoid these by checking eBay feedback, store reviews via Google and the BBB and other consumer complaint websites.

The solution to scams? Be vigilant. Never click a URL in an email that looks the least bit suspicious. Always check the feedback, reviews and ratings of sellers before buying and never, ever give away your personal information to a website that looks suspicious.

Spam

Spam can be a huge problem if you have had your email address for any length of time. No matter how well you protect your email address by not giving it out to anyone you don't know, you're still going to get spam. You can, however, minimize the time you spend dealing with spam by adjusting the options in your ISP or web mail preferences section. For most web email addresses, like Yahoo Mail, Gmail and Hotmail, you can adjust or train the spam filters so that spam rarely makes it to your main inbox but instead ends up in your Bulk Mail or Junk Mail folder. For AOL users, they have a similar Spam Mail folder and email options which you can adjust to your liking. For stand alone email programs using POP email boxes, any good email program will have spam and junk mail filters as well as allow you to set rules for which mail is deleted, flagged or sent in to the Junk Mail folder according to preferences you set. If you still have a problem, you may consider a third party program like MailWasher at mailwasher.net or SingleFin from singlefin.net. Both programs are free and should help solve or minimize your spam problem.

Viruses

Viruses are a common problem if you spend any time online. That greeting card attachment your friend forwarded you contained more than a greeting card, you've now got a virus! Viruses can slow your computer down, slow down your web surfing or they can do more serious damage like relay sensitive information like your bank login information to a hacker or at the worst end, erase your entire hard drive! To prevent these problems, you should never open attachments unless it's been scanned by a virus program first, also don't download any files from suspicious websites, stick to the well known download sites instead, like download.com. To help keep your computer clean of viruses, download and install one of the many anti-virus programs available. Some good ones are AVG Free Anti-Virus, from grisoft.com and Avast Anti-Virus from avast.com. Both programs are free and will automatically check for new versions of their virus databases so you are protected from existing and new viruses.

Spyware

Spyware is also a common problem that can slow your computer down tremendously and run programs on your computer without you even knowing. Spyware can come from websites, even well known and reputable websites but usually spyware is contained in certain free programs, like games and software that is free due to banner ads or other advertising inside the program. Since spyware can slow down your computer, it's a good idea to download and install at least one program that will protect you from spyware. Two good ones are Spyware Doctor from pctools.com and Ad-Aware SE from lavasoft.de.

Once you have downloaded and installed your anti-virus and spyware protection software, be sure to schedule a full scan of your computer often, at least once a week or more to help keep your computer running fast and smooth.

Source: www.articlecity.com

  Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:31:15 +0100

While you browse through internet with gay abandon, someone might be spying or hacking your computer security to steal your passwords and other important details from your computer which you might not be even aware of. With increasing number of virus vulnerability, spying and hacking threats taking place in the World Wide Web, it has become immensely essential to ensure that you network is fully secured from the external threats.

Following are some of the most important steps you must take to optimize your internet security

Installing Anti-virus Software: New viruses and threats are being discovered every single day and therefore, you must install some really effective anti-virus software on your system to ensure it doesn’t get virus affected. However, merely installing these softwares may not be enough – you need to update them with the latest updates available. Some of the most popularly used anti-virus softwares are Norton, AVG, Panda, Avasti and McFee.

1. Anti-Spyware Software

The spyware softwares are considered to be more dangerous than viruses and worms. While viruses corrupt your system files impending your normal processing speed or destroying the information on your system, spyware softwares literally install them on the system and, without your slightest knowledge, they steal vital information such passwords, SSN and credit card numbers stored in your system to their server. Hence, you must install some efficient anti-spywares on your system to protect your confidential data. Some of the most popular anit-spyware softwares are Spyware doctor, AdWare and Microsoft Anti-spyware. 

2. Password Protection Advice

Passwords are the most important part of different online accounts. They are used to perform a wide range of online transactions and other activities such as e-mail on the internet. Hence, exposing your passwords is like making your money in bank vulnerable to stealing. Therefore, it is advised that you should not keep same passwords for different accounts. Further, you should not use guessable characters in your passwords such as you date of birth, you telephone numbers etc. it is always advisable to keep your password fairly long using a combination of both alphabets, letters and special characters as well. Moreover, you should never access your emails from any link in email; rather, you should open a fresh page for that.

3. Apply Latest Updates and Patches

No matter how efficient your anti-virus or anti-spyware softwares are; however, they are always prone to new threats. Hence, you need to update them latest updates and patches to ensure you machine is fully protected.

4. Firewall

Firewall protects you from potential hackers who can possibly hack your system and find out the vulnerabilities in your machine. Hence, install Firewall on your system to stop block the intrusion of unauthorized traffic or applications to your machine. Some of the very well-known Firewall softwares are Norton Internet Security and Zone Alarm.

All these software can be downloaded freely from the Internet with different versions. While downloading some versions might cost you a few bucks, but it is worth the spending. You should also keep on searching the net to update yourself on the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware tools being developed and available in the market so that the private and confidential information on your machine remain truly private and secured.

Source: www.domaininformer.com



You’ve heard about and, you know it’s bad. We hear alarming statistics like “over 90% of personal computers are already compromised by spyware” and “spyware and other potentially unwanted programs are rapidly becoming the number one threat to business systems”. But just what is it?

According to McAfee Inc., the leader in spyware protection solutions:

Spyware is any software whose function includes the transmission of company or personal information to a third party without their knowledge. The consequences of undetected spyware and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) could include identity theft, system and network corruption, slower Internet access, reduced system productivity, and an increased number of pop-up ads.

To put it another way, spyware on your computer can send out to another computer, and ultimately another person, anything and everything on your computer and everything you do on your computer.

A better but much longer (and my personal favorite) definition of spyware comes from geekpatroloncall.com. They define spyware as:

Spyware is potentially more dangerous beast than Adware because it can record your keystrokes, history, passwords, and other confidential and private information. Spyware is often sold as a spouse monitor, child monitor, a surveillance tool or simply as a tool to spy on users to gain unauthorized access. Spyware is also known as: snoopware, PC surveillance, key logger, system recorders, Parental control software, PC recorder, Detective software and Internet monitoring software. 

Spyware covertly gathers user information and activity without the user's knowledge. Spy software can record your keystrokes as you type them, passwords, credit card numbers, sensitive information, where you surf, chat logs, and can even take random screenshots of your activity. Basically whatever you do on the computer is completely viewable by the spy. You do not have to be connected to the Internet to be spied upon.

However you define it, spyware is plain old bad.

Here are a few tips to help protect you from spyware:

1. Buy a good, comprehensive software program that protects your computer. Use McAfee Internet Security Suite and XoftSpy, which is a malware scanner. These products can stop spyware. If it’s already on your computer, they find it and delete it for good.

2. There is no such thing as a free lunch. When you download freeware or shareware, chances are that you are downloading spyware with it. Therefore, only download software from sources that you can absolutely trust.

3. Certain “types” of websites are notorious for injecting your computer with spyware. Those “types” of websites include: peer-to-peer sites, free games websites, and pornographic sites. If you frequent these type of website, make sure your computer is protected (see number 1 above).

4. Make sure that your web-browser security settings are configured correctly. This can prevent spyware or other malicious software from automatically downloading on your computer.

5. Never, never, never click on pop-up ads. I know that some pop-up are irresistible. But they are irresistible for a reason. Pop-ups are meant to get your attention. But if in the pursuit of your attention, they get you to click on them, you may get more than you bargain for.

If you happen to see a pop-up that is advertising something that you just have to have more information on, just take note of the item it’s advertising and do a keyword search on it. But never click on the actual ad.

Spyware protection has turned into a multibillion-dollar business. But, even the best spyware protection is useless if you don’t take necessary precautions. Reducing your risk to being exposed to spyware better than anything. Doing just a little bit of research and taking a few precautions can greatly reduce your risk of being exposed to not only spyware but also adware, viruses, trojans and other so called malware.

  Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:17:55 +0100

You open your e-mails and someone is looking for your kind assistance in freeing up millions of dollars in some foreign country. If you "help" them to the tune of a few thousand dollars they will reward you with millions.
 

The phone rings and "Congratulations Mrs. Smith you have been selected to win."


Scams, scams and more scams.

 

You can't open your e-mail, or answer the phone these days and someone isn't looking to take you to the cleaners. Whether you realize it or not, your name and vital statistics are on virtually every database in this country and no company can guarantee how safe your information is. I would guess that perhaps no more than 10 per cent of all security breaches involving large corporations ever get reported in the media.

 

Having come across every scam possible while working at a bank, I'm way past the point of paranoia about how easy it is for ordinary people to fall victim to fraud.

 

In this new technical age, everywhere you go you leave an electronic fingerprint. While computer technology has quickened, streamlined and given us home access to virtually everything, there are certain precautions you must take or you will become a victim.

 

1. Keep all your ATM and Interac purchase receipts, compare them with your statement and shred them along with every other piece of paper that bears your name, address, account number and SIN number.

 

2. Change all your passwords frequently and immediately if you believe a stranger, co-worker, child or even your spouse has obtained them. Just because you have a joint account doesn't mean you have any business knowing your spouse's online or bank codes.

3. Lock up your computer every time you walk away at the office and even at home if you have access to sensitive or personal information or conduct business from home.

 

4. If you buy a new computer, remove the old hard drive from the discarded one and physically destroy it. Deleted information is never permanently deleted.

 

5. Don't share songs online and be careful what you download. When you're downloading, you are most vulnerable to hackers and viruses.

 

6. Check your bank account and credit card transactions frequently. If your ATM or Visa card has been duplicated, it can take only a matter of seconds to clean out your accounts or max out your credit card. I strongly recommend that you only attach ONE bank account to a debit card and keep your withdrawal limit as low as feasibly possible.

 

7. Don't carry blank cheques in your purse or briefcase and absolutely don't have your cancelled cheques returned in the mail. In addition to having your address and signature, fraudsters are now using the micro-encoded information on the bottom of your cheque to gain electronic access to your bank account.

 

8. Don't ignore the virus or security updates that pop up when using your computer. Install them immediately. It only takes minutes to keep your computer up to date and virtually virus-free.

 

9. As a rule, don't open e-mail attachments unless you know who sent them. Most viruses are spread this way and it only takes one to destroy your computer files.

 

10. Unless you're completely confident with a company's website security, never provide personal information, bank account or credit card numbers. Not only is security an issue, but they may sell their client lists to other companies, without your knowledge.

 

11. Never let your debit or credit card out of your sight. Knowing how easy it's become to duplicate these cards, I no longer allow waiters to take my credit card at restaurants. Pay on the way out the door!

 

Financial fraud is out of control. Security can't keep up with the criminals and people add to the problem because they are too trusting and casual in their use of this technology. So, Be Aware.

  Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:35:17 +0100

Spyware Anti Virus - Some Personal Computer contain adware and shareware piece of program even before you purchase them. Because of this, fighting spyware and adware and removing spyware from computers is becoming even harder today. The only way to fight back is to have a Anti Virus Spyware Utility.
 

And what exactly does Anti Virus Spyware Utility do to protect our privacy?
 

Spyware programs?
 

Spyware programs is the most troublesome piece of program to appear on the Internet in recent times. When Spyware programs infects a computer system, it may be relatively harmless or it may be devastating. Spyware programs like Coolwebsearch and http://new.net are capable of paralyzing a computer system. Laws to regulate spyware are pending in many states and may take years to enforce. Spyware programs is any piece of program that collects information about computer usage and/or the computer user.
 

So is there any protection whatsoever against Spyware programs? How do we fight back against Spyware programs? The only way to protect our online privacy is to use Anti Virus Spyware Utility.

 

You need to get some form of protection against Spyware programs.
 

Spyware programs: What Does Spyware programs Do to Your Com?

 

Frequent popups are common features and ways to tell that you have been taken over by some sort of spyware and that you should rid your system of it immediately by getting a Anti Virus Spyware Utility. A search toolbar or other browser toolbar appears even though you didn't request it or install it. The smart thing to do is to get yourself a Anti Virus Spyware Utility. Anti Virus Spyware Utility are not hard to find, all you need is a Anti Virus Spyware Utility with a reputable reputation.
 

So hurry and protect your privacy!

  Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:20:37 +0100
Having a virus on your computer can cause your computer to slow down, install spy ware and ad ware, or let hackers into your computer to steal your information. Knowing how to clean your virus-infected computer is easy. Here are some tips to show you how.


As soon as you think your computer might be infected you should disconnect your computer from the Internet and any networks you computer might be on. This is to ensure that the virus does not spread to other computers.

 

If you have an anti-virus program installed make sure it is updated first then run a full system scan. The anti-virus might not detect the virus if the program is not updated.

 

Some anti-virus programs will detect the virus, but will not be able to remove it. If that is the case, you can get a different program by downloading it from a computer that is not infected or you can go to your local computer store and get a different one there.

 

Most anti-virus programs will ask you to restart you computer after it is finished scanning. Once you restart you computer run another scan to make sure that the virus is gone. When you restart your computer make sure that it is still disconnected from the Internet and other networks. Once you are sure that the virus is gone, reconnect the computer.

 

The best way to combat against viruses is to be cautious of programs and files you and other people that use your computer download. Do not open any e-mail messages or attachments you do not recognize. Get a good anti-virus program that is updated frequently and run system scans regularly

A computer virus is small software designed to infect a computer without the knowledge of the user. The term is also a synonym to many various types of malware programs. The virus can easily spread from one computer to another through a host taken to an uninfected computer. Although, virus can attack systems through many vectors, the general medium to spread it is sending over the Internet. 

 

Increasing use of Internet is making the spread of malicious code easier. The viruses designed today may use network services as the World Wide Web, email, and file sharing.

 

There are several similarities between a virus and spyware. Both are potentially destructive and created to ruin the computer’s efficiency for monetary gains. They are uninvited and disturbing in nature.

 

Unlike a computer virus, spyware does not spread directly and attempts to infect a system either through deception of the user or by exploiting software vulnerabilities.  Also, both of them differ in behavior which is the best way to distinguish them. A virus is self replicating and tries to infect as many computers as possible whereas a spyware does not always self replicate.

 

The way in which these viruses and spyware are written can also set them apart. Majority of viruses are created by malcreants with an objective of gaining profits. Viruses are written with a purpose of setting benchmarks in virus programming. On the other hand, spyware targets to ruin the functionality of targeted computer and remain attached to it till its purpose is solved.

 

The process of virus removal has become simple with the help of antivirus, a computer programs that attempt to identify and destroy the computer viruses and other malware. 

 

In addition to virus removal, installing antivirus software safeguards your PC by offering automatic updates. Once a virus is detected, the antivirus quarantines thereby preventing it to spread.  It then tries to eliminate it and repair any file damage caused.  Likewise, the computer programs designed to remove or ruin spyware is called anti-spyware. 

 

Installation of Anti-spyware provides real time protection against the spyware software on your computer. It works in the same way as anti-virus does and scans incoming network data for spyware software.

Anti-Spyware

 

Earlier versions of anti-spyware programs focused chiefly on detection and removal. Spammers have also used infected PCs to target anti-spam organizations with distributed denial-of-service attacks.
 

This presents a dilemma for proprietors of anti-spyware products whose removal tools may inadvertently disable wanted programs. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware. To accomplish their goal, this group of anti-spyware companies, academics, and consumer groups have collectively published a series of documents including a definition of spyware, risk model, and best practices document. This shows a trend by anti virus companies to launch a dedicated solution to spyware and malware.

 

Software

 

Spyware protection works the same way as that of anti-virus protection in that the anti-spyware software scans all incoming network data for spyware software and blocks any threats it comes across. Newer spyware programs also have specific counter measures against well known anti-malware products and may prevent them from running or being installed, or even uninstall them. Major anti-virus firms have come later to the table, adding anti-spyware features to their existing anti-virus products. However, recent versions of these major firms' home and business anti-virus products do include anti-spyware functions, treated differently from viruses. Real-time protection from spyware works identically to real-time anti-virus protection: the software scans disk files at download time, and blocks the activity.

 

Protection

 

The public was able to meet face to face with the members of the Coalition, and many prominent members of the community, from anti-spyware vendors, advertising companies, and academia, spoke on panels dealing with many diverse issues. In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software components known to represent spyware. Find everything you need with the anti-spyware experts
  Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:54:01 +0100



Below are some tips on how you can avoid having spyware installed on your computer without you knowing.

Keep Microsoft Windows Updated
 

Many users are still not quite sure why it is necessary to download software updates on a regular basis.

 

Security holes in software products are *regularly* discovered, and must be fixed by the software maker, through updates.

 

Well, in the case of Microsoft windows (your operating system), it's *vital* that you keep it updated, since most attacks take advantage of security flaws that have been already fixed in the latest updates.

 

Therefore, it is critical that you download these types of updates in order to combat certain loop holes in their security system.

 
Be Wary Of Dubious Software

 

This rather vague piece of advice, but essentially the way to avoid trouble is simple:

 

- *Only* install software downloaded from the maker's site, or from official "mirrors", and not from other places (especially peer-to-peer networks).

 

You might then say "well, what if the maker is dodgy?"

 

My answer would be: "Sometimes, it is almost impossible to tell if a maker is legitimate or not, and that is part of the risk we take when using the Internet."

 

Use An Anti-Spyware Software Product
 

If you want to be 99.9% safe when using the Internet, the best way is to use an anti-spyware software product which will obliterate all of these problems!

 

You cannot remove spyware problems with anti-virus software, because the software simply won't detect them. I know I keep saying this, but this is crucial to your understanding.

  Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:34:36 +0100

Removing computer virus or Spyware Removal infections might not seem like the easiest thing to do. But in fact it is easy to remove computer virus infections. The first step to remove computer virus infections is to buy some anti virus software. There are many quality anti virus software makers to chose from. Look for products that have won awards or received many recommendations. Once you have made your purchase, simply install it, update the virus definitions and perform a full scan of your computer. The different anti virus software will have slightly different methods, but the basic steps will be the same. Be sure to read their instructions.

 

For ease of reference, here are basic steps to remove computer virus infections:  

  1. Purchase and download anti virus software
  2. Install anti virus software
  3. Update anti virus software
  4. Perform a full scan with anti virus software  

Remember to read the instructions for the specific software you purchase, but these basic steps will cure the vast majority of infections out there. If this fails to clean it up, I would recommend taking it to see a professional, which could be quite costly. Or, perhaps there is a computer savvy person that you know who you could get to help you.

 

Remember, to learn how to remove computer virus infections, like many things in life, it may be best to learn by doing it. Do not be afraid to try to remove computer virus infections yourself. The software makers do a real good job at making the software you purchase easy to use. The basic steps I outlined really will be able to clear up most computer virus infections.

  Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:06:59 +0100

Unlike biological viruses (see Virus), computer viruses do not simply evolve by themselves. Computer viruses do not come into existence spontaneously, nor are they likely to be created by bugs in regular programs. They are deliberately created by programmers, or by people who use virus creation software. Computer viruses can only do what the programmers have programmed them to do.

 

Virus writers can have various reasons for creating and spreading malware. Viruses have been written as research projects, pranks, vandalism, to attack the products of specific companies, to distribute political messages, and financial gain from identity theft, spyware, and cryptoviral extortion. Some virus writers consider their creations to be works of art, and see virus writing as a creative hobby. Additionally, many virus writers oppose deliberately destructive payload routines. Many writers consider the systems they attack an intellectual challenge or a logical problem to be solved; this multiplies when a cat-and-mouse game is anticipated against anti-virus software. Some viruses were intended as "good viruses". They spread improvements to the programs they infect, or delete other viruses. These viruses are, however, quite rare, and they still consume system resources, may accidentally damage systems they infect, and, on occasion, have become infected and acted as vectors for malicious viruses. A poorly written "good virus" can also inadvertently become a harmful virus in and of itself (for example, such a 'good virus' may misidentify its target file and delete an innocent system file by mistake). Moreover, they normally operate without asking for the permission of the computer owner. Since self-replicating code causes many complications, it is questionable if a well-intentioned virus can ever solve a problem in a way that is superior to a regular program that does not replicate itself. In short, no single answer is likely to cover the broad demographic of virus writers.

  Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:44:44 +0100

Virus and spyware to most people these words are the proverbial boogeyman. They can get in your computer and destroy it and you would never know. In a heartbeat, your computer could crash. You could lose data or have your identity stolen. Thankfully, it's easy to protect yourself from such things; and for free no less. The best method of helping keep your computer clean, other than virus and spyware scanners, is to clean your temporary files. This includes your temporary files, temporary internet files, and cookies. A good way to do this is Disk Cleanup, a program that comes with every computer with Windows. There are some other programs you can try downloading off of www.download.com, but I don't know of any good ones. 


Here are some programs you can use to keep your computer clean. Remember, while the programs I'm going to give you are free and legal, they are free, so you get what you pay for.

 

The first program is AVG Free (www.avgfree.com). It's a reliable and effective anti-virus software program made by Grisoft. It's a bit awkward to use, but it works well and automatically updates every time you log on. The only complaint I have is that the first time I log on each day; it does an automatic scan of my computer. I haven't figured out how to shut it off, but supposedly there is a way to do so.

 

The second program you need to get is a firewall. Firewalls help keep out viruses and spyware. Some good ones are Zone Alarm and Sunbelt Personal Firewall. Both can be downloaded off of www.download.com. I prefer Sunbelt Personal Firewall as it gives me more freedom with the advanced options. For any regular person, either or will do. You can upgrade Sunbelt to the full version for $10 and Zone Alarm for $30.

 

The third program you need is a spyware scanner. Some good free ones are Ad-Aware and Microsoft Anti-Spyware. They can also be gotten at www.download.com. I prefer to use Sunbelt Counter Spy myself. It is not free, but for $15 it is one of the best anti-spyware programs out there. It can be downloaded from www.sunbelt-software.com.

 

The most important thing to do is be smart. If you aren't installing anything and a message pops up to allow a program to run that you've never heard of, Google that program. It might be spyware. Also, be careful where you download stuff from. The biggest sources of spyware and viruses are porn and gambling sites, along with illegal music downloads, including peer-to-peer transfer programs like Kazaa.


Disclaimer|Rss Directory|Try a Feed|Suggest a Feed|F-A-Q|Partners
Links: Référencement internet | Annuaire Webmaster  | ubuntu/debian tips
Comparateur de Prix | Logos, Sonneries, Jeux Java | Sonneries pour portables | Ringtones and logos for mobile phone | Accéssoires pour téléphone portable | Sonneries Et Logos
© copyright feeds2read.net 2005-2008