Spyware Blockers

Yes, it’s true. Many malware producers are making their living on creating both a problem and its solution. Malware masquerading as anti-spyware software is nothing new, but the number of people who are getting burned by rogue anti-spyware software is growing.

Anti-spyware software may have all of the characteristics of the spyware you’re trying to get rid of. It promises to do something you want. It preys upon unsuspecting consumers. It looks completely legitimate. It may even be freely downloadable.

Rogue Anti-Spyware Poses A Big Problem

What does rogue anti-spyware do? The same things that regular spyware does. Its effect may range from trying to make you believe (falsely) you have spyware loaded on your computer and need additional (usually worthless) products. It can also download all kinds of adware, Trojans and other malware that the rogue program can then “discover” and “fix.” (Or not.)

The rogue anti-spyware program relies on the fact that many people don’t differentiate between anti-spyware products, assuming instead that all anti-spyware programs are equally capable. It also relies on our seemingly innate desire to get something for nothing.

So how big is the rogue anti-spyware problem? Big and growing. Analysts believe that there are hundreds of rogue anti-spyware programs in the open right now. The fact remains that no matter how strongly consumers are warned about “free downloads” some users won’t carefully research these software packages before downloading them to their computers.

You need anti-spyware protection you can trust. XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org is an excellent tool for ridding your computer of existing spyware and malware, and preventing infections from occurring in the futire. XoftSpy SE relies on a comprehensive database of known malware, adware and spyware programs and their numerous variants to find, disable and remove these bad actors from your computing environment. Once your environment is clean, XoftSpy SE keeps working to make sure your computer stays that way.

You control XoftSpy SE and how often your system is checked and cleaned. XoftSpy SE also works amicably with other spyware and malware removal programs to provide a blanket of protection over your computer. With XoftSpy SE, you can rest easier knowing that your computer, your surfing habits and your personal information will remain secure, even if you inadvertently visit a compromised Web site or download a malicious application.

Don’t rely on luck. Choose your anti-spyware software carefully. Look no farther than Spywareblockers.org for the real protection you need to surf safely.

Photo Credit: Marcos Papapopolus

Malware designers are clever and spend a great deal of their design time trying to figure out how to avoid detection. From the perspective of efficiency, designs that evade the most popular malware are going to be the most successful. Users, after all, tend to think that all malware protection is created equal, and once you have an anti-malware suite on your computer, you’re set for life.

Not so. Many thoughtful users run multiple malware protection programs on their computers. This strategic approach provides multiple layers of protection and increases the chances that a malware infection will be recognized and stopped by at least one of the resident anti-malware programs. Further, multiple malware programs that identify the same threat confirm the existence of malware on the host computer. Sometimes, discovering that you have a problem is half the battle.

XoftSpy SE Provides An Added Level Of Protection

XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org works well with other anti-malware and anti-virus programs. You don’t need to choose between malware protection products, and having a second (or even third) application that checks your computer regularly can help you spot and solve problems that clever malware designers hope you never find.

XoftSpy SE uses a database with nearly one-quarter million spyware and variant signatures to detect and disable or prevent malware from taking up residence on your computer. XoftSpy SE doesn’t interfere with any programs (other than malware) on your computer.

XoftSpy SE lets you choose how often your computer is scanned for noxious adware, spyware and malware that can put your computer, your private data, your family, or your employees at risk. The product is updated regularly, so you can be certain that your computer is protected against even the newest Trojans, keyloggers, worms, rootkits and other nasty, unauthorized software that may otherwise find itself on your computer.

XoftSpy SE runs quietly in the background, watching over your computer and preventing others from watching what you’re doing. With XoftSpy SE, your browsing is safe and secure, free from the prying eyes of third parties who are after your account information, passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security number and other valuable data you store on your computer.

XoftSpy SE also frees you from putting up with unwanted advertising streams for products you don’t want and didn’t ask for. It protects your family computer from malware that children may unknowingly download, too. Don’t take chances with your computer security. Even if malware protection is already on your computer, add a second layer of security with XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org.

Adware can be more than just an annoying nuisance. It can be difficult to get rid of, impossible to control and it can load your computer with unwanted, irrelevant and just plain offensive advertising. The loading cycle for the ads can slow the performance of your computer, and frequently, adware is accompanied by other malicious software that observes your browsing habits, reports your private information to third parties and occupies space on your computer that you didn’t authorize and don’t want to give up.

Where does adware come from and how does it get onto your computer? While some people liken adware to a virus, it’s technically not viral. You download Adware onto your computer. You may not know or understand that you’re loading this annoying software. It may be bundled with another software package that you like or want. Unfortunately, when you load the program you want, you also get the one you don’t want.

The information about adware may or may not be buried in user agreements or terms of service. You might pick up adware from visiting a compromised Web site, clicking on an advertisement or following a link that comes to you in an email from a friend. In the past, adware authors may have relied solely on their “product” to get you to download and install it. These days, many adware companies aren’t asking; adware is simply loaded onto your computer, whether you like it or not.

One such example of “bundled” adware is Messenger Plus! Live, an add-on software package that extends the function of Windows Live Messenger. The software allows users to customize their copy of Windows Live Messenger with sounds, colors and even self-programmed adjustments to the software. It also comes bundled with adware that serves up ad after ad after ad.

For the adult user, this advertising tsunami can be annoying and difficult to disable, but Messenger Plus! Live has a special appeal to teenage users. These users are bombarded with ads for credit cards, online gambling sites and other products that are normally reserved for adults.

If you have children in your home, or you work in an environment where children are present, you have to protect your computers from this kind of assault. Spywareblockers.org offers XoftSpy SE, an excellent anti-spyware, -malware and –adware program that can detect and remove existing infections and protect your computer from additional threats. You control the behavior of XoftSpy SE and the level of protection you get.

Photo Credit: Liewcf, via Flickr

If you like playing online games, (and many people do), you could be putting yourself in a position to pick up more than just a little entertainment online. Gaming sites are becoming a growth area for malware and other security threats. The newer threats are sophisticated and are designed to draw in unsuspecting users.

Gaming and Malware Make A Great Combination

The profile of the game threat falls neatly in line with historical malware/spyware/adware campaigns that attempted to get users to download free “utilities” that were nothing more than adware or malware clients. The new approach relies on people’s desire to get something “good” for little or no cost. Adware and other malware masquerades as a game client, and people willingly load this malicious software on their computers.

The malware can provide the authors with usernames, passwords, and virtual and real assets that reside on the victim’s computer. Malware game clients typically contain Trojan programming that is designed to identify and steal user information. They attract users to the game site using paid advertising like banner ads, or embedded links in blog comments, discussion boards and other user-generated content.

Don’t assume that only illegitimate games are the target of malware authors. Legitimate gaming portals, like World of Warcraft, are plum targets for malware creators. By getting a user’s WoW account information, hackers can steal game assets that a user has accumulated or created through gameplay. These assets are then sold to other gamers who are willing to pay real cash for the virtual assets. The theft happens quickly and once the virtual assets are gone, they’re gone.

On the surface, it may not seem like a big deal, but if you’ve put your own time, effort and money into playing the games, and pay for access to gaming sites, you don’t want to compromise your gaming accounts.

Effective malware protection is a requirement if you participate in online gaming. You need to protect your computer and your gaming accounts from malware that is designed to rob you of the assets you’ve built or acquired while playing the game. Save your reliance on luck for the game itself. Don’t rely on luck to keep your computer clean and safe. Use XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org to detect, remove and prevent malware infections on your computer. XoftSpy SE can help you stay safe online in online gaming environments/ It can protect the assets you’ve built and preserve your enjoyment of the online games you play.

Photo Credit: NeoDaVe, via Flickr

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed Wednesday, January 28 2009 California Data Privacy Day. The move is designed to draw attention to California’s Office of Privacy Protection (COPP), the first such state governmental office in the nation, and to raise awareness about adware, spyware and malicious software.

The COPP was created to help consumers deal with the flood of spyware, adware and malicious software making the rounds today. One of the office’s resources is a downloadable informational presentation that provides information about the importance of using firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and patching computer operating systems and applications to prevent becoming a target of a malicious attack.

The creation of yet another state bureaucracy doesn’t seem to warrant a second look, but this is an extremely significant event. Why? It is recognition on a state level that computer security and data privacy are worth protecting, and also that they are in danger. What’s more notable is that the State of California, the most populus state in the country, is leading the way.

Malicious software, like spyware and adware, has risen to the level of public policy. The threat that spyware poses is real. The consequences are borne by a growing number of citizens who are turning to their state governments for help.

What’s at stake?

We’re dealing with more than just an annoyance. We’re dealing with identity theft. That property is being misappropriated and misused by people both inside and outside of the US for their own personal gain. In the mean time, innocent victims are left to clean up the mess, which can take months.

Once a thief has your identity, he may also have access to your bank and credit accounts, online accounts you may have with merchants, accounts you may use for work or school. A thief can gain access to your computer and use it without your knowledge or consent to attack other computers, send spam, or attempt to trick your friends and acquaintances into falling victim as well.

Adware, spyware and malware are much, much more than simple nuisances. They need to be discovered and removed before they damage your computer, your identity and your security.

If you’re not using anti-spyware software on your computer, there’s a good chance that your computer is already infected. Everything you do, everything you type into your computer, and every Web site you visit may be tracked. Your most sensitive information may be recorded and used against you. Is that really what you want?

Photo Credit: Ric e Ette