Spyware Blockers

Spyware Protection Plus is making the rounds. It’s not really spyware protection; it’s another rogue anti-spyware program that makes its bones by tricking infected users into buying useless anti-spyware software.

Once installed, Spyware Protection Plus will run a “spyware scan” each time the user starts the infected computer. The scan will trigger countless pop-up windows that warn of “infections” or security problems discovered on the infected computer. Of course, aside from the Spyware Protection Plus infection, there may be nothing wrong with the computer.

Some users have reported that the Spyware Protection Plus infection is also accompanied by other Trojans and fake anti-malware software. The purpose of the software is to trick an unsuspecting user into buying the “full” version of the software, which is as useless as the freebie version is.

How Can You Tell Fake Anti-Spyware From Real Anti-Spyware?

Spyware Protection Plus isn’t the first rogue spyware program. There are loads of them. But how can you tell the difference between real, effective spyware and their scamware cousins? Here are some things to keep in mind.

There are legitimate software products that provide free spyware scans but don’t remove the offending product. That, by itself, is no indication that the anti-spyware tool you have is fake. A really good indication that you’re dealing with fake spyware is that it begins to run on your computer without you having knowingly installed it. Anything that loads itself is suspect.

“Reports” may not provide much useful information. For example, the “spyware remover” may tell you that it found a specific number of malware programs, but doesn’t tell you which ones. Or it may find “infected files” on your computer, but a check of the directory shows that the suspect files have zero-byte file sizes. It may also identify .exe files that are “malware” but doesn’t identify any corresponding .dll files.

The warning windows may or may not look convincing. They’re often patterned after real anti-spyware products. Look for spelling errors, rough grammar or warnings that “Windows” has detected spyware and will download a spyware removal tool for you. The alert window may not give a “cancel” option, or the cancel option does exactly the same thing as the “OK” option. Your Internet connection may slow to an agonizing pace, or your computer hard drive may be active when it shouldn’t be.

Do Your Research

If you receive security warnings that you suspect are fake, do a little research before you agree to purchase anything. Warnings are often high-pressure sales tactics and urge you to purchase a remedy immediately. Note the wording on the warnings and see if you can find a match among the many known rogue anti-spyware programs. You can also use the Task Manager to disable the rogue program temporarily. While you’re doing research, take a look at XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org.

XoftSpy SE can locate and disable spyware. It removes the offending programs from your computer and makes sure that you don’t get infected again. Don’t take chances with unknown spyware removers, or risk being infected with multiple malware programs. Get XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org for real protection against spyware.

Photo Credit: Sophie

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