Spyware Blockers
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Happy California Data Privacy Day
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
Ask Not What ObamaStimulusPlan.com Can Do For You
The site and its accompanying spyware/client software are designed to capture the credit card information of visitors who think they’re receiving regular updates on government grants and other funds that may be available to ordinary citizens and businesses. The catch? The site asks for credit card information and indicates that it will charge a nominal fee ($2.95) for information and “future updates.” In reality, the fine print in the program indicates that unsuspecting people who accept the offer will be billed nearly $90 per month.
In reality, the information about the new administration’s economic stimulus plan is incomplete, fluid and as always, completely free. As of this writing, Congress has only just begun the process of considering the measure, and is expected to vote on the proposed legislation no earlier than February 2009. Interested parties are encouraged to follow the plan’s progress in the news, from their legislators’ official Web sites, Congressional Web sites, through official communications from the White House, and through government agencies responsible for administering whatever programs do get authorized.
What Exactly Does ObamaStimulusPlan.com Do?
The site itself is classified as a “rogue Web site.” The spyware or the site itself may hijack a browser session, install toolbars or other software without the user’s knowledge or permission, may deliver pop-up ads or other malicious or annoying advertising, and may repeatedly encourage the completion of an online transaction.
The spyware can be removed with a capable spyware detection and removal tool like XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org. Using the right tool to rid your system of this spyware is important because software like this can make changes to the computer’s registry, and add to or change the files on your computer.
One Of Many Rogue Sites
ObamaStimulusPlan.com is only one of hundreds of rogue Web sites that offer something that’s apparently “free” or of little cost, and instead load your computer with other spyware, adware, Trojans and dangerous malware. Unfortunately, many of these rogue sites masquerade as free virus and malware scanners. Instead of getting the protection you need, you load exactly what you’re trying to avoid onto your computer.
Don’t rely on “free” protection. Get the anti-malware protection you need and trust. XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org can help keep you safe from rogue Web sites and spyware combos like ObamaStimulusPlan.com.
Photo Credit: photo by Jurvetson (flickr)
Adware Tactics Leave Many Users Infected
Adware distributors stop at nothing to get you to download their programs. It’s not enough to avoid screensavers anymore. Google Adwords campaigns are being purchased by adware and malware distributors in an effort to get more users to download their infected products.
Don’t Rely On Google To Keep You Safe
The malware distributor purchases a sponsored ad on Google. (Yes, Google allows that.) The link may offer a free download to a known program. What visitors don’t know is that the “free program” is an infected copy of the program users think they’re downloading. The infected program then directs users to shady sites that warn users of malware infections, and the need to perform “security checks,” Doing so just invites more malware.
Google Adwords campaigns aren’t the only malware you can find. Corrupted WordPress installations mean that blogs you visit may also be infected and may redirect you to any number of sites where adware, spyware and malware are distributed and installed on your computer.
“Ad-supported software” – a euphemism for adware – is big business. Some distributors make a good living off of enticing people to download their adware. That being said, money is often the prime motivator for drawing unsuspecting visitors into malware-laden Web sites. When adware distributors pay for premium advertising placement on Google, and offer corrupted copies of known software programs to unsuspecting visitors, simply to get them to download adware, you have to know that this is big business.
Protect Your Computer With XoftSpy SE
You don’t have to participate in this scam, and you don’t have to be victimized by these unscrupulous tactics. You can free yourself and your computer from corrupted software, malware, spyware and adware simply by using up-to-date anti-malware software like XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org.
XoftSpy SE uses a database of tens of thousands of known malware agents to located and eliminate dangerous malware and spyware from your computer. You’ll know instantly that your malware problems are being tackled. XoftSpy SE will improve the performance of your computer, protect your private data and prevent your computer from being infected by the latest malware, spyware and adware agents being distributed today.
Don’t assume that Google, Yahoo! and other search engines will protect you, or that they’ve verified the authenticity of the software that Adwords banner ads are offering as a “free” download. They haven’t and they don’t. The Adwords ruse isn’t new, but there’s very little effective defense against these outrageous tactics, unless you’re using an anti-malware agent like XoftSpy SE. Try it today and see what a difference it can make!
Photo Credit: Barry Schwartz
Malware Not Limited To Downloads, Email Links
The fake profiles encouraged users to visit with names like Beyonce Knowles Nude and Kate Hudson Nude. Links within the fake profile take the user to malware sites. Speculation is that links within the LinkedIn system will make these malicious sites receive better Google page ranks in search engine results.
Last week, Twitter, a SMS service that appeals to 20-somethings, also experienced some user security issues. While it’s unlikely that very many visitors have been caught by infected LinkedIn profiles, it underscores the emerging importance of being careful when using social media tools.
A malware link can be anywhere, so its exceptionally important to have up-to-date malware protection on your computer. XoftSpy SE offers comprehensive malware protection and gives you the control over your desktop that you need to keep your own computing environment safe.
Malware is more than a nuisance. It is a genuine security threat. Malware can do any number of things, from slowing down your computer to forwarding your personal information to third parties, where it can be exploited for someone else’s gain.
What Malware Can Do For You
Malware authors have gotten very creative, and some malware attacks rely heavily on very non-technical routes to reach potential victims. Social engineering is heavily used. After all, when you receive an email from a person you know and trust, you’re more likely to follow the links they recommend.
Unfortunately, this is exactly the behavior that malware creators rely on to spread their misery around. Malware infections are on the rise, and thousands of new varieties are being created (and stopped) every day. The key to protecting your computer, however, is a highly capable anti-malware agent. XoftSpy SE protects against the malware, spyware and adware that can slow your computer performance, monitor your browsing behavior, send unwanted, dangerous or even obscene advertisements to your computer, capture your passwords, account numbers, pin numbers, email address books and more.
Protect your computer and your contacts from malware, spyware and adware infections by choosing one of the most capable anti-malware agents on the market today. Don’t trust your computer to anything less than XoftSpy SE from Spywareblockers.org.
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Tips For Avoiding Adware, Spyware and Malware
Even though adware, spyware and malware are all well known risks of computer usage, millions of these infections take place each year. There are literally thousands of variations of known spyware, adware and malware programs, and completely unique programs crop up each year. These applications can keep XoftSpy SE busy!
How Do Computers Get Infected With Adware, Spyware and Malware?
Despite the fact that this kind of malware is known, computers are still getting infected, often by tried-and-true techniques that computer users don’t recognize for what they are. Adware, spyware and malware sometimes act like viruses and can have similar effects on an infected computer, but technically, they’re not viruses. These programs do not self-replicate like a virus does. Instead, each affected computer is voluntarily infected by a user, often who is unaware of what they’re actually loading onto the computer.
Adware, spyware and malware may be loaded onto your computer by clicking on links that are embedded in viral email, or that accompany seemingly legitimate programs, free applications or utilities that purport to serve one function, and actually perform other actions surreptitiously.
What Do These Applications Do?
Most often, these applications display advertising that may or may not be related to your browsing. This advertising may include ads and images that you or other users may find offensive and embarrassing.
Additionally, these programs can track your browsing habits, display context-sensitive advertising, hijack a browser session and send you to sites you don’t want to visit. These programs may load other programs onto your computer, track your keystrokes, capture passwords, login IDs and other sensitive information, like credit card numbers and bank information. They also relay this information to a third party, most often to facilitate identity theft.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
By having adequate spyware protection like XoftSpy SE, you can prevent or mitigate most spyware, adware and malware infections. In addition, you can limit the likelihood that these programs will affect you if you follow a few simple rules.
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