-
-
- May 30 2008
-
Most people take certain precautionary steps to protect their belongings. Car alarms for cars, home security systems for homes, and bike locks for bikes are among those protective measures. We even create special passwords to protect our computers. Unfortunately, many of us stop there when it comes to keeping the information on our computer safe.
In this technological age, it is wise to go as far as even safeguarding our passwords. Perhaps this seems like overkill to some, but once a computer user is privy to the capabilities of a hacker, they may deem the extra protection necessary.
How Keyloggers Can Steal Your Passwords
Many of us have been exposed to different types of spyware. Annoying pop-ups and slow connections are the result of spyware much of the time. In addition to those annoying bugs, there is a much more sinister version lurking on the systems of many unsuspecting computer users. The worst kind of spyware is called keyloggers. Keyloggers do just what the name says: they log keys. This means that every keystroke you make gets recorded and sent back to the hacker who planted the keylogger in the first place.How You Get Keyloggers
Keyloggers use various vehicles to reach your computer system. Sometimes it is a simple music file that you downloaded from an unknown person on the Internet. Other times it comes from a pop-up you inadvertently clicked on.Perhaps the most frustrating thing about keyloggers is that they work silently, behind the scenes, without your knowledge. They can gather loads of data with you none the wiser. So everything from your bank account password to credit card number can be stolen. Anything and everything that you type into that computer gets logged.
The Frightening Reality of Keyloggers
The worst-case scenario when it comes to keyloggers is identity theft. While there are many ways to steal a person’s identity, hackers are rising to the top of the list of perpetrators. They hardly need to do any work to gain your personal information. All they have to do is create a few keyloggers and send them out onto the Internet to infect your computer.How to Rid Your Computer of Keyloggers
Keyloggers are a serious problem of which every computer user should be aware. Like everything else you own, it is smart to take steps to protect the information that is transferred via your computer.The best way to fight keyloggers is with the use of antispyware software. If you haven’t already been using some sort of antispyware software, you should get your hands on some immediately. This software will scan for keyloggers and other kinds of spyware and eradicate any that it finds. Good antispyware software will also serve as defense against new keyloggers that try to get into your computer as well.
There are so many different types of antispyware software, it can be difficult to choose which is best.
Not only should you look for software that gets rid of 100% of those keyloggers, you should also confirm that the company will offer you ongoing updates and support. New keyloggers are being created every day. It is important that the software will not only protect you today, but also in the future.
If you think you have keyloggers on your pc download SpyZooka by clicking the button below and run a free scan of your pc today.
-
- May 29 2008
-
In cyber space, not every spyware cleaner is created equal. In fact, some are quite superior to others. Before you dive in to the world of spyware cleaners, however, it is first important to understand what exactly spyware is.
What is Spyware?
Gone are the days of breaking and entering and peeping toms, now there is spyware. Spyware invades your personal privacy in an even more disturbing manner: By secretly installing itself into your computer system, spyware can track your every move. Every web page you look at, email you write, and password you type is recorded and can be used to harm you. This is what has created the need for spyware cleaners.
How Did I Get Spyware in the First Place?
Spyware finds its way into your operating system through various methods. Corrupt web pages, spam emails, pop-ups and file-sharing programs are just a few of those methods. Even advertisements claiming to be spyware cleaners can be spyware. It is a jungle out there for the non-computer geek. The big question is: How do you know who to trust?
Spyware Cleaner Rated
So you think you have spyware but you aren’t sure where to turn for help. If some supposed spyware is disguised as a spyware cleaner, how is one to know? Breaking it down into the most necessary features can make your search for a spyware cleaner 100 times easier.
First, make sure you are purchasing or downloading the spyware cleaner from a trusted source. Ask yourself: Does the web page appear legitimate? Is it a secured site? Do they offer a guarantee? Are there reviews from recognizable sources? Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you can rest easy that you probably aren’t walking into a scam.
Another quality to look for in a spyware cleaner is rate of detection. It’s true, some work better than others. You and your computer deserve 100% detection, so don’t settle for anything less. While eradicating 50% of the spyware on your computer is great, 100% is even better.
Not only do you want your spyware cleaner to clean . . . you also want it to prevent. A good program will wipe your system of existing spyware and prevent any new spyware from entering the scene. Along with effective prevention comes regular updates from the spyware cleaner company. A daily update to the spyware database will suffice.
Speed and ease of use are other features that are important to most computer users. Anyone that can turn on a computer should be able to function the spyware cleaner. A complicated program often signifies other problems with the spyware cleaner. You should be able to easily install the program and let it go to work on its own, without taking days upon days to finish scanning the system.
Spyware cleaners are a strikingly simple answer to a major problem. Implementing one can mean the difference between a secure system and a computer that is open to exploitation from any hacker that happens to come across it.
if you’re looking for a spyware cleaner that guarantees 100% spyware removal try out a free scan of SpyZooka by clicking the button below.
-
- May 28 2008
-
Spyware is the primary way that shareware authors to make money; they do this by offering a product that is of use to consumers for free or little money. Inside this product is another program that collects useful and valuable information. This is typically known as adware. This spyware uses your Internet connection to report your shopping and surfing habits back to the advertisers. While not illegal, this can be a huge nuisance and it forces you to seek out a good spyware remover to delete it.
Of course, the best line of defense when it comes to spyware is to keep the dreaded pests off your computer in the first place. However, that’s not always possible. In order to protect yourself in the best possible manner, and to avoid having to run a spyware remover on your computer every day, it’s a good idea to take some precautionary measures.
Next, enlist the help of a highly rated spyware remover. Follow the directions to scan your pc and remove all the spyware found. If your spyware remover asks you to restart your pc and perform a scan make sure to do this.
Be sure that from here on out, you scan your computer at least weekly to be sure that you have not missed anything.
Next, adjust your Internet settings to reflect, at a minimum, a Medium level of protection. If you can keep the spyware out, you won’t need a spyware remover to clean it out.
If you encounter spyware and you need to use a spyware remover, please bear in mind that not all spyware removers can be trusted. Unfortunately, some spyware programmers have gotten savvy to all the people out there searching for ways to get rid of the spyware they’ve painstakingly created. They create what looks like a spyware remover, but instead embeds additional spyware on your machine. This is known as “rogue” antispyware. Examples of these programs are Winfixer, Spymaxx, and Winantivirus.
A spyware remover can come in handy when trying to rid your machine of spyware; it is essential to make sure that once you’re rid of it, you don’t get it back. Keep in mind the tips outlined above when using a spyware remover and remember to use common sense when downloading new software.
If you’re looking for a spyware remover that guarantees 100% spyware removal, is a member of the Better Business Bureau and places guards on your pc to prevent future spyware attacks click the button below to try a free SpyZooka scan today.
-
- May 27 2008
- If you suspect your computer is infected with spyware. Don’t worry; you aren’t alone. The majority of computer users will, at some point, experience problems with spyware.
Lucky for every non-nerd out there, new methods of spyware detection are constantly being created. The hard part is figuring out which spyware detection software to use. There are free programs, downloadable programs, and store-bought programs. They all have slightly different features and some are far more effective than others.
Some experts will suggest installing several different kinds of spyware detection software on your computer to make sure you kill the spyware in every deep dark corner of your system.
With increasingly effective technology, spyware detection software has made leaps and bounds in the fight against spyware. As hackers adapt and change the spyware, so do the best kinds of spyware detection software.
Spyware Detection Software - Picking the Best One
With the seemingly endless number of spyware detection software on the market, how is one to choose? The 100% detection rate is certainly the first thing to look for. If they can only guarantee 70%, you aren’t getting your money’s worth. Along with that, it shouldn’t take light years to complete the scan. Some are definitely faster than others.
Total detection is not the only important feature a spyware detection program should have, however. Prevention is another vital aspect of any spyware detection program. It’s great if you can clean up your current system, but what’s the point if you end up getting new spyware on your computer the very next day? Some programs offer regular updates on potentially harmful or malicious files or websites. This helps the users steer clear of clogging up their computer with more spyware.
Along with detection and prevention, the spyware detection software should be easy to use. The best spyware detection programs don’t require a computer genius to operate. They should have clear features and very little maintenance. The spyware detection software that receives the highest ratings require little work on your part. The program should do all the heavy lifting.
The spyware detection software should also promise convenient customer service and live updates. You should be able to get a real person if you have questions.
Spyware Detection Becomes a Big Business
It is unfortunate that the spyware detection industry has to exist in the first place, but like car alarms and home security systems, we are glad to have it. Spyware detection protects your computer against the annoyance of spyware. More important, it protects you and the livelihood of your family. While quality software can be purchased at little monetary cost, you will reap priceless rewards, including peace of mind and personal security.
-
-
- May 25 2008
-
Malware is just what it sounds like; it is malicious software, thus the name. It strikes indiscriminately, affecting just about everyone who owns a computer. Malware is not only annoying, it’s also dangerous.
Malware is sometimes called spyware, badware, or simply a computer virus. Whatever term you choose to use, it’s all the same stuff. Malware is deceptive and harmful software that is installed onto your computer without your knowledge. Hackers have created a long list of different kinds of malware that they launch into cyber space on unsuspecting computer users.
What is Malware?
* Adware: Adware tracks everything you look at online and then sends it back to hackers who sell the information to advertising companies. These companies then have a virtual back door into your system which allows them to flood your computer with pop-up ads. Some of those pop-ups actually include more adware, so if you click “yes” or “okay” on certain pop-ups, you are actually agreeing to receive more ads.* Keyloggers: Keyloggers are the worst kind of malware. This malware usually goes undetected by the everyday computer user because it doesn’t interfere with the operating system. Instead it is surreptitiously downloading onto your computer and it works silently behind the scenes to log every single key you press. Every password, bank account number, and email is then recorded and sent back to the hacker who planted the malware. This is one the growing trends in the practice of identity theft. Most victims don’t even realize them been had until something drastic occurs, like money missing from financial holdings.
* Spam: Some malware comes in the form of spam. Even legitimate-looking emails from supposedly trustworthy sources should be scrutinized. The clever hackers will sometimes disguise emails to appear to be from certain well-known sites, when they are really just hoping you’ll click on the link and download malware onto your computer.
How to Detect Malware
The sad truth is that most computer users will encounter malware at some point. Until a more comprehensive defense is developed, there are several key things you can do. First and foremost, think prevention. Always be careful when opening emails from unknown sources. While it may be harmless junk mail, it could also contain malware. Along the same lines, avoid clicking on pop-ups. If you get them, close them and move on.
You should also be aware that malware can come through free downloads and file-sharing websites. Useful downloadable tools can be infected with malware, so not only do you get the tool, you are also the lucky winner of malware.
How to Remove Malware
The other main way to eradicate and prevent malware is through antispyware software. These programs detect, clean-up, and prevent malware outbreaks. While most antispyware software doesn’t make any type of malware removal guarantee, others can get 100% of the malware off your computer.
Preventative Internet habits alongside anti-spyware software will help you wage war against malware. Don’t ever assume that you aren’t at risk. Be vigilant in protecting your computer and the personal information that is transferred through the system. It will save you some major headaches down the line.
-
- May 24 2008
-
There is a never-ending list of harmful programs online that seek to negatively affect your system and steal your personal information. Rootkits are one of the main ways such programs are able to function as successfully as they do.
What is a Rootkit?
Rootkits are not malware. Rather, they are the programs that help hide the malware. Rootkits were originally used for non-malicious activities but have more recently been used by hackers for malicious purposes.
A rootkit is the best way for a hacker to corrupt someone’s computer system without detection. Rootkits hide various utilities and provide a virtual back door to the perpetrating hacker. This allows the hacker high-level access to the very “root” of the computer system’s information. That means the most private information is vulnerable.
What can a rootkit do?
With the ability to remain undetected, rootkits allow a variety of destructive programs to run on a computer unknown to the owner. For instance, many rootkits hide the presence of a keylogger. Keyloggers are a nasty type of spyware that record every keystroke you make. Every password, credit card number, and e-mail is surveiled, recorded, and sent back to the hacker. This is one of the easiest ways for a hacker to steal your identity.Rootkits also hide programs that alter your computer system. This can mean changing log files, harming other computers in the same network, and changing the very system setting that would normally detect the presence of malware. Rootkits can disguise programs that literally hijack your computer. Sometimes such programs can eventually slow the computer down so substantially that it becomes virtually useless. Since the rootkit hides the malicious program, a computer user in this situation will oftentimes assume their computer is old and needs to be replaced. Many computers are disposed of for this reason, when all they really need is a good cleaning to wipe out all of the existing rootkits and malware.
Detecting a Rootkit
As you may imagine, scanning for rootkits is no easy task. Remaining undetected is a rootkit’s main job, so many antispyware programs won’t catch rootkits and thus won’t catch the malware it veils. Fortunately there are a few quality antispyware programs like SpyZooka, Spy Sweeper, Counter Spy and Spyware Doctor that will detect and remove rootkits.As a result of the highly effective antispyware programs, hackers are constantly altering rootkits in attempts to remain undetected by this software. A quality program will offer daily automatic updates to combat the changing habits of the hackers and their new rootkits. These updates are the key to preventing any new rootkits from invading your computer.
An antispyware program that is worth your money will also provide customer service that is knowledgeable of the ins and outs of rootkits and spyware. Access to computer-smart customer service representatives is well worth the money you pay for the software. No one wants a generalized computer recording when calling about important computer issues, especially when it concerns matters such as identity theft.
By installing high-quality antispyware software, you are committing to an insurance policy for your computer and all of the important information that goes on it. It is important not to overlook this important security measure.
Run a free scan of SpyZooka to find out if you have rootkits on your pc.
-
- May 23 2008
-
As spyware and adware have become increasingly powerful and difficult to remove, developers of antispyware programs have added a wider range of functionality to their applications to give users more powerful tools as well as greater control over those tools.
What is Antispyware?
Although antispyware applications have long resembled standard antivirus applications in many ways, they have also started to acquire their own distinctive set of features in order to help users deal with the unique problems posed by spyware and adware. Given the bewildering array of programs and features available to users looking for antispyware applications, users may find it difficult to usefully compare antispyware programs and their feature sets.
How Antispyware Protects You
Antispyware programs can protect your computer from pop-up ads, hackers, identity theft and other spyware-related threats. For all intents and purposes, antispyware comes in two forms; real-time protection and after-the-fact protection, where you run regular scans on your machine to check for spyware infections.
Real-time antispyware programs scan incoming information and prevent spyware software from installing on your computer. It essentially works in the same way that antivirus software works. Each time spyware tries to install itself on your computer, a box will pop up and warn you of the threat.
Antispyware programs developed to detect and remove spyware software are used after the fact and work to find programs that are already embedded on your machine. This type of software is typically easier to use and seems to be much more popular.
Like most antivirus software, many antispyware programs need to have their database of threats evaluated and updated frequently. As new spyware programs are released, antispyware developers discover and evaluate them, to determine their level of threat and to create ’signatures’ so the programs can find and eliminate the new spyware.
Without being regularly updated, antispyware is almost worthless. Updates may be installed automatically on a schedule or before doing a scan, or may be done manually.
If a spyware program is not blocked and manages to install itself, it may fight your attempts to uninstall it. Some programs work in pairs: When an antispyware scanner (or the user) terminates one running process, the other one respawns the killed program. Likewise, some spyware will detect your attempts to delete registry keys and, as a reaction, will immediately add them again. It used to be necessary for the user to start their pc in safe mode to remove the worst spyware, but now top rated antispyware software like SpyZooka have developed new technology which eliminates the need to do this.
Unfortunately, there is a new breed of spyware starting to hide inside system-critical processes and start up even in safe mode. With no process to terminate, they are harder to detect and remove. Sometimes they do not even leave any on-disk signatures.
To keep your computer safe, be hyper-vigilant about what you’re downloading and where you’re downloading it from. Don’t open email from anyone you are not familiar with and, most importantly, make sure you run an antispyware scan on your computer on a daily or weekly basis.
-
- May 23 2008
-
Like many forms of rogue antispyware, the AntiVermins program tries to take advantage of a computer user by installing itself on a machine, then displaying popups to the effect that the computer is infected or at risk.
These pop-ups will usually appear in the bottom right-hand task bar, where the clock and other oft-used, friendly icons appear. This makes AntiVermins particularly insidious, because the warnings can appear authentic to a user who isn’t paying close attention.
These “warnings” can vary, but many times they’ll say something like: “Your computer is infected! Critical system error!” or “Dangerous infection was detected on your PC!” or “System Performance Monitor: Warning!” Before you click on any of these bubbles or pop-up windows, be sure you know what you are getting into.
What is Antivermins?
Malicious spyware programs such as Anti Vermins (also known as AntiVerminiser and AntiVermeans) usually attach themselves to a user’s machine when he or she visits an unknown (read “unethical”) website. Even clicking on a link that takes you to another page on one of these suspicious sites can result in spyware being uploaded to your machine. ZLOB Trojans are to blame for many of these infections, so it is important to make sure your antispyware, antivirus and antispam software is always up-to-date and protecting you from these nasty add-ons.
How do I remove Antivermins?
AntiVermins can be removed fairly easily from an infected computer (assuming the user knows they’ve been infected, of course). There are manual and software programs one can run to get rid of AntiVermins. The trouble is getting rid of the original ZLOB that installed the spyware in the first place.
For this, you really need a good antispyware program that will remove any and all infections, including Trojans and rogues like AntiVermins.
For a little insight into how devious rogue antispyware can be, let’s take a look at the AntiVermins homepage. In all honesty, I probably shouldn’t even have navigated to this site, but my computer is protected, so I feel confident that I won’t be infected by clicking through the pages.
The AntiVermins homepage features good graphics with a picture of a box of software called “AntiVermins: Spyware Protection Tool.” The site has been recently updated with a list of new “threats” that AntiVermins claims to detect and eliminate, such as PSW.Win32.Maran.km, Backdoor.Win32.Bionet.f, Virus.Win32.AutoRun.gn, and Trojan.Win32.Spabot.ap among others.
On every page, there is a big green “Download” button that lets you quickly and easily download this malicious program onto your machine. Unsuspecting users looking for a free solution to their malware and spyware problems can really cause themselves more grief by downloading this masquerading program. They even have a paid version, so if you’re really determined, you can spend money to infect your machine.
Like legitimate sites, the AntiVermins page is set up with testimonials from users, an FAQ page, some fairly informative articles about spyware and a privacy policy. When you know, like we do, that all of this is a lie, the privacy policy and the testimonials from “satisfied customers” are truly laughable.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by AntiVermins or its malicious counterparts. To ensure you’re protected, make positive that your antispyware program comes from a legitimate source that you have researched. People online are very honest in forums and discussion groups, and we can all learn from the experiences of those who’ve been burned before us.
If you think you are infected with Antivermins click the button below to download SpyZooka and run a free scan. SpyZooka detects and removes Antivermins.
-
- May 22 2008
-
Another rogue antispyware program is making the rounds on the Internet. This one is called SpyLocked, and it’s similar to other trojan carried programs like SpyDawn and VirusBurst. Like these other rogues, SpyLocked infests your computer through security gaps, exploiting weaknesses in your firewall and other protections.
SpyLocked - What is it?
There are a growing number of programs like SpyLocked, all designed to make you think your computer is infected with viruses or spyware. Generally carried by a trojan knows as “ZLOB,” these programs create bogus security alerts on an infected computer.
These warning messages, which can look extremely authentic, encourage the user to click on their product button and order their spyware removal product. The products themselves provide little to no actual protection against spyware and other system infestations. Worse yet, they replicate themselves on your computer, making them extremely hard to remove.
How can I detect SpyLocked?
The tell-tale sign will be the official looking warning message or security alert. A large box will open up on your screen, and it may show a list of “threats” that are supposedly active on your system. The box may prompt you to register the software, and/or get updates or subscriptions. Don’t do it!
If you click on those messages, SpyLocked will install onto your computer with or without your permission. It can change your browser, redirect you to websites you didn’t ask for and even hijack your settings. Such an invasion will definitely compromise your computer security and privacy.
In addition to these security breaches, you’ll likely notice some other signs of infection.
SpyLocked Symptoms
1. excessive popups and advertisements2. an unfamiliar icon in your system tray that shows a security warning or alert
3. inability to use the Add/Remove Program function on your machine to get rid of the software
4. evidence of “isamian.exe” or “imsamntr.exe” files on your system
How Do I Remove Spylocked?
Once SpyLocked is in your system, it’s difficult to get out. You can try to remove it manually, but this can often cause more problems that it solves. One reason is that it continues to try to duplicate itself throughout your system, making it almost impossible to completely remove by hand.
To effectively remove SpyLocked and other rogues, purchase and install a legitimate antispyware product designed specifically to tackle these issues.
Protect Yourself From The Start
Of course, the best way to eliminate problems with SpyLocked and other rogue antispyware is to avoid them in the first place. Install a good firewall on your computer and make sure you use it properly. In addition, install legitimate antispyware and antivirus protection programs, making sure to find one with good ratings and security assurances. You’ll want one that offers frequent updates and security patches, as well as one that’s user friendly.
Dealing with any kind of invasion on your computer can be disconcerting and alarming. Trying to stay one step ahead of the game is not easy, but you can protect your computer and its security by investing in proper protection.
If you think you are infected with Spylocked or one of its variants I recommend downloading a free trial of SpyZooka and running a scan to see whats lurking in your pc. SpyZooka is still the only antispyware software that guarantees 100% spyware removal and is confirmed to remove Spylocked.
-
- May 22 2008
-
Of all the variants of malware and adware, SmitFraud is one of the most invasive and destructive. It’s almost impossible to detect, and it will make copies of itself and attach those copies to files that run at computer start-up. Getting rid of SmitFraud is also no picnic, and for the average user will require antispyware software.
What is SmitFraud?
SmitFraud is a form of spyware that installs itself undetected by the user, usually after one downloads a fake codec such as BrainCodec, PCodec or VideoKeyCodec. Once installed, SmitFraud will change the computer’s desktop background to an error message or the “Blue Screen of Death,” which is in fact as scary as it sounds.
Then the malware programs will begin showing the computer user pop-up ads to the effect that their computer is infected (Duh, right?). The unsuspecting user who clicks on these ads will be directed to a website claiming to sell antispyware software.
Some of the fake programs that have been exposed are Spylocked, Spydawn, SpySheriff, SpyAxe and Spyware Quake, among others. They will run a fake “system scan” on your machine, detect all kinds of viruses and malware, and then inform the user that he or she must pay a fee before the program will remove the malicious bugs.
If the user does pay, the screen will often return to normal and the scan will show up clear, but it’s really offering a false sense of security, because the SmitFraud programs are still lurking in your system registry, ready to launch their malicious programs the next time you boot your machine.
How Do I Remove SmitFraud?
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to erase SmitFraud malware. This family is one of the most virulent, copying itself hundreds of times and attaching bugs to your start-up and registry files. Because it is associated with the computer booting up, and attaches itself and its copies to your RAM, SmitFraud malware doesn’t show up in regular virus scans. Really the best way to rid yourself of SmitFraud is to avoid being infected with it in the first place.
If your computer has been infected, and you aren’t a fairly savvy user, it’s best to take it in to a professional so they can clean out the infected RAM and registry files. If you do know what you’re doing, you can boot your computer into Linux (a free operating system available online) or DOS. From there, you will be able to see the infected files and remove SmitFraud by hand.
What Does SmitFraud Look Like?
Smitfraud can cause system crashes, files to become inaccessible, damaged files and the aforementioned changes to background settings. It can also block access to websites and generate bogus warning messages that encourage you to download a particular (malicious) program to solve your computer crisis.
While many pop-ups and ads claim to identify and remove spyware from your computer, some of them do just the opposite. It’s a good idea to log onto forums and discussion boards to see if anyone has had trouble downloading software from a particular website before you do it.
Never click to download and install anything that pops up on your screen telling you they have identified spyware on your computer; reputable spyware companies don’t operate that way and have no access to your computer files.
Using common sense is a good start. However, to adequately protect yourself, your computer and your wallet from computer repair costs, invest in a good anti-spyware program. The minimal cost is more than worth the security you’ll gain.