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July 12, 2005
Better spyware tools
What with Microsoft Anti-Spyware suspiciously relaxing its definitions of what exactly is spyware, so the second-most common piece of irritating junk is no longer automatically zapped, among other things, we've been looking elsewhere for some possible replacements.
Trend Micro Anti-Spyware, based on the company's acquisition of InterMute's SpySubtract Pro, looks good. And Trend Micro has already picked up CW Shredder, which obliterates that *&-^# pest, CoolWeb Search.
And CounterSpy uses the same engine as Microsoft Anti-Spyware, but isn't quite so soft on spyware/adware. The company runs some useful spyware forums, and their research centre lists the top 10 spyware threats.
Posted by cw at July 12, 2005 11:57 AM
Comments
Pardon me the frivolous moment, but CW Shredder? You did see that one coming? LOL
Posted by: Ananda Sim at July 12, 2005 04:24 PM
I'm sure Andrew Bolt would love one of those.
Posted by: cw at July 12, 2005 04:38 PM
Trend Micro Anti-spyware only supports Windows 2000 and XP. CounterSpy covers Windows 98SE as well.
Posted by: RDee at July 12, 2005 04:44 PM
It's worth reflecting on the different types of nasties that cause computer problems. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware). The traditional virus/worm is obviously manageable by Anti Virus commercial outfits because they are authored with an intent to do damage. But Spyware/Adware (http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/) can be engineered to make money by legitimate companies who can and will take action against AV vendors for blocking such products. I think the initial leads in anti-spyware were by individuals not AV vendors. Now that AV vendors have legitimised that product category by buying out the individuals, the AV vendors have to figure out how and whether they can legally defend themselves decide to nullify these nasty programs, especially when SocialEngineeringWare dupes the end user into accepting the EULA (End User Licence Agreements).
Posted by: Ananda Sim at July 12, 2005 07:16 PM
Thanks to CW for the internet security tips. Perhaps, only coincidently after I paid for (previously trialed) CounterSpy I discoverd two spyware programs. Download Accelerator, which I uninstalled long time ago, apparently not well enough. The second program was: Adw.Zango.Muncher which was rated as elevated risk.
Significantly, neither spyware was detected by SpywareBlaster, Trend Micro, SpywareGuard, Ad-Aware, Spybot, or Kaspersky, ALL OF WHICH I UPDATE UPON CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET.
I also use the free version of Sygate firewall, which I am yet to check wether I can update.
Posted by: engelman at August 10, 2005 03:55 PM