May 24, 2005
Dear User,
Do you have these concerns about your family or business computer security?
- if you or your family or business keep any valuable information on your computer,
- if you are looking for accurate information about spyware (or adware) and how to remove it,
- if you don't have lots of time and money to waste,
- if you're not an expert on the topic of spyware, but want to know what independent experts advise
then read further...Just follow the steps listed here and your computer can be free of spyware today, and have strong protections in place for the future.
Quick Suggestion -- Right now, print this page, and grab a cup of your favorite beverage. If you also leave this page open on your computer, then you can click on links of interest to you as you read.
Because spyware wrecked 3 of our own office computers, about 2 years ago, this site came about....
That situation made us mad. We didn't know much about spyware back then, and we were determined to find out how to protect against a problem like that in the future.
Like you might doing now, we sought out the highest-quality information available on spyware / adware topics, from highly-regarded computer security sources. Our search led us to a number of expert, independent reviews, some in print publications and some on the Internet.
The top-quality information is summarized for you here.
Like you probably have, we also found a lot of hype and bull. You will find tips for avoiding that in the "Common Pitfalls" section below.
Let's get started. You'll now see...
Step 1: What you need to know
now
Step
2: What steps to take today
Step 3: What you'll need to
know and do soon
Step 1 --- Get the facts...
12 CRITICAL TIPS YOU MUST KNOW NOW ABOUT THE VERY REAL THREATS OF SPYWARE
Read further and you will discover...
Why experts now say that spyware is your #1 computer security threat (more than viruses or phishing!)
"80% of home
computers [are] infected with spyware or adware.
-- 1 in 5 are
infected with viruses.
-- But, 77 % people think they are safe from online
threats.
-- 88% didn't know they were infected.
Yet
most keep sensitive personal and financial information on their
computers."
Technical experts conducted this study in the homes of 329 typical dial-up and broadband computer users
Reference: www.staysafeonline.info/news/NCSA-AOLIn-HomeStudyRelease.pdf
From a recent computer network
security poll.
-- Spyware is the top threat to computer networks in 2005 --
more than phishing or viruses (2/3 reported that )
-- More than half of their
users don't know what spyware is (73%).
Poll was of IT (information technology) managers and administrators (poll conducted by IT security firm WatchGuard)
Half of computer-related cases of identity fraud are due to
spyware.
-- In some cases, no cause was found.
-- Most cases of
identity theft are still offline sources, such as stolen credit cards, but
spyware / computer-related cases are growing steadily
Reference -- Washington Post
What is "spyware," and what is "adware," and how can they hurt you? (or your family or business security)
As we use the term, "spyware" is a broader term which includes "adware" and a number of other unwanted types of software. We use the terms "spyware removal software" and "anti-spyware software" to mean the same thing. Other sources you see may define things somewhat differently. Here are more specifics.
SPYWARE
"Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.
"Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers."
How can spyware hurt you?
"Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.
"Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to...
-- monitor keystrokes
-- scan files on the hard drive
--
snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors
-- install
other spyware programs
-- read cookies
-- change the default home page on
the Web browser
...consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party."
How does it get on your computer?
"Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware.
"Users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today."
"Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements may not always be read completely because the notice of a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers."
(reference: Webopedia.com)
Other ways too... including viewing popups, even if you didn't click on them, downloaded files, even via email.
RECENT UPDATE (Feb 2005): Do you read
blogs? Attention bloggers (and those who read them): Many users and
security experts have found that a growing number of blogs
contain spyware and adware, which get into the users' computer as they
are reading the blog.
ADWARE
"(1) A form of spyware that collects information about the user in order to display advertisements in the Web browser based on the information it collects from the user's browsing patterns. (2) Software that is given to the user with advertisements already embedded in the application."
(reference: Webopedia.com)
Click here for more on types of spyware / adware, including...
--- Trojan horses
--- Key loggers
What are the signs of possible spyware infection?
"Slowed computer performance...."
"Significantly slowed computer performance is the number one spyware-related complaint that computer manufacturer Dell receives, accounting for more than a quarter of all spyware-related complaints as of April 2004.
"Computer crashes...."
"Microsoft reported that 50% of its customers' computer crashes are traceable to spyware.
"No longer able to use mouses, and cursors freeze...."
"Loss of Internet access...."
Spyware can "change users' browser settings, which is often referred to as 'browser hijacking'....
"Change the web page displayed when the browser first opens, i.e., the home page, and frustrate efforts to replace that home page with the user's original home page.
"Spyware may
also insert links to its own websites into the user's
'Bookmarks' or 'Favorites' list. In some cases,
these links may lead to adult content websites....
"Spyware programs can redirect users' search requests to a website that the
spyware selects. The alternative website may display search results
consisting of advertising links or links to adult websites, and even masquerade
as the search engine users thought they were using.
"One spyware program, for instance, intercepts search queries sent to Google, a popular search engine, and then displays its own search results. The search results appear to be from Google but contain links to pornographic websites that would not have appeared with an actual Google search.
"Spyware can take control over
users' computers through the installation of programs known as 'dialers.' The dialer program disables the Internet access
phone number designated by a user, and substitutes an international phone
number.
"Instead of calling their Internet Service Provider ("ISP"), users' computers place calls to the international telephone number, resulting in large telephone bills - as much as $5,000 in some instances.
"McAfee reported that it had detected 4.2 million dialers on its subscribers' computers during the period from August 2003 through March 2004."
(Reference: From a recently released [March 5, 2005] FTC document)
How likely is it that your computer is infected? More than 8 out of 10 computers recently surveyed were.
More than 8 out of 10 computers have been infected with spyware, according to a recent large study.
The average PC had 28 pieces of spyware on it.
(reference: Webroot / Earthlink study, cited in securitypipeline.com news)
No, your anti-virus software and firewall do not protect you from most spyware threats.
You don't expect your front door lock to serve as a smoke-detector or the other way around. Your antivirus program and your firewall are designed to block other types of threats, and are important, but don't typically cut it for spyware. It's simply a matter of what they are designed to do. Several vendors of antivirus and firewall software are starting to incorporate some antispyware components, but none have done this well enough yet.
How to save lots of time and struggle, but still get your spyware removed in expert-recommended ways
Start by printing out and looking over the checklists and recommendations on this page. You'll find summarized for you what experts from a range of sources have advised.
We know you have other things to do. If you're like most computer users, you have limited time and money to spend on this topic. As with most complex topics, you could spend countless hours researching all of this yourself. Or, you can save time by simply starting here.
If you have more time and interest later, you are welcome and encouraged to research things on your own. See our "References" section as a starting point.
What are the top anti-spyware programs recommended by independent, expert reviewers?
Like you might do, we sought out for you the kind of information we would want for our own families and businesses. We searched extensively on the Internet and in print publications for expert, unbiased reviews.
Out of more than 135 programs available, a small number of readily-available anti-spyware programs were consistently recommended by expert reviewers.
SpySweeper
CounterSpy
Ad-Aware
Spybot S & D
Pest
Patrol
Giant (bought by Microsoft recently)
Take a look at the "Recent Reviews Comparison Table", near the top of this page, for more specifics on what independent, expert reviewers thought of these.
For more information on the top-rated programs, click here...
Why not get just any spyware removal software out there?
First, top-quality programs are available for low-cost or no-cost, as you've seen here.
Other reasons:
• Some products are ineffective or cheap knockoffs.
• Some "rogue" programs actually place more spyware on your computer.
See "SpywareWarrior" (check the "Selected References" section) for more information on Rogue / Suspect programs and Sites.
What are low-cost and no-cost options?
Good news here. You will have highly-effective spyware removal for low cost or no cost in terms of financial outlay (see our Comparison Table above) if you follow the recommendations on this site. The "paid" versions of the top-rated programs are very modest in cost, and some top-rated programs are free. (See our "Comparison Table" and the section on "Combination Plans.")
When considering "cost," keep in mind...
How much do you value your time and data? How well can you tolerate slowed or crashing computers, loss of data, or compromise of your data security?
Time and money lost because of spyware infections can be very costly. Also, consider time spent in using the programs, getting answers to questions when they arise, and others. So choose the right anti-spyware combination for you, that you feel will be most effective, fastest and easiest for you to use.
What is your level of expertise, and how willing are you to spend time troubleshooting or researching questions?
For example, when you find spyware, you'll ask yourself, "can I safely delete this piece of spyware I found?". If you find a program too awkward to use, then look for help from the vendor, from support forums, or consider switching to another anti-spyware program that you feel is more suited to your preferences.
Our recommendation: Get the combination of programs (2 or more) that you feel will be most effective, fastest and easiest for you to use. At least get one of these top-rated programs now, and get a second one as soon as possible.
Watch Out for these Common Pitfalls...
_____ Make sure you download the version that is compatible with your computer operating system
_____ Watch out for similar-sounding product names
_____ When
reading "reviews" on other sites, look for disclosures of relationships between those sites and
products being reviewed (see "About Us" for our disclosure)
_____ Don't think that one product alone "does it all"
_____ Remember
that many expert reviewers are experts -- what is easy for
them may not be easy for you
_____ Some fake "spyware removal" programs actually install
spyware on your computer (watch out for these "Rogue" programs)
_____ Some
"free spyware scans" will have "false-positive"
findings, that is they will "find" something that is not actually there
_____ Some
"free scans" may raise undue concern about the level of threat that they
find
_____ Just because a program is
heavily-marketed, and therefore "Popular," doesn't tell you
whether a program is good
"Why do so many experts recommend using 2 or more anti-spyware programs?"
Simple. Because no one program alone eliminates all of the important threats.
"We recommend that you install and use at least two anti-spyware programs because, unfortunately, no single anti-spyware program detects and removes 100 percent of the spyware and adware on the Net."
Eric Howes, SpywareWarrior.com (accessed April 2005)
You can keep it simple. Install 2 programs, and schedule them to run on different days of the week.
Be sure to have a combination of strong programs. No point in using a weak one since security issues are at stake, and strong ones are readily available.
Combination plans: your best results will come from combining 2 or more anti-spyware programs, such as these...
| Spy Sweeper + CounterSpy |
OR
| Spy Sweeper + Spybot S&D |
OR
Do you have more advanced knowledge? Or lots of extra time to devote to seeking advice or troubleshooting? If so, then consider these "Advanced User / Expert Combination Plans"...
Click here for more details on "Advanced User / Expert Combination Plans"
Step 2 ----
WHAT ACTIONS TO
TAKE NOW
Sun Tzu - "Do that
which is most difficult when it is easy"
What do you do if you have only a few minutes to get started now?
--- Recognize that spyware poses a threat to your computer security.
--- Get started, even if you have time only for the first step or two, using the "Quick Checklist" here.
"TO DO NOW: Quick Checklist:"
How to remove spyware quickly, easily, and economically, today
Estimated time (most users): less than 14 minutes of your time (not counting scanning time, during which you should do something else).... Do these now:
1 _____ Look at our "Recent Reviews Comparison Table" above. Choose a program that you feel fits you best
2 _____ Click on the links in the right-hand column of the table, and download your chosen program. (See our "About Us" section if you have questions about links on our site)
3 _____ Install your program as per the vendor's instructions. When choosing your set-up options, consider setting up automatically scheduled scans and automated updates, when available.
4 _____ For your combination plan, get your 2nd choice program. Simply go back and repeat steps 1-3 for your 2nd (or 3rd) spyware removal program. If you're pressed for time, schedule doing this step tomorrow. (Why do experts recommend 2 programs? See above...)
5 _____ Run a spyware scan using your 1st choice program. Because the scan may take a while , while it's running, do something else that doesn't require the computer you're scanning.
6 _____ When the scanning is complete, see what spyware has turned up, and assess whether the items found are undesireable or dangerous.
In most cases, you'll find something you didn't know about or want on your computer. In some cases, more than a hundred unwanted pieces of spyware are found. When spyware (or possible spyware) is found, then get additional info as needed on whether it's desireable to remove what's been found. For example, some of the programs (e.g. SpySweeper) provide one-click immediate access to a summary of info on what was found. In others, you may need to look in the vendor's website or "online support forum" for answers.
7 _____ Remove what you don't want. Usually done with a few simple point-and-clicks, following the onscreen instructions in your spyware removal program.
8 _____ Today or tomorrow, run your 2nd choice program. Do not actively scan for spyware with two spyware removal programs at the same time.
If you already have anti-spyware software now...
("To Do Now: Quick Checklist" continued)
_____ Compare yours to the list of programs in the Comparison Table above. If you don't have one of these top-rated programs, look for a discussion of your program on SpywareWarrior.com to see how your program compared.
_____ Look at the "Expert-tested Combination Plans" section on this page
_____ Get a second program (or 3rd one if you choose), if you don't already have one in place
_____ Schedule future scans (automated or put onto your calendar)
_____ Schedule getting updates for your spyware removal programs (automated or put onto your calendar)
Step 3 ---
WHAT YOU NEED TO
KNOW AND DO SOON...
1 _____ Look over "Step 1 -- What You Must Know About the Very Real Threats of Spyware"
2 _____ Look over "Step 2 -- What Actions to Take Now." Follow your "Quick Checklist" there.
3 _____ For a few moments, consider where you are now in terms of your overall computer security. Are all of the computers, at home and at work, adequately protected against spyware?
4 _____ Do you follow these computer safety practices? Use the "Top Ten Cyber Security Tips" just below as a guide
5 _____ Schedule time to regularly review and update your computer security plan.
How to prevent future spyware infections
_____ Most important: Prevention. Avoid sites and practices that expose you to spyware.
See "Ten Cyber Security Tips" below_____ Set your spyware removal software to schedule future scans (for example, weekly).
_____ Set your spyware removal software to automatically acquire updates of your software (usually available for free)
If you would like additional spyware blocking security, several resources are listed on Spywarewarrior.com
How well-protected are you in these other main areas of computer security?
Here is an overview of some other areas of computer security of which you should be aware:
"Top Ten Cyber Security Tips"
(Reference: From the NCSA: staysafeonline.info)
1 _____ Use "anti-virus software" and keep it up to date.
2 _____ Don't open emails or attachments from unknown sources. Be suspicious of any unexpected email attachments even if it appears to be from someone you know.
3 _____ Protect your computer from Internet intruders - use "firewalls."
4 _____ Regularly download security updates and "patches" for operating systems and other software.
5 _____ Use hard-to-guess passwords. Mix upper case, lower case, numbers, or other characters not easy to find in a dictionary, and make sure they are at least eight characters long.
Click here for the rest of the "Top Ten Cyber Security Tips,"
...and more clarification on each
TOP-RATED RESOURCES
Click here for the "Recent Expert Reviews" comparison table
Spyware Removal Software
(Anti-Spyware Software):
If you find our information helpful, then please...
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for more info on our links policies)
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for our Special Reports or other items you find of interest
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(or associates)
--- Give us your feedback,
including suggestions, or positive or negative comments
Even if you decide not to support our site...we hope that you will inform yourself well and proactively guard yourself and others against computer security threats, which are growing steadily. Do that for the sake of security for your family, yourself, your friends and business associates.
Fair enough?
If we recommend products or services, you can rest assured that we believe that they are top-of-category, taking into account our own experience with them, as well as outside opinions when applicable. Those outside sources include independent, expert reviews. The recommendations are opinions, no more, no less. You may find that a different product or service works best for you, so let us know whether your findings are similar to or different from ours.
We do not base our recommendations on any incentives from others (compensation-related or other). See the "About Us" section for more information about policies on links and sponsors.
We value your privacy...
If you choose to share with us your personal information, you can be assured we will safeguard it, just as we would want others to protect our information. We hate spam just like you do. See the "About Us" and "Privacy Policy" sections of this site for further details.
SITE CONTENTS: Click links below for...
Recent Reviews Comparison Table 12 Critical Tips You Must Know Now (Step 1), including: -- Why is spyware your #1 computer threat? -- What are spyware & adware? -- Signs of spyware infection -- What are the top anti-spyware programs, rated by independent expert reviewers? -- Watch for these "Common Pitfalls"... -- Why do experts recommend using 2 or more programs? What steps you need to take TODAY (Step 2), including: -- "To Do Now--Quick Checklist"
What you need to KNOW AND DO SOON (Step 3)
Top-Rated Resources: Click Here...
More Top Spyware Questions (FAQ's): -- More info on best programs -- More on "Our Ratings" -- More Types of Spyware -- Why is spyware worsening? (Big Money) -- If you're badly infected -- Selected References Advanced / Expert Considerations: -- Advanced / Expert Combinations -- Suggested Features in Spyware Removers -- Recent Top Threats -- Experts: Optimizing these? -- Recent Developments |
"No consumer would walk down the street waving a stack of cash or leave their wallet sitting in a public place, but far too many are doing the exact same thing online. Without basic protections like anti-virus, spyware protection and a firewall, consumers are leaving their personal and financial information at risk."
Tatiana Gau, AOL's Chief Trust Officer and Senior Vice President for Integrity Assurance. (Cited in NCSA / AOL Inhome study, released 10-2004)
SITE CONTENTS: Click links below for...
Recent Reviews Comparison Table 12 Critical Tips You Must Know Now (Step 1), including: -- Why is spyware your #1 computer threat? -- What are spyware & adware? -- Signs of spyware infection -- What are the top anti-spyware programs, rated by independent expert reviewers? -- Watch for these "Common Pitfalls"... -- Why do experts recommend using 2 or more programs? What steps you need to take TODAY (Step 2), including: -- "To Do Now--Quick Checklist"
What you need to KNOW AND DO SOON (Step 3)
Top-Rated Resources: Click Here...
More Top Spyware Questions (FAQ's): -- More info on best programs -- More on "Our Ratings" -- More Types of Spyware -- Why is spyware worsening? (Big Money) -- If you're badly infected -- Selected References Advanced / Expert Considerations: -- Advanced / Expert Combinations -- Suggested Features in Spyware Removers -- Recent Top Threats -- Experts: Optimizing these? -- Recent Developments |
SITE CONTENTS: Click links below for...
Recent Reviews Comparison Table 12 Critical Tips You Must Know Now (Step 1), including: -- Why is spyware your #1 computer threat? -- What are spyware & adware? -- Signs of spyware infection -- What are the top anti-spyware programs, rated by independent expert reviewers? -- Watch for these "Common Pitfalls"... -- Why do experts recommend using 2 or more programs? What steps you need to take TODAY (Step 2), including: -- "To Do Now--Quick Checklist"
What you need to KNOW AND DO SOON (Step 3)
Top-Rated Resources: Click Here...
More Top Spyware Questions (FAQ's): -- More info on best programs -- More on "Our Ratings" -- More Types of Spyware -- Why is spyware worsening? (Big Money) -- If you're badly infected -- Selected References Advanced / Expert Considerations: -- Advanced / Expert Combinations -- Suggested Features in Spyware Removers -- Recent Top Threats -- Experts: Optimizing these? -- Recent Developments |