FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
Read down this page to find ... (or click on these links:)
- More information on the top-rated programs...
- How did we arrive at our Ratings ?
- "Why are spyware problems worsening?" Because spyware can make big money for its creators or its users...
- What are some other types of Spyware threats?
- If your computer is too heavily infected now, what to do?
- Selected references
More information on the Top-Rated Spyware Removal Programs...
From Webroot, $29.95 for 1 year www.webroot.com
Highly recommended, especially in its current version. Was a solid performer in the past, but now considered best-of-category by at least one reviewer (PC Magazine, Feb 2005), and top-tier by others. Strong performance. Easy to use. Updates are automatic and easy.
Our suggestion: Make this one part of your computer security arsenal. When you are ready for a 2-program spyware combination plan, include this one. (Savings Tip: $39.95 available for discounted 2-year subscription)
From Sunbelt, $ 19.95 www.sunbelt-software.com
Strong contender in its most recent release. Top performer per one recent reviewer, in PC World (online version of their "April" 2005 article, accessed March, 2005): CounterSpy was rated 4.5 of 5 stars, with SpySweeper version 3.2 as close second. (Note current version of SpySweeper is 3.5).
Other recent comments include...
PC Magazine 2/2005 review: "Most improved". Predicted that it will be stronger contender soon.
Eric Howes (SpywareWarrior) has apparently done some consulting work for them, so recuses himself from commenting on them.
Available as: Ad-Aware SE (free). Ad-Aware SE Plus ($26.95; see Recent Reviews Comparison Table). Ad-Aware Professional ($39.95).
www.lavasoft.com
Widely used and recommended by many reviewers. We prefer the paid versions (SE Plus or Professional) because they include important features such as real-time monitoring protection. If you like the free version, consider upgrading. Watch for limited documentation so that you don't delete desireable files. Some authors have found them slower than top competitors at keeping up with rapidly evolving spyware types. Overall: Consider as part of a combination plan.
www.spybot.info
Widely used and recommended by a number of reviewers. Free; if you choose this one, we suggest making a donation (on the download site). As with Ad-Aware, some authors have found this one slower than top competitors at keeping up with rapidly evolving spyware threats. But does as well or better than most for some of the tougher spyware types. Limited documentation. Overall: Consider as part of a combination plan.
www.pestpatrol.com
Strong performance. Large list of spyware definitions. More effort needed to navigate through the site to get answers to your questions than some of the others here. More user knowledge helpful.
Savings Tip: Recent price reduction (now $29.95, was $39.95). But some of their site's links still take you (as of 2/27/2005) to a page with the higher price. If you click on links on this page to get there, and find the higher price, look for alternate links such as one labeled "AntiSpyware" to find the newer, lower price.
Click here for our "Recent Reviews Comparison Table"
Other notable anti-spyware solutions include...
Microsoft AntiSpyware (currently in beta version):
(www.microsoft.com)
Free in the current beta version. (Unknown whether the full version, to be released in the future, will require a paid subscription. Possible that the consumer version will be free, and the business version will be paid)
Powered by Giant software, which was bought by Microsoft late 2004; shows some changes made by Microsoft. Overall: Worth considering, for example as part of a combination of 2 or more programs.
Reviewers offered mixed feelings about the product, mostly favorable. As a rule, they liked its ability to detect and remove many spyware types. Giant software, on which it is based, was well-regarded. Some authors have noted concern that, because the product is now owned by Microsoft, it will increasingly be targeted by spyware creators. Some have commented on the irony of using a Microsoft product to remove spyware that got in via "holes" in other Microsoft products (for example, Internet Explorer). One or more reviewers found it "Microsoft-centric", including its tendency to alter some of the user's settings to those favoring its products. Expect a full version of this to be released sometime in 2005.
RECENT UPDATES (February 2005):
• A Trojan horse form of spyware uses Microsoft antispyware program as its target, compromising the user's bank transaction security.
• Gartner analyst criticism of Microsoft strategy: Recommends that they focus on preventing problems, rather than selling solutions to problems their software allowed.
• Warning: Spam (unsolicited email) offer of a free download for Microsoft antispyware actually infects the user's computer with trojan horse (form of spyware) program
Editors' note: We are not being alarmist about these security issues. But we want you to take a "buyer beware" approach. Don't rely on just one spyware removal program, because none are bulletproof. And, it's easy to acquire and use 2 (or more) programs. Use our "Quick Checklist"
Some experts also use and recommend these, for example as part of combination plans: (Note: more user knowledge recommended)
CWShredder
Specifically targets "CoolWebSearch", a nasty form of spyware. (Note: latest version of several top-rated programs, in our "Comparison Table," now detect and remove this pest.)
Hijack This
Not hard to scan with this. However, when spyware is found, removal of items found requires more user knowledge, or assistance from their website or forum.
How did we arrive at our Ratings ?
Factors used include these:
PERFORMANCE
CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
EASE OF USE FOR NON-EXPERTS
FREE FULL-FEATURED TRIAL
PRICE
Performance: Because your security is important to you, you might as well do it right. Specifics of testing criteria and results are outlined on the respective testers' sites. See our "Selected References" section for selected sources.
Configuration options: For example, can you arrange automatic spyware sweeps? Are the programs automatically updated?
Ease of use for non-experts: You may be an experienced computer user, but how knowledgeable are you about spyware removal? If a program is easy for you to use, you will likely use it more often and more effectively. How easy is it to find answers to questions about spyware items detected, and if it's safe to delete them?
Free full-featured trial: Free scans are widely available, but some vendors won't allow you to remove what the free scan found unless you pay for the privilege. We prefer a trial of the program which is full-featured, that is allows you to scan and remove as much as you want for a specified period of time (for example, 30 day trial).
Price was considered but not strongly emphasized, and here's why. The sign-up fee for paid programs currently available is quite inexpensive, typically less than $30 a year. Now compare that to the potentially nightmarish costs to you from just one significant spyware problem...costs in terms of time, money, and security. Many victims of spyware have lost days-weeks of time, and hundreds to thousands of dollars. You will find paid and free options on the list of recommended programs. If a free item works as well or better than a paid one, that's great.
So, which spyware removal program is right for you?
(Click here for our "Recent Reviews Comparison Table")
Select the options that fit your level of expertise in spyware, and the amount of time you want to devote to getting rid of spyware...
• If you want strong performance and results now, from programs that do the work for you, then sign up for SpySweeper or CounterSpy.
• If you have extra spyware expertise, or if you don't mind spending additional time getting advice from the vendors' websites or user forums (for example, to clarify if a "threat" picked up by the software is serious), then look at the other solid options in the
"Recent Reviews Comparison Table."
• If you are considering Microsoft Antispyware, see the comments above.
What's important is which programs will work for you, not for us or some expert reviewer. A program that is more difficult for non-expert users will cost them time, and likely leave them exposed to security problems caused by limited user knowledge. We consider your security and time to be criticial assets.
The top programs mentioned here are all "best of category" and all will still outperform most other programs not listed here.
Please keep in mind that these are opinions. You are welcome and encouraged to do your own research. Your results with a given program might be better or worse than what others have experienced.
No programs listed as "Rogue / Suspect" (see SpywareWarrior) are among those recommended by us.
(Reference: criteria adapted from SpywareWarrior.com)
"Why are spyware problems worsening?"
Because spyware can make big money for its creators or its users
So, many companies are now using spyware for their gain or investing in spyware-creating companies. Expect even more in the future.
One source in particular has greatly raised public awareness about this. See Ben Edelman's site when you have a chance to do so.
Reference: www.BenEdelman.org
What are some other types of Spyware threats?
TROJAN HORSES
KEY LOGGERS
If your computer is too heavily infected now, what to do?
First, be glad that you found out, even if it takes some effort to get things fixed. Several sites offer step-by-step instructions…They may tend to be technically oriented.
SpywareWarrior.com
Michaelhorowitz.com
If those resources help, be sure to thank the authors of the resource material.
If your time or familiarity with computers is limited, consider contacting a local computer service firm (or a family member or friend with expertise).
Selected References
Sources for Recent Reviews Comparison Table include:
SpywareWarrior.com: Accessed April 2005
cnet.com: Accessed April 2005; most available reviews were from March 2004
pcworld.com: March 1, 2005 online preview of "April 2005"
pcmag.com: Accessed April 2005, including Feb 2005 Reviews.
Some of the information presented here comes from publicly available sources, such as through detailed Internet searches and public libraries. Some of the information here is from computer-related books and print magazines, which you may purchase at local or online bookstores.
You are encouraged to research this topic yourself if you choose. Please use our recommendations as a starting point. We hope to save you time and to inform you of many of the pitfalls that are out there.
(Make sure to look over "Step 1 -- What You Need to Know About the Very Real Threats of Spyware", above on this page)
Here are some selected references for you to consider, if you would like more on the topic of spyware...
For extensive reference data on the topic of spyware .
Spyware Warrior (Eric Howes and colleagues):
www.SpywareWarrior.com
Spywarrior.com Forum (accessible through links at SpywareWarrior.com)
Another extensive reference, including legal and legislative issues related to spyware.
Ben Edelman's website: www.BenEdelman.org
National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)
www.Staysafeonline.info (not same as .com, which takes you to a MSN site, as of Feb 2005)
cnet
www.cnet.com
PC Magazine
www.pcmag.com
PC World
www.pcworld.com
Hijack This
CWShredder
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)