Recent survey shows that spyware is also sneaking into the network of corporate computers.

Spyware is often coupled with free downloads, such as free music, game and software downloads. Spyware may slow down computer, hijack homepage and create uncontrolled pop-up advertisements. Some spyware programs can remain unnoticed, secretly gathering information from the computer. Once installed, spyware is difficult to remove without the help of dedicated antispyware software.

Due to the rise of spyware activity, antispyware software are in great demand these days. But are these spyware removal tools the same? Do they provide the security consumers need?

There are many reports that some antispyware programs installed their own spyware and adware to the computer. One consumer was quoted saying: "It's a rip-off. I downloaded the free trial of an antispyware program, only to find out that it added its own adware to my computer." Other consumers have complained that the antispyware program they use cannot detect all spyware programs. Some even slow down the computer and create pop-up advertisements.

There are a few good antispyware programs in the market today. On the other hand, dozens of spyware removal programs are blacklisted by consumers. Beware of spyware removal tools that are heavily promoted by e-mail campaigns. Never run any free downloads and free scans from unknown software publishers. Their programs may as well be spyware programs themselves.

Read independent product reviews from renowned computer magazines or reputable sources. Spending some extra time in research can save you a lot of hassles in the long run.
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Apart from scanning and removing spyware, it also systematically protects your PC from any other malicious software that causes security leaks.

SpySweeper is another of those programs which offers a free download and effectively blocks future spyware installation in your system in addition to removing existing ones. It uses 16 Smart Shields and detection tools which protect your system from even the most recent spyware.

HijackThis is very advanced spyware removal software. Though a recent development comparatively, it already has 1.5 million downloads and all of it free. This software rectifies an error commonly found in many others. Software such as Ad Aware and others do not give comprehensive information about the stuff that they scan, which leaves the user in confusion as to which programs should be retained on the system.

HijackThis comes up with a complete report on all kinds of browser buttons and add-ons and pointing to the damaging stuff directly.

To ensure that your anti-spyware functions smoothly, check for updates regularly and install newer versions of the software. This will help you keep even the most recent and most tricky spyware at bay..

It is also very tempting to take advantage of huge demand for security solutions without much effort. The recent story with a placebo product Spyware Assassin proves it. What a simple but efficient (and disgusting) scheme--offer users a free system scan, which is bound to find spyware (even if there isn't any--because no scan actually takes place), then sell them a "solution" to this problem for only $30. This product (Spyware Assassin) seems to be about as fake as spyware found on a "clean" PC. As a result, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently took action against MaxTheater--the company which distributed Spyware Assassin.

The site used for selling this bogus anti-spyware software has been taken down. Users who were literally forced to buy Spy Wiper or Spy Deleter, or those who remember the notorious litigation in fall 2004, can say a lot of things about authors and sellers of such programs--if written down, their remarks can make paper blush. In short, Seismic Entertainment Productions, Inc., another vendor prosecuted by FTC, applied even more impudent tactics than MaxTheater. Computers were infected with real spyware and adware to be later "cured" with Spy Wiper or Spy Deleter. The spyware changed the consumers' home pages, changed their search engines, and generated constant flow of pop-up ads.

We all have been told not to be too credulous; still lots of us fall for the advertising bait. You must have already heard or read tips like these, but maybe they are worth reading once more:Tip 1If a company is unscrupulous in choosing means of advertising: tone of its ads is aggressive, they are scaring a potential customer and demanding immediate action (scan and system, install/buy/download some program NOW or something nasty will happen), if a company is using pop-ups and especially spam to distribute its "message"-- you'd better stay clear Tip 2If a company is very young and yet claims to offer something really wide-range and universal, or better to say, panacea-like, solution, with 100% guarantee--it's most likely a lie. No product is capable of protecting your PC against all the malware. Only irresponsible vendors give such false promises, and only naive users believe them.Tip 3However name the product bear, the name is not the product itself. Cool names don't describe functions, quality, or reliability of the program, though imply them (usually it's not true).

Words "perfect" or "advanced" in the product's name may sound good, but don't at all mean this product works well or is better compared with others.The conclusions are rather simple. Don't believe everything ads say. Do spend time on background checks before downloading, and you won't have to waste plenty of time, money and nerves afterwards..

In other cases adverts were imbedded directly into the download only being removed when the software was registered. Many well known software companies, including Netscape distributed ad supported versions, which allowed users to use the software for free. Developers were compensated either by install or the number of ads served. Advertisers welcomed new revenue streams to reach potential customers. Adware or advertising-supported software is any software application in which advertisements are displayed while the program is running.

These applications include additional code that displays the ads in pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. Adware helps recover program development costs, and helps to hold down the price of making the application for the user, often making it free of charge. As a result of the AdWare revenue programmers were motivated to write maintain, and upgrade valuable ad-enabled software. Adware was a great consumer trade off, so were did it all go wrong? Unbeknownst to the developers a handful of ad serving companies were logging and profiling the surfing habits of those who had downloaded the ad-enabled software. After downloading free software, the new adware companies delivered pop-up and pop-under ads based on the consumers surfing interests.

Adware has been criticized for including code that tracks a user's surfing habits, email address and personal information, which are passed to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This was the downfall of the ad serving technology and ad-enabled software.In many cases consumers rightfully believe they have been and are being spied on, which prompted an outcry from privacy advocates. Adware is not a virus and may not be detected by anti-virus scanning programs. It does not spread the same way as most viruses spread. Many users do not know they are downloading a free program along with adware onto their computer.

The lack of disclosure tarnished reputations of many well known, but misfortunate developers and software companies. The collapse of a number of venture backed ad-serving companies including Aureate and Conducent.Fast forward to today. Few applications are now ad enabled. Those that are generally follow strict disclosure guidelines. Some developers opt to insert static (not changing) ads for other applications in their product line, into free versions, but these ads do not change and there is no record of what ads are clicked.

Freeware can therefore be used free of charge and there is no evaluation time period as with shareware. Freeware is also often a basic or stripped down version of the shareware version. Developers make money off ads or those who want to upgrade from the free version. There are also developers who provide freeware out of principle, occasionally asking for a donation. The majority of freeware that employs the use of imbedded advertisements are provided in the true spirit of adware without the intent to track users, but just to be safe consumers should read the fine print.Copyright 2004 Sharon Housley.

Please click here to update and
verify your information"

They're trying to get information from you such as credit
card details, bank account information, Social Security
number, passwords, or other sensitive information.

Once they get your personal details, they go for the short
term gains by raiding your bank account and "maxing out"
your credit cards. They can also take out loans in your
name. You probably won't know about it until the loan
company's start chasing the overdue payments.

Legitimate companies will not ask for personal information
by email. Don't let the style of the email mislead you,
it's very easy to copy bank headers. Don't use any links
from these emails as they can make links look as if
they're going to one place, but they're being redirected
to another.

If you get an email with an attachment and you don't
recognise the sender, don't open it, delete it.
Attachments to emails can transfer a virus; it's often
launched when you open the attachment (usually by double-
clicking the attachment icon).

Malware - software designed to infiltrate or damage
computer systems. Malware commonly includes computer
viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and adware.

Viruses - a computer virus behaves in a similar way to a
biological virus, which spreads by inserting itself into
living cells. The negative effect of computer viruses
includes uncontrolled self-reproduction, which can
overwhelm your computer. They can erase files and corrupt
the operating system.

They can arrive on a floppy disk,
from a download, or an attachment to an e-mail.

Worms: a self-replicating computer program similar to a
computer virus. A worms self-contained and doesn't need
another program to propagate itself. Worms tend to harm
the network and consume bandwidth, whereas viruses infect
or corrupt files on a targeted computer.

Trojan horses: Trojan horse programs can't operate on their
own like viruses or worms.

A Trojan horse, technically a
normal computer program, does not possess the means to
spread itself. They will probably be part of a free game or
program.

In the background it might modify or delete files, change
the configuration of the computer, or even use the
computer as a base from which to attack other computers.

Spyware ? it's software that gathers information on how you use
your computer, and then transmits the data to another
source. It can also transmit the usernames and passwords
you've typed in online.

Adware - it's software that displays advertising on your
computer. Spyware and adware are often part of the same
program.

But when the software starts silently spying on
you, it stops being harmless.

Hackers / criminals can run software on your computer,
place malicious code on your hard drive, and even copy
exactly what you're typing.

What You Can Do About It - It's Easy and Essential

First a few explanations

A Firewall examines the traffic/data coming into and going
out of a computer, and then either allows or denies this
traffic. If there's no firewall, a personal computer runs
the risk of being hi-jacked within minutes of going on the
internet. It becomes an open door through which anyone or
anything can enter.

Anti-virus - a virus can erase files and corrupt the
operating system.

Latest windows updates - especially those relating to
Security

Stop Spyware - malicious spyware programs that install
themselves without your permission and then sends data
silently to another source without you knowing.

Stop Unwanted email - a program that sorts out the spam,
not essential for everyone, but you will know when sorting
the email takes up too much of your time.

Regular backups are absolutely essential, because
sometime in the future you will meet a problem. With a
backup you can smile, if there's no backup you're in real
trouble.

Resources - that cover security issues mentioned in this
article:

Online Security: http://www.firewallguide.com/index.html

Windows free updates:
http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate

Anti Spam - Anti Phishing: http://www.cloudmark.com

Free Spam Blocker: http://www.mailwasher.net

Start with resource number one "Online Security" you will
learn more about the things you need to know, and there's
also quality free software available.

It's not very exciting checking your security, but it's
better than the emotional stress, or financial loss.

Think about it - seriously!

**Ezine editors / Site Owners**
You are welcome to reprint this providing there are no
alterations to the article, links, or authors resource box

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It's time to call your tech-support. Sounds familiar? You are not alone! Each day, thousands of users are facing similar problems caused by malicious software called Spyware. According to Dell technical support, nowadays 12 percent of their support calls involve problems related to some kinds of Spyware. Microsoft reports that fifty percent of all computer crushes are caused by Spyware, viruses and Trojans. What is a Spyware? Spyware ? also named Malware or Adware ? are malicious software programs, which most of the time get installed on your computer without your knowledge.

These programs are capable of doing many outrageous, sinister things to your computer such as changing computer settings, tracking your online behavior, monitoring and controlling your computer, recording your keystrokes, displaying unwanted advertisement and reporting needed information back to the person behind it. The main types of Spyware are: Key loggers: This type of Spyware copies everything you type to a file and send it to the hacker. The more sophisticated type, which is used for identity theft, copies the information you provide when you are connected to a secure website. Browser hijacker: It modifies browser settings without your permission. This Spyware is capable of changing your start page, search page, search tool bar and redirect your url to specific pages.

Email redirector: Surreptitiously copies all your incoming and outgoing emails and sends to the hacker. Dialers: This spyware install themselves to your dial-up settings and dials numbers without your knowledge, often to out of country numbers. Collectware: The purpose of this Spyware is to track your surfing habit and transmitting the statistical data to the hacker. This information later gets sold to advertisement companies. Adware: This Spyware downloads all sorts of banner advertisements every time you take some action such as typing a word on your search tool.

Why my antivirus program does not block a Spyware? Although, Spyware uses same tactics like "Trojan" virus, technically it is not a virus. A virus is a program written to create trouble or possibly harm your computer system. Viruses are capable of replicate, evolve and cause severe damages to your computer files, registry or even hardware. Spyware, on the other hand, does not harm your computer intentionally. Any nuisance like system slow down is the collateral damage, which occurs while the Spyware serves its mission of monitoring your activities and making unwanted changes to your user experience.

People rarely read the fine prints of the user agreements while downloading a file, a program, a game or other free stuffs from the Internet. Unethical sites use this to their advantage and add tiny Spyware with the file you are downloading. The anti-virus programs can not be sure, whether this program is installed deliberately by you or it's a malicious Spyware. This makes identifying and blocking a Spyware difficult for an Anti-virus program. However, things are started to change! Major anti-virus companies are planning to integrate anti-spyware programs to their existing products very soon.

How did I get infected with a Spyware? There are numerous ways how you might end up with having a Spyware on your system.

• When you download and install programs, games, smilies, pictures, screensavers from dubious sites, there is a big chance that you might install a sneaky Spyware along the way.
• Some websites and pop-up windows try to download and install Spyware while you are there. According a recent analysis of sex-based websites, up to 80 percent of these sites are now being used to upload Spyware, worms and Trojans to unsuspecting visitors.
• Some add-ons to you browser that is supposed to enhance your browser experience may secretively install Spyware.

• The most cynical method of infecting you with Spyware is when you receive a sudden pop-up ad, which claims that your computer is contaminated and you have to run certain program to cure your system. If you are credulous enough to run this program, it just installs a Spyware instead of eliminating any.

If you still feel like getting a shareware or freeware program check it out on one of these online Spyware database. Spychecker (http://www.spychecker.com/) is one such service, and Camtech 2000's Spy Chaser (http://camtech2000.net/Pages/SpyChaser.html) is a nifty downloadable database of nearly 1000 spyware-infested programs.Use an Anti-Spyware applicationDownload and install one of the following anti-spyware programs: Ad-aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/), Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html) and Microsoft AntiSpyware. Although, Microsoft's Anti-Spyware (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx) is still at beta stage, I am using it and very happy with its performance.Get a FirewallIf you are using Windows XP with Service Pack 2, you are probably fine! In other cases, if your computer is connected to the Internet directly you should get a firewall and install it. Zone alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp) is a great firewall you can download for free.A recently conducted survey of the Top Network Security threats in 2005 reveals that two-thirds of IT managers and administrators believe that Spyware will be the number one threat to network security. So don't take any chance! Make sure that you are protected!.

Tel: 310.826.1781. Fax: 310.826.1635. The eBlocs management team consists of industry leaders in email security, consumer privacy, and Internet network services focused on creating the most advanced security and privacy applications. eBlocs goal is to create applications for consumers and businesses that protect against viruses, hackers, spam, spyware, adware, cyber-crime, phishing, and other Internet intrusions.Contact: Deann McGuire.

"We have to stop them. They give the Internet and Internet business a bad name!"Cody hopes to bring together the hundreds of thousands of people injured by these schemes and, by making the companies pay for their harms, thereby stopping unsolicited hijacking and privacy invasions. Contact Information:Cody Windsong844-477-6816e-mail protected from spam botsOnemanbandwidth.

Make sure you use a pop-up blocker for your internet browsing engine.

Spyware Doctor is a powerful anti-spyware tool that can be downloaded for free into your system. It prevents any malicious and dangerous software from installing themselves on to the computer. This tool enhances your PC protection three fold by advanced scanning, blocking real-time threats and making your system immune to many known spyware. Some of its key features include the Spyware and Adware Scanner, Pop-up Blocker, Malware Immunizer and the Browser and Spyware Cookie Guard.

Trend Micro Anti Spyware is a free online tool that checks and treats any spyware infections on your computer. To use this tool, the computer will need an installation of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher.

TZ Adware Spyware Removal Tool will perform entire system scans to protect your user information on the internet.

It recognizes almost all kinds of spyware known to experts today and cleans your registry, memory and hard disks. And all it takes is a click on the mouse. It also has a Startup Manager and features multi-language support. You can also create a back up of removed items and restore valuable information, in case they have been removed. This is effective against Trojans, Adware, Trackware, hijackers, dialers and viruses..

So called ??Browser Helper Objects'' install themselves as part of the Internet Explorer web browser and change the way it works. The changes can be as simple as switching to a different home page or as complex as redirecting web searches to the spy-ware vendor's search system rather than the user's desired system, or adding new ??click here'' buttons that lead to sponsors' advertisements. In some cases, the adware rewrites the web pages displayed by the browser, substituting ads from adware vendor for the ads originally on the page. 2.Key-logger- Key loggers record every key pressed by the computer's user and send the stream of keystrokes back to the spy-ware's author. More generally, ??Activity Monitors'' can log and report on any type of users' computer usage, such as e-mail sent and received, web pages visited, and instant messages exchanged.

The data can be used for anything from consumer preference statistics to identity theft. This becomes all the more hazardous when the key loggers try to capture the bank details like account number, important account keys, other personal information that can be used for financial thefts or blackmailing. 3.Trojan Horses- Trojan Horses allow the spy-ware author or vendor to remotely control the consumer's computer for the author's purposes. At the point, the most common purpose is probably to send spam. Although these are the most common current varieties of spy-ware, variations on these themes and new and different spy-ware programs are released frequently.Statistics reveal, ?90% of all broadband users have spy-ware installed on their computers, ?Hackers stole 55,000 credit card nos.

from www.creditcards.com in the year 2000 alone, ?3,00,000 credit card nos. were stolen from CDUniverse.com,"Owing to the nuisance caused by the spy-ware developers many of the netizens spend sleepless nights. Although the banks have provided the facility of online banking yet people are skeptical of operating their accounts on the Internet. These facts have drawn our attention towards securing our users from not just the havocs of virus / worm attacks but also the mal intentions of people trying to intrigue the privacy of Internet Users", says Govind Rammurthy, CEO & M.D., MicroWorld. "Being in the Internet Security industry we have always tried to proactively secure our users from the third generation's Internet threats and making eScan capable of fighting such new threats is another step in the same direction", he further says.

In a nutshell eScan now offers the following important and much required facilities to its users:?Real time protection against spy-ware, ?Real time protection against viruses and worms, ?Parental control, ?Productivity control, ?Privacy Control, ?Management Console for networked system.Along with being compatible with other versions of Windows, eScan is compatible with the latest Windows XP, SP2 as well. The latest version of eScan is available for free trial from MicroWorld's web site www.mwti.netAbout MicroWorld Technologies Inc. Headquartered in Michigan, USA, and with its development centre in India, MicroWorld is the publisher of world's first real time anti-virus and content security software eScan and MailScan, for desktops, file servers, citrix servers, proxy servers and Mail Servers. Working on revolutionary MicroWorld Winsock Layer technology, MWTI's time tested and reliable products have been bestowed with certificates and awards by some of the most prestigious testing bodies like Virus Bulletin, Checkmark, TUCOWS, and Advanced CheckVir etc.More information about the company is available at http://www.mwti.net..