List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products

seaeagle

Since a lot of topics in this forum deal with the thorny issue of spyware, I thought I might advise of a reliable site that has been running for a number of years which lists anti-spyware applications that don't or are suspected of not doing their jobs. Some of them actually install spyware themselves!! I recommend anyone who is considering installing a new anti-spyware program visit it first just to make sure the software they are about to install won't harm their system. There is also a list of "trustworthy products" on the same page.

Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

Quote:

"Rogue/Suspect" means that these products are of unknown, questionable, or dubious value as anti-spyware protection.

Some of the products listed on this page simply do not provide proven, reliable anti-spyware protection or may be prone to ridiculous false positives. Others may use unfair, deceptive, high pressure sales tactics to scare up sales from gullible, confused users. A very few of these products are either associated with known distributors of spyware/adware or have been known to install spyware/adware themselves. Not all products exhibit the same problems, however. Please see this "note to readers" for more information.

Users are advised to rely on the short list of Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products with deserved reputations for quality performance.

38Special

I agree with Sea-Eagle 'cause I've spent 10 days or so, re-installing the software back in the PC's of idiots who thought they knew better than I did and ran trial software - anti-spyware software - which then damaged their systems by telling them that the MS Client software - csrss.exe - was a Trojan but as it controls the Internet - it should never have been removed.

The people who's PC got damaged said they did it to save them money - I'd always said not to run software they didn't know but they thought they knew better me. Proved them wrong and cost them 3x as much as a normal check would have cost.

Serves 'em right for not listening and now they know that as their support tech, I do know better than them

User: inactive Posts:

Yup, it's a never ending battle for tech's and software guru's alike.

I'm forever taking crapware off of my customers PC's, even after I've given them the best FREE protection package I can put together and then told them to add NOTHING to it.

It's incredible, how they will pay me for my expertise and then turn around and do exactly what I tell them NOT to do.

So far, I've been pretty lucky (or just plain good) at getting the crapolaware off of their PC's without having to reformat.

When I'm gone, I'm afraid there's going to be a lot of reformatting going on around this county. Crying or Very sad

NEVER pay for computer security software, when you can get the best for FREE.

Cheers Maties!
Shadow Wink

Edit: Sunday Sept 24, 10:24AM EDT

One nasty little program that's not on the list and probably should be is,
"Stop Sign".
I saw that advertised on TV, of all things, one night and downloaded it and installed it.
The next thing you know, all my security programs were going off like a string of firecrackers. I couldn't get that POC off of my computer fast enough.

User: inactive Posts:

Well, before this thread goes stale,,,,,
Lets expand it a little.

Manufacturers like HP and Compaq, Gateway and Dell, are putting programs on their new PC's that are either crapola or just plain Spyware and the unsuspecting buyers have absolutely NO idea of what they are getting.

So lets start a list here.
I'll start the list with:
Norton System Works
Wild Tangent
Backweb

Shadow Cool

Rons · Joined: Dec 07, 2002 Posts: 5667

Toss in AOL Evil or Very Mad

pcrattail · Joined: Jun 11, 2004 Posts: 406

Got a "hick-up" on ONE.
......... Wild Tangent ..........

There is a "bad" version ...... and a "not so" bad version.

The bad version ......... is total crap has NO basis on anything
and Is TOTAL crapware.

The other ....... is used to "talk" to certain PC Cameras and
assorted other devices. In my PC Dealings, I have come across
both.

When the "first" type is removed........ nothing BAD happens.
When the "second" type is removed........ the device becomes
unable to "talk" to the PC.

THEY may be the "same" but it is like a gun..........
In the hands of an honest cop.... it can save lives,
In the hands of a crook.........
..
.

pasquanel · Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 506 Location: Maine

Has anyone taken the time to check out this free software?
http://www.comodogroup.com/
I posted it in the software post but no reply I have been running it for a couple of months now whit no problems whatsoever. I also run the paid versions of AVG, Ewido, and TrojanHunter, and the free versions of AdAware, Spybot S&D and a few others.

I would be interested in your opinion.

User: inactive Posts:

Well, if you've tried it and you like it and it's not caused you any problems, yet, then what anyone else thinks of it don't mean Squat.
But, just one question......"What's it doing for you?"

Paying for AVG is really 'OverKill'. If you want to help support them, just send money. Wink

During my first year with AVG I DID buy the full retail version. While at the same time I installed the FREE version for all my friends and customers.

I saw nothing in the paid version that I needed that was NOT in the FREE version. So when my subscription ran out....I deInstalled the paid version and installed the free version for myself and have been using it ever since.

If you're not sending money to AdAware or Spybot, why send money to AVG?
Curious minds want to know. Confused

Wild Tangent installed by some 'puter Mfgr, or another, is not installed to support a certain camera, etc. It's spyware....pure and simple. Get rid of it!!!!!!

Cheers!
Shadow Cool

pasquanel · Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 506 Location: Maine

Yes I did try it and yes so far it seems to be working fine. What's it done for me? Well it's has questioned moves I might have made too quickly and made me go back and look at what I was agreeing to. Why pay for AVG Well the simple fact is that after using several other AV programs AVG works the best for me and when someone does me right I feel somewhat obligated to return the favor. I have run both Norton and McAffe and both let me down.

You and others here seem to have strong opinions on software and other issues and I simply was asking for your advice. I make no claim to being an expert or a tech or even well informed it was asked as a question to those that seem to be in the know.

I did not say I would not support AdAware or Spybot and if I continue to use their services I most certainly will. There is simply a huge amount of software choices and I have not always made the right choice so I asked the question. I was not asking for a sarcastic or pompous reply simply your opinion. If somehow this is offensive to you I apologize!

User: inactive Posts:

NO NO NO....you misunderstood me (seems that happens a lot over remote and impersonal forums)

What I was really getting at, is that you've already said that you have what I consider the World's best security package,
so, why are you wanting to install something more,,, something that's not even recommended by anyone here on the forum. That's all.
I apologize.....I didn't mean that as any sort of "put down".

As for AVG.....it's given to home users for FREE. With no urging to send them any money at all. The free version gives the same protection as the paid version. Just minus a few bells and whistles.
There's absolutely NO reason to feel guilty about using something that's given to you for FREE. I sure don't! Wink

If you feel like you're Light on security, you could add programs that ARE recommended here like, 'Windows Defender' and 'Trojan Hunter'. They are both excellent and don't fight with other pieces of software or constantly bug you.

For example....WE (most of us tech's anyway) don't suggest using Spybot's Tea Timer, just because it's invasive and drives people nuts with all its popup's.

I want to be safe, but I also want to run my computer without any program constantly bugging me. That's just a personal thing. To each his/her own.

Again, I apologize if you saw my post as any kind of "put down". It sure wasn't meant that way.

Be Safe, Be Happy!

Shadow Cool

User: inactive Posts:

oldgoat · Joined: Dec 21, 2004 Posts: 118

Has anyone ever heard of this one? www.spylocked.com
A popup is displayed in the system tray and pops up at random intervals with the message:
"System alert!
System has detected a number of active spyware applications
that may impact the performance of your computer. Click the
icon to get rid of unwanted spyware by downloading an up-to-date antispyware solution.
Then it takes you to the website above.
It doesn't show in add remove programs, msconfig start up tab, and running AdAware SE Personal and AVG Antispy didn't find or remove it.
Any suggestions short of doing the hyjack this routine?[/img]

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2636

Cnet site declares it a fake and there is a link to remove it in the article
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6132_102-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=23...4&m

and another thread with links to remove it
http://forums.pcworld.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=27252

User: inactive Posts:

RULE:

If you don't see it recommended here on LG forums by myself or the other Experts, leave it alone.

Anything that's advertised on popup ads or banners, is most likely a Trojan and will cause you nothing but grief.

However, the worlds best Security Software is absolutely FREE.

Here's my own list of tried and true Security Software that will keep your PC 100% malware free.

These are the programs I use every day to keep my own PC spotlessly clean.
I suggest every person having any Virus or Spyware issues get these programs
and use them immediately.
Do check for updates to all your security software on a DAILY basis.

SPYWARE/Trojan BLOCKERS/REMOVERS:

Trojan Hunter, is a first class Trojan Horse Virus removal program.
The downloaded version is a 30 day, Fully Functional, free trial.
Use the Free Trial to clean up a Dirty system or buy the retail license to have a year of
full service plus updates. Download "Trojan Hunter" here:
http://www.misec.net/trojanhunter/
From the web page, just click "Download Free Trial Version"
It's a 5.9 meg download.

Spybot Search & Destroy, a great anti Spyware program.
Can be downloaded from:
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,22262,00.asp
For instructions on how to set up Spybot for best operation,
See my Spybot Setup instructions on this webpage.

AdAware SE/Personal. Another top notch anti Spyware program.
Can be downloaded from:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

Spyware Blaster, a great Spyware Blocker.
Protects both I.E. and Mozilla Firefox.
Can be downloaded from:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2859.html
DO NOT use in conjunction with Microsoft Office

ANTI-VIRUS PROTECTION:

AVG 7.5 FREE:
World famous AVG FREE will keep your computer free of viruses, trojans, dialers, etc.
By default, it updates and scans for viruses on a daily basis.
Can be downloaded from:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5
Scroll down the page to the orange area and then click on:
avg75free_446a965.exe (or the currently posted version)
Save to your desktop and run the install from there.
If you have an older version of AVG free already installed,
use the 'Repair Install' option when installing v. 7.5.
Immediately get updates. More than one may be required.

REGISTRY CLEANER:

Easy Cleaner, the best Registry Cleaner I've found so far.
Can be downloaded from:
http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

Just scroll down to "Download & Installation" and click on the first floppy disk symbol.

FIREWALL:

The XP windows firewall is only a 50% firewall, blocking incoming hackers but doing nothing to stop any ET that's already on your PC from "Phoning Home". It seems like almost every program you install anymore, wants to "Phone Home". It's a good idea to NOT allow this activity. My suggested Firewall to prevent this activity is the FREE version of a world famous product called "Zone Alarm".
ZA can be downloaded from:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp...d=dbtop

Happy Computing!

The Shadow Cool

eightyj · Joined: Oct 08, 2003 Posts: 6

If you run your internet accessing programs (browser, mail program, etc.)
in a sandbox you can do away with AdAware and Spybot S&D as far as I'm concerned. If you're not consistent in running the sandbox, though, then leave them on your computer.

http://www.sandboxie.com

User: inactive Posts:

A long time ago, I got sucked into downloading a program called "Stop Sign".
I figgered that if it was advertised on TV, it had to be OK.
Nothing could be further from the truth!

As soon as I installed it, my other security programs went off like an Air Raid.

I couldn't get that POS off of my 'puter quick enough to suit me.

Now (July, 2007) I see it advertised on TV again. They are once again promising to fix Everything. There is no one program anywhere that's a "Cure All".

I "Pity the Fool" that falls for their ad's.

Stay safe,

Shadow Cool

EDIT:
I've added one more program to my list of Security Software, posted earlier in this thread.
SpyHunter has proven to be a very useful addition.
The FREE download will find all the problems, but won't delete them.
A good tech can use the info from SpyHunter to manually remove the problems. But for everyone else, buying the program for $29.95 is the best course.
Download SpyHunter from:
www.enigmasoftware.com/

goretsky

Hello,

Enigma Software is an interesting company. For some reason, numerous other security companies detect (or have detected) their products, according to this page on forensic economist (for lack of a better term) Ben Edelman's web site. They are also mentioned here and here on the Security Cadets web site. The most interesting one, though, seemed to be this one started by an employee of Enigma Software and including messages from their CEO.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

User: inactive Posts:

AdAware and Trojan Hunter don't show it as a problem but Spybot S&D does.
Spybot also has it listed in a listing where you can tell it to Ignore certain programs. So I just told Spybot to ignore it.

I found it pretty amazing that SpyHunter found and removed "Vundo" and "WinFixer" when no other program I had would do the job.

I found it well worth the retail price.

Shadow Cool

LaHo · Joined: Jun 08, 2005 Posts: 27

In your list of recommended programs you had this cautionary note.

Spyware Blaster, a great Spyware Blocker.
Protects both I.E. and Mozilla Firefox.
Can be downloaded from:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2859.html
"DO NOT use in conjunction with Microsoft Office"

By this do you mean Microsoft Office installed or running?

BTW Thanks for the great info you guys supply

goretsky

Hello,

I think this was due to an old incompatibility between the programs which has since been resolved.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky