Rogue Anti Spyware Tools
Introduction
There are millions of computers currently infected with spyware (software that spies on you and collects data about you and your computer habits). Consumers eventually discover they require help to banish these pesky programs from their PC and they go looking on the internet for the best solution.
There are lots of anti spyware tools to choose from on the internet from spyware removers and spyware cleaners to anti spyware software and spyware blockers. Unfortunately you may be downloading or purchasing what is promised to be a Corvette, but end up with a skateboard or much worse. Many so called anti spyware and spyware removal programs today have questionable value or may actually install more spyware on to your computer! These types of programs are called "Rogue" anti spyware because they are masquerading as legitimate anti spyware tools, when in fact they are infecting your machine with more spyware.
Technical Information
There are hundreds of products available that should be avoided. Some of the more common damaging anti spyware programs we've seen have been Adaware-nuker, AntiVirus Gold, NoAdaware, KillAllSpyware, VBouncer/AdDestroyer, and XoftSpy.
- AdDriller
- Ad-Eliminator
- Advanced Spyware Remover
- AdwareDeluxe
- Adware-Nuker
- AdwareSpy
- AGuardDog
- CyberDefender
- InternetAntiSpy
- KillAllSpyware
- KillSpy
- KaZaaP
- MyNetProtector
- NoSpyX
- PAL Spyware Remover
- Privacy Defender
- Privacy Tools 2004
- PSGuard
- PurityScan
- PuritySweep
- RazeSpyware
- RegFreeze
- ScanSpyware
- Scumware-Remover
- SecureMyPC
- SlimShield
- SpyAssault
- SpyAxe
- SpyBan
- SpyBlast
- SpyBlocs
- eBlocs.com
- Spy-Control
- SpyDeleter
- SpyFighter
- SpyFirewall
- SpyKiller 2005
- SpySheriff
- SpySpotter
- Spyware Annihilator
- SpywareAssassin
- SpywareBeGone
- SpywareCleaner
- SpywareHound
- Spyware Stormer
- SpywareStrike
- StopGuard
- WinAntiSpy 2005
- WinAntiVirus 2005
- ZoneProtect AntiSpyware
Identifying Rogue Anti Spyware
Lots of people spend money on these products which actually make the problem worse by giving you a false sense of protection. Points to look out for in bogus anti spyware software:
- Limited information available about the company.
- No fully working trial version available - something that forces you to purchase.
- The software finds a lot of spyware on your computer and then asks you to buy the program to get rid of it.
- Very aggressive advertising, spam emails or popup windows.
- No privacy policy
Your first anti spyware software choice should be one of the recognized safe spyware removal programs available such as Ad-Aware or Spybot Search and Destroy. Doing a search on Google will return results for numerous anti spyware products, but its very hard to know which products are good. So to make an informed decision on a product, it is best to consult the experts.
Detection
You will know if you have bad anti spyware software by checking the list above, or if you are still experiencing pop-ups and advertisements on a continual basis, it's possible your current spyware detection software isn't working very well if at all.
Method of Infection
The anti spyware software of your choice is purchased, downloaded and installed with your consent. In some instances, costing over $50 for a product that doesn't work as stated.
Summary
The need for anti spyware software is great and that allows lots of room for unscrupulous companies to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. If you have any anti spyware software or spyware removal tools on your computer that are in the above mentioned list, you will probably need help removing them. Some of the best anti spyware products available today are free and readily available online. If you need help deciding on what to use, let the experts at support.com remove bad anti spyware software from your computer and install reliable programs to protect your system.
