O'Connor Consulting

Spyware and Anti-Spyware Resources

Spyware can be basically defined as software that's installed on a computer without the user's knowledge, and which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by the person who controls the spyware.

There are several different types of spyware: malware (modifies system settings, performs undesirable tasks on your system), browser hijackers (redirects your browser to web sites and/or changes your home page), dialers (dials a service, generally porn sites, for which you are billed), trojan horses (is attached to a program, and performs undesirable tasks on your system), and collectware (collects information about you and your surfing habits).

Spyware programs are capable of a wide variety of undesirable actions, depending on the specific program, including:

• perform a detailed check of your browser history
• install DLLs and other executables files
• display advertising content online or offline
• send continuous data to the parent
• leave a backdoor open for hackers to intercept your personal data or enter your computer
• install other programs directly on to your computer without your knowledge
• send/receive cookies to other spyware programs and invite them into your computer even if you have cookies disabled
• reset your auto signature
• scan files on your drive
• add Trojan horses to your system. Most of these programs take on the authorization abilities of the victim.

The majority of these programs include auto install and auto update capabilities and can report on any attempts to remove or modify them. And once installed, they generally can't easily be deleted from your system by normal methods. Worse, they often leave components behind to continue to monitor your behavior and reinstall themselves.

Following is a list of links that provide information and/or tools to help in the identification, prevention, and removal of spyware. One important thing to note is that NO program, whether free or commercial, can remove every type of spyware out there. We use a combination of programs, and still often have to track down and manually remove spyware that these programs either are unable to detect or to remove. That's just the state of the current technology.

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites
An excellent page on identifying, preventing and removing various types of spyware, as well as fixing damage done by some types of spyware.

BenEdelman.org
A website dedicated to original research on Internet architecture and regulation. One of the best sites tracking how spyware gets on systems, who spyware prveyors are, and who is partnering with them.

DOXdesk
The unsolicited commercial software section of Andrew Clover's personal web site. Contains useful links, an online checker for many spyware programs (Andrew calls them "parasites"), and a large list of spyware programs and information on what they do and how to remove them.

IE-SPYAD, AGNIS, and ProWAGoN
Ad Blocking Resources. By Eric Howes, UIUC.edu. IE-SPYAD adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers, marketers, and crapware pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer. Once you merge this list of sites and domains into the Registry, the web sites for these companies will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your privacy or your PC while you surf the Net. Nor will they be able to use your browser to push unwanted pop-ups, cookies, or auto-installing programs on your PC. AGNIS contains a set of customized ad block lists for AtGuard, Norton Internet Security, and Norton Personal Firewall. These block lists are much more extensive than the default ad block lists shipped with all of these programs. AGNIS includes both a "full" and "lite" version of this customized ad block list for each application. ProWAGoN is also designed to be used with Norton Internet Security, and Norton Personal Firewall for some versions not compatible with AGNIS.

Lavasoft
Publisher of AdAware. The personal edition is free, but they also offer lus and Professional versions with more features, including real-time blocking.

Malware Help.Org - Spyware Removal and Prevention Help
Step-by-Step visual guides for Cleaning and Preventing Malware for those new to Online Security. Learn about cleaning Malware which includes Spyware, Adware, Trojans etc. Their methods, symptoms, how to cure and prevent recurrence. A british web site.

Merijn.org
A site maintained by a student from the Netherlands, Merijn Bellekom, that codes in his free time. He is the author of two indespensible tools when dealing with spyware - CWShredder and HijackThis. The programs are free, but he does ask for donations to help defray his costs. Payments are totally volunatry and are done through PayPal.

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
Yes, it's a Microsoft product. Yes, it is beta. And yes, it works. It provides real-time protection from browser hijaacking and other spyware installation techniques. We have used this with great success to remove spyware that we couldn't with AdAware and Spybot S&D. It's currently free, but requires Windows 2000 or above..

Parasites, Viruses And Other Security Issues
The security section of James A. Eshelman's Windows Support Center web site. Excellent information on spyware prevention and removal.

Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
"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.

Scumware.com
Dedicated to giving you the tools and knowledge you need to protect your privacy from the onslaught of spyware, adware, and corporate and government surveillance.

Security at Home: Spyware
Spyware and other unwanted software refers to software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent. This may include giving you advertising or collecting personal information about you. Learn more about the symptoms of spyware and other unwanted software and how you can help protect your computer from Microsoft.

Spybot-S&D
Another free (but donaions are welcome) spyware removal tool. Also has some spyware blocking features for Internet Explorer.

Spychecker
Whether you are concerned about your online privacy or have suspicions that someone may be spying on your PC activities, you'll find a solution here that you can download and try, or even use it for free. All software has been downloaded and tested before it was listed.

Spyware Confidential
WBlog on ZDNet Written by Suzi Turner, spyware researcher and consultant, of SpywareWarrior.com.

Spyware Guide Database
The Spyware Guide was created to provide an all inclusive and updated resource on spy ware applications, what they do and how they’re used. These resources include: which software applications can detect and defeat spyware, an extensive database of all known spy software and adware applications and contact information as well as other privacy related products.

SpywareInfo
Dedicated to giving you the tools and knowledge you need to protect your privacy from the onslaught of spyware, adware, and corporate and government surveillance.

Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
A list of "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware applications, none of which can be recommended for anti-spyware protection. "Rogue/Suspect" means that these products are of unknown, questionable, or dubious value as anti-spyware protection.

Support Cave
"Supportcave.com is here to help the millions (and millions) of consumers confused about spyware and viruses. Supportcave.com offers programs to help people remove spyware, remove virus and to prevent their computer from re infection."

TomCoyote
Site that assists users to help with the removal and solution of computer problems. The focus is to restore the computer back to normal functioning, without the annoyances of viruses, spyware, malware, browser hijackers and so forth.

Understanding Spyware, Browser Hijackers, and Dialers
One of the best explanations of what spyware, broswer hijackers and dialers are and how to deal with them. Provided by bleepingcomputer.com, a web based community and discussion forum for answering computer help, security, and technical questions asked by the novice computer user.

Vitalsecurity.org
"Vitalsecurity.org is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing you the latest happenings in the security field, and our emphasis is the world of digital privacy. Spyware, malware and the growing wave of information repression are our targets - and we never miss. We aim to unite everyone under one banner of digital freedom - join us."

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