FixWinReg Settles Washington Spyware Charges

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna has reached a settlement with one of three California-based Internet affiliate advertisers accused of violating the state’s consumer protection and spyware laws.

HoanVinh V. Nguyenphuoc, owner of FixWinReg, sent anonymous “Net Send” messages to consumers’ computers that simulated security warnings but were actually ads for registry-cleaner software, according to documents filed today in King County Superior Court.

more here

Beginner's guide to antivirus protection

Unlike Dr. Evil in the film "Austin Powers," I use my technical prowess for good, not evil, despite my matching desire for "one million dollars." Unfortunately, there are people in the world who do not share this mantra and use their programming skills to create software that can destroy data on your computer or even take control of your machine, using it as a "zombie drone" to disrupt communication on other computers.

It is estimated that 100 million of the 600 million computers on the Internet are under remote control from hackers. The only way that you know you are infected is through a barrage of pop-up windows, or when your system slows to a crawl or frequently reboots. These programs are called "malware," which is a portmanteau of the words "malicious" and "software." Oh, "portmanteau" means a word that is created by blending two or more words together, but you probably figured that out.

full article

Ad-Aware 2007

A venerable favorite utility for zapping spyware and adware, Lavasoft's Ad-Aware has just been updated, with improvements that include better detection of adware and malware, a scanning engine that goes easy on your PC's system resources, and a snazzy new interface. The updates apply to all three versions of Ad-Aware, which now go by the names Ad-Aware 2007 Free, Plus, and Pro.

PC World

Zango vs. PC Tools

Zango is suing the makers of a spyware blocking app for a minimum of $35 million, and it looks as though Google might have something to do with the decision to file the suit.

Zango claims that its "consensually installed" software "has come under surreptitious attack" by a Spyware Doctor Starter Edition from PC Tools, so Zango's suing PC Tools. According to the claim, "Spyware Doctor provides the computer user with no specific warning that Zango's software application will be deleted; instead, Zango's software simply vanishes from the user's computer, leaving Zango with no means of contacting or communicating with its customers."

Evidently, because Spyware Doctor comes with the "Google Pack" of software, a whole lotta people have downloaded it, meaning, according to the suit, "Zango has suffered irreparable harm to its business model and reputation that continues day by day."

And this is interesting, too: "Zango has also learned that consumers downloading the Google Pack after March 29 who did not already have Zango's software installed are now wholly unable to install Zango software, thereby eliminating Google Pack users as potential Zango customers." The complaint says G Pack labels Zango software as an "Infection" engaged in a "Malicious Action." Zango wants no less than $35 million in damages.

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In a related story the company has run afoul of Wikipedia for trying to purge negative information from its entry in the collaborative encyclopedia. While anyone can edit Wikipedia articles, the site's guidelines caution companies and others against editing their own entries because of the conflict of interest.

Zango isn't the first company to resort to self-help at Wikipedia. Microsoft ran into trouble earlier this year after offering to pay a blogger to correct what the company said were inaccuracies in Wikipedia articles on an open- source document standard and a competing format developed by Microsoft. Wikipedia has also stopped PR firms and political campaigns from posting promotional or slanderous material.

AVG anti-virus - new version

I know I have mentioned it before but there is a new version of AVG out:

It's free, I have loaded it up on one of my computers and it looks pretty good.

This is version 7.5.467 and it includes improved polymorphic viruses detection and improved help features.


Cnet download page

CCleaner

Been really happy with this and I think you will too. It's free:

CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It's fast (normally taking less that a second to run). It cleans: Internet Explorer (Temporary files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, index.dat); Firefox (Temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history); Windows (Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files); Registry cleaner (Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts. So comes with a comprehensive backup feature.) Third-party applications (Removes temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from many apps including Opera, Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, MS Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip).

Cnet review and download

Check this hacker out

A man who admitted hacking into the Reserve Bank's telephone system now wants $7500 from the organisation for using his information to upgrade its security.

Story here

Is that ballsy or what??

Right click to unblock?

I had a comment from someone who had downloaded an AVI file. The poster noted he had to right click on it and "unblock" before he could view. This is a new feature in Windows XP since the SP2 update. My experience with it has always been on CHM files, but I am sure it is a similar thing.

My understanding is that it is a safety feature to prevent embedded code from running without your knowledge.

Net crime 'big fear' for Britons

More Britons fear net crime than they do burglary, a survey suggests.

The Get Safe Online study released by the government found 21% of respondents felt most at risk from net crime, while 16% worried most about being burgled.

A BBC investigation into net-based attacks on Windows PCs found they could happen as much as every 15 minutes.

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Microsoft Revokes 'Adware' Distributor's MVP Status

One week after it named the creator of a Windows Messenger add-on to its list of Most Valued Professionals (MVPs), Microsoft has revoked the award after critics pointed out that the program is used to distribute adware.

Last week, Microsoft named Cyril Paciullo, the creator of Messenger Plus and Messenger Plus Live, to its list of MVPs. The award recognizes people with expertise in Microsoft products who make significant contributions to other users, often in the form of technical advice.

Messenger Plus is a free program that adds some useful functions to Microsoft’s instant-messaging software, like the ability to stack several chat windows together and access them via tabs.

read more

Warning - Anti-spyware email spreads Trojan

An email claiming to be from an anti-spyware company is being used to spread a new Trojan-downloader.

According to BlackSpider Technologies, the email claims to be from the customer service department of a legitimate anti-spyware company, in this case SpysoftCentral.

Coolwebsearch - defeat/clean/erase

CWShredder™ finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators.


CWShredder

Alarming Adware/Spyware Trends

Spyware on the rise
According to statistics, during the first part of 2006 spyware attacks have increased %15 over the same time period in 2005. This can only get worse. You need to be running something folks. But before you choose, see the next blurb below.

Is it really free?
There are now reports of "free" adware and spyware removers actually installing their own spyware to the user's computer. This is something to keep in mind before using a free service. It could be just be an attempt by the commercial software vendors to scare you into buying their products rather than using a free one, but I have no doubt this is probably true to some extent.

Rogue/Suspect Anti-spyware
Some unscrupulous software vendors hoping to cash in on the anti-spyware market are putting out software with little or questionable value in protecting your computer.

This appears to be a very useful site about this topic: rogue anti-spyware

Microsoft OneCare

A new product from Microsoft which is supposed to be all in one, antivirus, antispyware, firewall, performance tune-ups, and data backup/restore.

90 day trial

Can't comment on it's effectiveness, but the price may be right. 50 bucks gets you all of the above for a year and you can use it on 3 PCs.

Some free virus adware spyware firewall software

Looking for some free adware, spyware, or virus removal. Check these out or some of the links above.

Spyware/Adware

Ad-Aware Personal

Windows Defender Beta 2 by Microsoft

Virus

AVG Anti-Virus

Avast Home Edition

Firewall

Zone Alarm

Adware Spyware FAQ

Have I got a spyware problem?

If you are not running a spyware check or adware detector program you are most likely infected. You need to be running spyware security software to keep your computer clean and running its best.


What is the difference between adware and spyware?

Spyware is usually installed on your home computer without your knowledge.

Adware, sometimes called "ad spyware" usually comes with some free software and it is a requirement of the program that you allow the adware to be installed. Most companies that include adware in their free install do include that disclaimer in the user agreement and/or make it an option on the install. However they may bury that option in several checkboxes and default to letting them install it. Read every screen and deselect that part of the install if allowed to do so.


Where does spyware come from?

Any time you get online the internet and go surfing or download free programs you are taking a chance. Many P2P networks like Kazaa or Limewire link you to people that are sharing software that is infected with spyware.


How can I fix or clean spyware off my desktop?

There are many good products out there that will protect you. Not only can they clean your computer of spyware and adware but they can prevent spyware from taking hold in the first place.


Is there a spyware list somewhere?

You would never be able to keep up with it all on your own. New spyware and adware is being released all the time. Companies that make adware and spyware removal software have a full time staff on duty to track them and include it in periodic updates.


I thought I had removed the spyware, but I did a spyware check and now I think new spyware has hijacked my computer, what did I do wrong?

Probably nothing, some insidious spyware and adware gets into your registry, the heart of your windows computer. Even after deletion by normal means they are able to respawn themselves on reboot. Some of these take extraordinary measure to get rid of. The best offense is defense.



Got a different question? Feel free to comment here...

The Big 6 for having a well running computer

1) Updates - The maker of your machine and operating system should have some type of update facility. The more automatic and user friendly the update process is the better. If it is easy to do the more apt we lazy humans are to do it. Microsoft Windows provides a fairly friendly update system and they are usually quick on the critical updates to clamp down on any bad critters running free in the wild. I have an HP laptop at home and have found their driver update process to be just as friendly and reliable as Microsoft’s. Not necessarily advocating Microsoft and Hewlett Packard, but I am suggesting this is the type of ease of use and reliability you should be looking for.

2) Virus scan - How some people think they can get by without this basic software package is beyond me. You WILL get infected and you might turn around and then infect everyone on your email list. It seems they all have their strengths and weaknesses. McAfee produces a good virus control system that rates high in tests year after year. I use it myself and it can be set up to automatically update which is important when a new virus hits the wild and McAfee responds quickly with new updates. It's ease of use also makes it one of the best out there.

Well, the ones above used to be enough, but not nowadays, read on for the next must have gadgets in your tool belt.

3) Spyware/Adware checker - Got to have it, without it, just like on viruses, your machine will grind to a halt eventually. Worse your machine could be enlisted in a massive email campaign without your knowledge, your surfing habits surreptitiously examined and studied by internet advertisers and demographic compilers. Spysweeper is a great product, I have used it myself and it continues to get rave reviews from professionals and consumers alike.

4) Registry cleaner - while not absolute, this piece of software will help clean up your machine and keep it running in top condition. As we install and uninstall software remnants are left out in the registry, the heart of the windows operating system. Many of these programs, like a small child, do not clean up after themselves very well. Some products do, many don't. What happens is you wind up with invalid pointers and the like bloating your registry.

5) Broadband - Lets face it, with all these updates and downloads you have got to get a faster way to get this stuff down to your machine. I can't imagine how people on dialup could manage to keep their computers up to date; you would practically have to have it on all the time downloading something.

6) Firewall - While normally the firewall that comes included with Windows XP is sufficient if you are running a small network or have very sensitive or personal information on your hard drive, you may want to step it up a notch and get a dedicated application that enables you to control all access to and from you computer.

Just like going to the doctor or dentist to keep ourselves in shape we need to take a little time and sometimes spend a little money to keep our metallic friend in good working order. While not critical to your system, a little education can go a long way too. Just a basic book on Windows XP will help you understand your system better, increasing your enjoyment of it that much more. It is hard to beat Amazon on the selection of books and their prices. Buy one, study up, impress your friends.

Phishing and Shredding

Feel like I have been remiss in not mentioning this. You just have to be aware that these schemes exist and not to fall for it. Always be leary of any emails you get asking for information and trying to alert you to a supposed problem with your account.

The sad fact is folks that there is no better software than what God gave you and it is sitting on top of your shoulders. Just have a little common sense please.

Not related to this exactly, but invest in a shredder for sensitive documents. Don't let a dumpster diver ruin your life.

Lost icons and taskbar

Seems like something going around this year all of the icons missing from your desktop and the taskbar is gone too. Seems like this one problem or symptom has many causes so it can be very frustrating for people. Just to put it out there, I had a friend with this problem today and what finally fixed it was uninstalling a popup blocker called stopzilla. It could possibly have been a contention issue with Norton Anti-virus causing it. That is the side effect of having to protect your machine. Creates more overhead, then because of the nature of some of these programs, where they are really hooked into the guts of the operating system trying to keep things tidy for you it can cause problems when things are just not lined up right. Course the alternative is having a totally fubar-ed computer. By the way, he was not running any anti-spyware software like I recommend and I installed one and it identified over 25 adware/spyware programs on his machine. Several of them were labeled critical. He was also behind on his virus and microsoft updates. Got to keep it up to date folks. Word to the wise. Spend a little money and time now, save yourself a lot of frustration later. Luckily he had a friend like me, but if he had to hire someone to clean up the problems it could cost hundreds of dollars in labor. Better to spend that money on software which you will have to buy anyway once you pay the tech guy.

Missing DLL error message

I found a great site for when one of those mysterious files comes up missing:

search for dll-files