The question of spy-ware and junk on the internet
templatemagic.net
Think your system is infected by a sick spyware that makes it load unwanted pages; that gives you a message 'your system is infected by spyware - download anti spyware now'?? Please don’t press the download button!! Read on.........
The spyware nuisance
Spywares are unwanted programs that lodge themselves into the computer aiding in secret broadcast of information about a user’s internet usage. They can even take over browsers and load unwanted pages causing the computer to slow down in a major way. Spywares can load unwanted pages to bookmarks and load pop-ups that say ‘your system is infected with spyware, download anti-spyware now!!’ Hitting the download button or sometimes even closing the pop-up could bring into the computer other malicious spyware programs that can render some computer programs inaccessible.
The worst part is that spywares can even be programmed to transmit personal information including passwords and credit card information making them a real threat.
As new spyware programs are developed by the minute, anti Spywares and anti adware softwares do no good to remove them. They have the ability to remove only the secondary files while the primary files still remain. As these are not viuses the use of anti-virus software will also prove vain.
Precautions to protect your computer against spyware
1.) Do not allow your browser to download unsigned active scripts. (You can disable active scripts using internet tools or preferences of your browser; disable your active X controls using IE tools – internet options – security – custom level.)
2.) Make sure to install a good anti-spyware software like ad-aware
3.) Do not download any software that you are not sure of. Even some anti-spywares can be malicios. Read the licensing agreements and download only from reliable sources
4.) Never open mail attachments that you are not sure of
5.) In case you encounter a site that gives out pop ups like 'spyware detected' or 'download anti-spyware' or any other suspicious messages, do not click the download/cancel button. Instead use alt+f4 or Ctrl+w to close the pop up.
6.) Download and install google or yahoo! toolbars that can help you effectively block pop ups.
7.) Download all the latest security upgrades that are available from microsoft.com.
8.) Install 'Zone Alarm' or other good firewall that does not allow unidentified programs to transmit information.
Internet becoming a dumping ground?
Recently the numbers of sick websites that are filled with junk and very destructive content have increased over the internet. I don't why people do it, but they do it. Sadists are just a reality as any other normal person. They love to see people in pain and fear. They would go to any extent to promote themselves or harass others. But in their little game they tend to forget that they are playing with people's minds and their hard earned money and making them waste their time in useless activities.
The need for regulation
The internet is becoming a dangerous place and if not regulated can lead to serious disasters. Things are developing too fast for men to cope with. In-fact the internet has developed at a speed faster than imaginable and hence there is lack of any order/rules and regulations. This is high time that we do something to protect the internet from damaging our personal property and privacy. This is a very serious problem and we need to think on this together. All nations should come together to solve this crisis, instead of ignoring it.
Search engines, hosting companies and internet service providers have a huge responsibility towards eliminating this crime that is going on unabated on the internet. They should work together to eliminate this problem for good and save the internet from becoming a hacker’s paradise and a dumping ground of junk.
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The latest information and news on Spywaredude:
In what appears to be just a bad headline, the business publication says that Microsoft plans to introduce spyware. (It's actually planning free antivirus software)
Court Slams Door On Sale of Spyware (Slashdot)
coondoggie writes "The Federal Trade Commission yesterday had a US District Court issue a temporary restraining order halting the sale of RemoteSpy keylogger spyware. According to the FTC's complaint, RemoteSpy spyware was sold to clients who would then secretly monitor unsuspecting consumers' computers. The defendants provided RemoteSpy clients with detailed instructions explaining how to ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb)
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking. (PRWeb Nov 21, 2008) Read ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb via Yahoo! ...
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking.
Phisher-besieged PayPal sends users faux log-in page (The Register)
Error.com's missed opportunity PayPal, the online payment service that is a major target of phishers, has been caught sending customer emails that confuse its own login page with a third-party landing site that offers spyware protection and a bevy of other products.?
FTC get CyberSpy?s RemoteSpy banned in the U.S. (Geek.com)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been successful in its bid to get the RemoteSpy spyware application released by CyberSpy Software banned in the U.S. For now the ban is temporary, but the FTC are pushing to make it permanent. The ban stems from a complaint (PDF) lodged by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) back [...]
Microsoft to offer free anti-virus software (The Manila Times)
Microsoft has announced plans to offer free anti-virus software to PC users starting next year. The Redmond, Washington-based software giant said the software, code-named "Morro," will "provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans."
Commercial vendor of spyware under legal fire (ZDNet)
Just like every decent marketer out there, vendors of commercial malware tools are very good at positioning their tools. However, their pitches often contradict with themselves in a way that what's promoted as a Remote Administration Tool, has in fact built-in antivirus software evading capabilities, rootkit functionality and tutorials on...
Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software (NewsFactor via Yahoo! ...
Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.
Week in review: Yahoo to replace Yang (CNET)
Search giant searches for new CEO, while Microsoft takes its security strategy in a new direction. Also: Sing along with DRM.