SpyWare - Best method for dealing with it?

My computer is running rather slowly in recent weeks - despite a defraging and a Norton scan. I used to use SpyBot software, but there have not been any updates to it for a while. Suggestions anyone?

Maybe try AdAware. That is updated regularly.

Spyware Blaster - A program that stops spyware from getting onto your system in the first place.

Ad-Aware - Another great program, which runs a little bit like spybot, to clean up more of your mal-ware.

Be sure to keep all three of these updated regularly.

Are you currently running Norton anti-virus? Norton AV can be a hog of your system resources, so I might suggest you try AVG Free Edition which is an excellent free anti-virus, which will help your computer run faster.

Good luck.

Does anyone know if a mac users would be affected by spyware and adware? If yes, is there any site where I can do a free download of the mac OSX version?

Be sure to have the latest version of spybot, 1.3 I think.
Support for the older versions have been dropped so you can't get any more updates without the new one.

<font color="800080">I used to use SpyBot software, but there have not been any updates to it for a while.</font>

There should have been, infact I just downloaded one dated 9-7-04 (hadn`t updated it in a while since switching to Mozilla). Do you have version 1.2 or 1.3? The updated v1.3 was released about a month ago but for some baffling reason, they just stopped releasing updated definitions for v1.2 and didn`t put up any kind of flag that said "new version out now" when checking for the latest updates. Go here: http://safer-networking.org and download the new version, you`ll find there should be plenty of updates avaliable again. It`s a better version anyway as it has a useful resident-MSIE-protection feature, if you use MSIE that is.

I`d also second the reccomendation for Ad-Aware. The two compliment each other nicely as I found one would pick up on things the other missed and vice-versa. And Spyware Blaster/Spyware Guard too. Since installing it, scans usually come up empty every time.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

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Stainless said:
My computer is running rather slowly in recent weeks - despite a defraging and a Norton scan. I used to use SpyBot software, but there have not been any updates to it for a while. Suggestions anyone?

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Are (were) you using Spybot 1.2? It's no longer updated, but Spybot 1.3 is. The latest update I have is dated 6/23/04.

- Dwayne

It appears that switching to another browser than IE is an important step as IE doesn't help matters (to say the least).

What are the alternatives to IE?
Pros and Cons?

I run an old PC with ME and really need to get a new one. In the mean while, I'm adwaring and full virus scanning far to often for my liking and I'm looking to replace IE.

On a different note, the IT Dept at work took my PC away while I was on the phone because it had a nasty virus and requires a complete rebuild. Which means I'm getting a new faster PC which should be up and running tomorrow (I'm out of the office so they have a day timescale)

Al

Unfortunately Spybot does not support Mac OSX. Chris, you said that you have not downloaded updates ever since you use Mozilla, does Mozilla really help? I am using Mozilla v1.6 for Mac OSX.

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Size15s said:
What are the alternatives to IE?

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Popular alternatives include:

Opera
Mozilla
Firefox

Firefox is made by Mozilla and is what I use for my internet browser. Mozilla has an e-mail and newsgroup client, IRC chat client, and HTML editor. Firefox is a trimmed down version of Mozilla made just for web browsing.

Al, you ought to read this thread when you get some time to do your homework. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Do not log on to the internet!!! That is the best!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Ok, here is my list of antispyware I keep running all the time, I have not gotten any infection whatsoever since about... 2 minutes!...wait, 4 years! If something can get thru, they deserve a medal.

Spywareblaster
Xclean
Spybot search and destroy
Adaware
Zonealarm
Spywareguard
Spyad
TD3
Spycop
High Jack This
Un plug and pray
Dcom
Norton antivirus
CWS Shredder (Just in case)

Also have
Idblaster
Mru blaster
and blocking host files from Spybot and http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

It is a good thing to read www.spywareinfo.com, they can help you clean your machine in the forum and there you can find most downloads.

Also check www.grc.com for shields up firewall test, and www.wilderssecurity.com for latest internet threats.

HTH
Alex

Well guys, the link to Safer Networking would not open for me, but I did install Ad-Aware.... it found 100 items! Personally, I think it is time to redeploy some our hardcore military personnel, to deal with spam and spyware.

Thanks for the help - my computer seems faster already. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

You must not have deleted your cookies first.
I always eat my cookies before I run Adaware. It usually finds nothing.

Well, just reloaded my computer today and have decided to start clean with the following protection points:

McAfee
Spybot
Spywareblaster
Ad-Aware
Un Plug and Play
Internet Connection Firewall (thru Win XP)


I think that should hold me over for a minute. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Am I missing anything?

Curtis

Install FireFox 9.1 or some other browser--don't get re-infected by IE.

-Bill

So who is going for the record in problems fixed?, let me tell you that I once cleaned a PC that had like a whole convention of spyware running around, get this, 243 active crapware installed! Spam email sender, Porn video server, the whole enchilada, not counting the cookies! (1257)

I am sure there is a spammer/crappusher somewhere that is really pissed off at me for what he lost. he he he!

Everyone that has a PC connected to the internet should have the antispyware software installed, the ammount of spam would drop instantly, unfortunately it is a unknown subject for most of the internet community.

Please clean your machines! the tools are there, you'll be surprised at what you find.

HTH
Alex

Want another reason to get antispyware, let's pretend that you have installed, without your knowledge a software that makes your computer a web server for pedophiles or prohibited medicines online(This can really happen), what do you think is going to happen when the feds come crashing down your door, to bust you. "No sir, it wasn't me, I don't do this or that" - Yeah! sure tell that to the judge, Get in the police car!!!

Just now! an intruder tried to sneak into my computer from IP 65.93.244.58 port 4437 on Jul-13-2004 09:54:45 PM GMT-08:00 the IP belongs to

CustName: Parfumerie Dans Un Jardin
Address: 8503 Samuel Hatt
City: Chambly
StateProv: QC
PostalCode: J3L-4A9
Country: CA
RegDate: 2003-07-09
Updated: 2003-07-09

He may be unnaware of this and somebody else is remotely controling his machine, having access to all data on his drives.

Again everyone, please clean your Pc's

Alex

I updated and ran Spybot last night and found 2 problems to delete. Then downloaded Ad-Aware and updated it. When I ran Ad-Aware it found 184 more problems to delete. I had just ran Spyboy about 10 min before.

Spyware doesn't affect Macs. Here's my cleaning routine for PCs:
Background--this post was made somewhere else. The person was considering calling Norton for help.

You've run virus scans but you've still got Spyware. I *HATE* this stuff. I used to get to tell people to call Dell to get it fixed, but now I have to actually help them with it. Before you call Norton do the following:


Download and run AdAware
Reboot, update the definition/scanning rules, scan again.
Then download and run SpyBot. SpyBot will run on your system and try to keep the Spyware from getting in, but it's still a good idea to update definitions in those programs weekly and scan. Doesn't take long, 5-10 minutes.

Finally, run the free web-based scan found here. It's not as thorough as AdAware or Spybot, but it will catch some things that both of those missed.

More Info


If none of that works than you're pretty much stuck with reinstall windows/buy a Mac/install Linux/go Amish/etc.

I just installed Spyware Nuker 2004 and found 499 items. Jeesh, thi thing the most caused me to do it was the "SearchBar" software that appeared on the bottom of my screen.