infection

If you're lucky, spyware will slow down your computer and make your daily use a frustrating experience. That is *NOT* a typo. If you are lucky, that's what will happen ... but if you are unlucky, spyware will leave your computer as good as useless, ... steal your personal data, banking information, credit card numbers, and passwords -- and make your life a living hell. What is the Difference between Spyware, Malware, and a Virus? There are distinct classifications for rogue software: all of which cause harm to your PC in some way or another. The terms spyware and malware generally refer to ... (view more)

SpywareQuake is the latest rogue anti-spyware program that dupes unsuspecting users into registering (paying) for a full version of the program in order to remove a supposed Spyware infection. SpywareQuake operates in the same manner as SpyAxe and ... SpywareStrike by issuing fake warning messages similar to Windows Update Notification balloons. Click here for an example. Like SpyAxe and SpywareStrike, SpywareQuake infects the host computer due to an exploit ("bug") in MS Windows. This exploit *must* be resolved by visiting Windows Update after SpywareQuake is removed; otherwise, you ... (view more)

SpyFalcon is the latest rogue anti-spyware program that dupes unsuspecting users into registering (paying) for a full version of the program in order to remove a supposed Spyware infection. SpyFalcon operates in the same manner as SpyAxe and ... SpywareStrike by issuing fake warning messages similar (and almost identical to) Windows Update Notification balloons. Click here for an example. Like SpyAxe and SpywareStrike, SpyFalcon infects the host computer due to an exploit in MS Windows. The exploit can be resolved after infection is removed and after visiting Windows Update Web site. Both steps ... (view more)

There are so many different types of anti-spyware tools out there, that it's a daunting task trying to figure out which will work best. Is anti-spyware protection best with real-time registry monitoring tools (as with Spy Sweeper) -- or not? You may ... recall that, whenever a program is installed on (or removed from) your computer, changes are typically made in the System Registry simultaneously. By definition, a registry monitor tool will watch for changes made to your registry as a result of adding or removing, and will prompt you to either accept or deny those changes. This is a good way to ... (view more)

Below you will find some of the most common indicators of malware infection. Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms, I strongly suggest you run your anti-virus scanner, along with your anti-spyware scanners. A combination of more than 2-3 ... of any of these symptoms could mean a major clean up is in order. -The homepage of your browser is changed suddenly, and you have no clue as to how it happened. This is commonly called a browser hijack , and one of the most notorious of these infections is CoolWebSearch. -You suddenly notice an 'extra' toolbar on IE and once again you didn't ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Joe B. writes: " Dear Dennis, I've been desperately trying to clean my computer of a nasty Malware / Spyware infection for the last 5 days. A characteristic of something that is going on is that while I'm typing along in a window, ... the window is suddenly de-activated and I have to mouse back to the window to activate it and continue typing. It's most irritating! I believe I have resolved the majority of the Spyware infection, however there are 4 files that keep reappearing even after I delete them. I can't seem to find instructions on the web, either. I'm not sure what ... (view more)