spyware & adware processes

[cm_uk]

just wondered if peps would like to post any known spyware/adware processes they know of, in the aid of peps trying to remove unwanted spyware startup processes. for instance GAIN...
so if people would list any known spyware/adware processes that would be cool as we would have a list of stuff to remove etc during startup etc.

[directhex]

not possible

there are over 30,000 things to look for, not including processes which rename themselves repeatedly and frequently at random

and, unfortunately, no free product cuts it anymore - though microsoft antispyware is probably the best option of the lot.

if you want to avoid spyware, 1) don't use internet explorer or ie-based web browsers 2) don't use "free" software without reading the EULA fully 3) pay (yes pay) for a decent atispyware app, such as spyware eliminator or spyware sweeper

or just run linux

[Moby-Dick]

hexxeh - what wrong with a combo of adaware / spybot S&D and a lot of common sence ?

[Nick F]

Its easy really, dont download any crap! Windows adware program is not that bad and should protect you if you run it once a week or so.

[Allen]

I have a firewall built in to my router, I use Firefox but I have no AV software and rarely run Ad-Aware/Spybot S&D combo coz it rarely picks anything up.

If you're sensible with what you d/l and view on the net and what you install then you shouldn't have too many problems IMO. Using programs like P2P for non legal purposes and viewing "dodgy" sites, including those giving stuff away for free, and clicking yes when question boxes pop up is asking for trouble and why so many people have these problems.

[directhex]

hexxeh - what wrong with a combo of adaware / spybot S&D and a lot of common sence ?

they both have pretty abysmal detection rates & disinfection rates correspondingly

they were great a couple of years ago, but haven't kept up with the menace

[Moby-Dick]

fair enough

I can see why its moved to a paid for model - it costs us so much time - and has more business impact and a virus in certain cases.

next mission is to try and block spyware at a gateway level for a reaosnable cost.

for a small businees , its not practical to run ISA server + somethign like websence or GFI download security

squid + dansguardian is one option I guess - but I wonder what other low cost options there are for small businesses ?

[Dooms]

I was surprised when i ran adware & spybot on an infested machine at work and they found x amount of stuff and then i downloaded and ran the m$ beta anti spyware and it found quite alot more.

[Allen]

I may have a look with that one then. May find something then...

[cm_uk]

this was just intended to HELP people prevent spyware... so dont bitch about linux etc.

[Allen]

this was just intended to HELP people prevent spyware... so dont bitch about linux etc.

Who's bitching about Linux??

[cm_uk]

directhex is/will... but erm this is a windows only thread btw.it means dont! not that peps are...

[tommylittleboy@]

If anyone is looking for free apps to do something, I'd suggest using download.com. Yesterday, they introduced a zero tolerance of Adware bundling software. I use MS AntiSpyware which is fairly effective, but I rarely download any unknown software, and if I do, I will load it into a virtual pc first to check it.

MS provide a 45 day trial of Virtual PC 2004 here

[Moby-Dick]

I'm suggesting the use of a linux box as a gateway for use by clients of mine as a lower cost alternative to a box running ISA 2004 and an edge protection system such as websence ( to prevent users from visiting known spyware sites ) or Download security to monitor any http / ftp downloads.

Preventative measure are always going to be better.

[rbarr777]

if your running XP just download Microsoft Antispyware Beta from www.microsoft.com , its and just schedule it to run once a day, I have this and the google toolbar plus SP2 Firewall thingy - no popups and never get ay other spyware etc..
best off all all thats FREE..!

[cm_uk]

Yeh antispyware beta is great prog free too