Spyware cures may cause more harm than good

C/Net News.com ^ | 2/4/2004 | John Borland

[Hunble]

I have been using Spybot for about a year now and have been pleased.

However, I have recently started to wonder if it is not also the source.

Explain to me how it can find new spy-ware after it's last run, when I have had my computer off-line since then?

It may still be an outstanding program and I am most likely wrong.

[N3WBI3]

False logic, thats like saying if 95% of cars were Volvo's they would be just as dangerous as any other car. sometimes something is safer because of its design..

[FreedomPoster]

Agree with all of that. My security summary:

1) updated MS patches on OS and IE
2) regularly updated anti-virus software and definitions
3) hardware router on Internet connection
4) Spybot Search&Destroy and Lavasoft Ad-Aware updated and run, preferably weekly, but at least bi-weekly
5) Google toolbar, high privacy install, to block pop-ups. (603 and counting)
6) never open suspicious email attachments (just about any *.exes, no matter who from)

[Lando Lincoln]

I regularly run Adware and Spybot, but I still have an annoyance with my home computer (kids, you know). When online, I have incessant white background with print pop-ups that jump in every 5-10 seconds. To counteract them I have installed a pop-up killer but I still get the annoying visual blip of the pop-up. I am 99.9% certain there is malware on my machine that is causing the headache. Suggestions?

Lando

[xrp]

If she wants total security, yep. A car is sold as 'driveable', but you have to learn how to use it and be licensed.

[dts32041]

That about sums it up.

[N3WBI3]

Really? at the system registry level? Linux and Mac prevent user accounts from mucking around with the global libraries.. In addition they come *with* a firewall, you dont need to install third party software to get one..

[N3WBI3]

THan I guess the old 'Linux is hard to use and windows is easy to use' is only true if you dont want a secure box..

[JSteff]

Couldn't that be accomplished without running any software? A search for the file index.dat and then delete will do the same.

[wolicy_ponk]

Use Good Anti-Virus Software.

Use a good reg. monitor like Spybot Search and Destroy.

Use A good Firewall Product. Like ZoneAlarm Pro 4

If you are running a wireless network, use AIRSnare also.

Clean your caches regularly for best performance. There is a freebie called disk cleaner that works well, and supports Opera. Get it here. Disk Cleaner.

Defrag your drives once a week, or once every two weeks if you have minmal computer use.

DO NOT DOWNLOAD LOTS OF CRAP you don't really need. Don't load your 'puter with pirated software, half of it can have viruses, bots and trojans. Do not open attachments without scanning them first. Go to this site below if you want to learn just how secure (or not) your box is:

Steve Gibson Gibson Research Co.. Check out Shields Up! on his site, to test your security for free. Also has free security-related goodies.

[N3WBI3]

Use Mozilla/Opera/or Firebird all of which have pop-up killing built in as an option, there is no window or flash indicating it is blocking it..

[discostu]

Windows can be setup to keep user accounts from mucking with the registry and system folders too. Problem for all three OSes is that if you want to install software you're going to have to do it from an account that has administrative priviledges, once you're in that mode they could piggyback spyware. That's how most spyware gets in: while you're installing something else.

[xrp]

Somewhat.

[xrp]

Windows XP has a built-in firewall.

[per loin]

Either one is arguable. Put plainly, if a user is too stupid to use traverse [sic] the Internet responsibly, maybe that user should take a hike. It sure would clear out a lot of the lame users out there.

Do you also propose that those too weak to prevent a thug from mugging them should not go out in public?

[Hunble]

Of course, if you never install software on your computer...

I guarantee, 100%, that you will never have a problem!

[Lando Lincoln]

Thanks...I'll try it!

[N3WBI3]

80$ worth of hardware and software here, in addition to the fact that much of this makes windows a pain to use..

[js1138]

Spyware Blaster will prevent kids from downloading spyware, or even seeing the offers. Prevention is better than cure.

[xrp]

Do you also propose that those too weak to prevent a thug from mugging them should not go out in public?

No, but it is highly recommended that they hire a 3rd party bodyguard or purchase a 3rd party firearm.