Spyware 'Fix' Can Sometimes Make Things Worse
Some Spyware Removal Programs Install Own Spyware
UPDATED: 1:03 pm EST March 1,
2005
There is a program that claims to rid your computer of spyware programs that steal personal information. Instead, it downloads programs that spy on you.Philadelphia television station WCAU says the new twist could make the solution worse than the initial problem.
If you are not familiar with spyware, they are programs that surreptitiously monitor your online activity. They can hijack your computer and steal your passwords or personal information."These are basically (some) programs that are offered on the Internet that tell you they will help you remove spyware, but which in fact add more spyware, and more insidious spyware to your computer," said John Fried of the Philadelphia Inquirer.How can you be sure you're not downloading deceptive spyware removal programs? Fried says a big step in combating spyware is not to click on any unfamiliar sites or ads."The rule is to ignore the ads, ignore popups, ignore enticements. If you're worried about anti-spyware on your computer, get a legitimate program," Fried said.If your computer is running slowly, it's a possible sign that you have spyware on your computer. How do you get rid of the stuff?There are two programs that are free and available online. One is called SpyBot the other is called Ad-Aware.
SPYWARE If you believe spyware has been installed on your computer (one sign is pop-up advertising that is not affiliated with the site you're viewing), software can help you remove it. Ad-aware Spybot-S&D  Survey: Have You Had Spyware? |
Previous Stories:
- February 8, 2005: Utah To Upgrade Anti-Spyware Law
- January 6, 2005: Microsoft Launches New Anti-Spyware, Anti-Virus Tools
- November 5, 2004: Spyware Can Steal Information, Crash Computer
- October 18, 2004: Dell, Group Team To Fight Spyware
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Authorities release a chilling 911 call from a 19-year-old woman who hid in the back bedroom of a Central Florida home while four men attempted to break into the house.
An ex-wife of the man who found the remains of Caylee Anthony says that she thought her ex-husband was responsible for or involved in the girl's death.
Officials question the credibility of a female deputy who called 911 in September to report a masked man had attacked her.
John Travolta and his family made their first public appearance in their adopted Florida hometown since his son's death, helping raise thousands of dollars for charity at a screening of the actor's new comedy Friday night.
Dashcam video shows a Florida woman offering an officer sex instead of getting a ticket.
South Carolina police say an obese man died after not moving from his recliner for the past eight months. Police say the man's body was physically stuck to the chair and firefighters had to cut him out. He died a few hours later at the hospital.
A Nebraska man says romance turned to revenge when he was victimized by his girlfriend and then exposed on Facebook. 
A woman tired of hearing her son say he lost another sock has come up with an idea to prevent it from happening again.
It really works! An Iowa man makes a Halloween costume that switches from robot to truck in seconds.
Thirty Victoria's Secret supermodels take over New York's Times Square this week.
Take a quick look at the flicks headed to your multiplex. Check out the trailer, too.
Get your daily dose of the cute and unusual right here.
A new motion filed by the Casey Anthony defense team focuses on the former meter reader who found Caylee's remains.
Email Alerts
RSS News Feeds
Mobile
Live Streams
Slideshows
Video
Search
