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Computer Spyware and Malware Removal
Spyware
If you've ever owned a Microsoft Windows based computer you undoubtedly have heard at least one of the above words. In the last ten years Viruses and Spyware have been attributed to millions of computer problems worldwide. In a nutshell virus writers and those looking to exploit people using Windows have come up with software that causes multiple problems. Whether it is just for the fun of it or if someone is looking to make a profit Virus and Spyware take advantage of vulnerabilities in Windows based computers.
Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. Similar to Spyware or otherwise known as Spyware.
What is Spyware?
Definition: Spyware is computer software that is installed secretly or through means of stealth on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's permission.
Spyware can be disguised as many things such as a "must have" toolbar, file sharing program, or other software programs. When you are about to install a program it may bury in the End User License Agreement (EULA) that it also installs other necessary programs, when in fact they are not necessary and are spyware. Spyware also can be installed by browser exploits usually in Internet Explorer.
The picture below and to the left shows a spyware infested Internet Explorer 6. The picture next to it on the right shows what it should look like with no spyware. When you have a purple monkey juggling coconuts on your desktop you have spyware, and yes that is approximately 15 toolbars that have been installed.
What are signs your computer has spyware?
If your computer starts acting slow and you see strange toolbars, system tray icons, pop-ups, and desktop messages you probably have spyware on your computer. Also if you lose internet connection with your computer and you notice suspicous pop-ups or messages informing you of security alerts you most likely are infected.
You should not input any sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information until your computer has been thoroughly cleaned out, and the all traces of the spyware have been removed.
What can help prevent spyware?
Do not agree to install any programs you are not familiar with. Spyware loves to hide in free screensavers, free file sharing programs, and other freeware software. Also make sure your computer is up to date using Windows Update. Using alternative web browsers such as Firefox and Opera can also help prevent spyware. If you are looking for free software I recommend these two: 
and Download.com. All of the software they host is tested to make sure it is safe.
What can help remove spyware?
Install, update, and run Adaware and Spybot Anti-Spyware programs. These are free and usually remove most basic spyware infestations.
Top Spyware Threats
Virtumonde Adware - (General)
Explorer32.Hijacker - Hijacker
Zango Adware - (General)
Hotbar - Toolbar
Plus18Point - Hijacker
Adware.NetAdware.Gen - Toolbar
Hyperlinks Rotator - Browser Plug-in
Hotbar.ShopperReports - Toolbar
C2.Lop - Hijacker
Adware.Agent.gen - Adware (General)
Trojan-Downloader.Zlob.Media-Codec - Trojan Downloader
Trojan.FakeAlert - Trojan
Trojan-Downloader.Generic - Trojan Downloader
INF.Autorun (v) - Trojan
Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.gen - Trojan
Trojan.1 - Trojan
Antivirus 360 - Rogue Security Program
Trojan.Crypt.XPACK.Gen - Trojan
Trojan.Win32.Monder.gen - Trojan
Bifrost - Backdoor
Antivirus 2009 - Rogue Security Program
Rootkit.TDss.Gen - Rootkit
Rogue Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware programs
One of the most popular things for virus and spyware makers lately has been the creation of fake anit-virus and fake anti-spyware programs. They infect you in multiple ways and try to get you to pay for their program in order to clean your computer. It is basically blackmail.
To the right you will see screenshots of Anti-Virus 2009 and what it looks like when you are infected. They show you a fake scan taking place with a big list of bad things your computer is supposedly infected with. Don't fall for this! The program is a ripoff and your money will be taken and you will have nothing to show for it.
The makers of these programs have even hijacked a google home page when you browse there to make it look as if Google is recommending you register the product to protect yourself. Don't fall for it! Google would never recommend registering a product on their homepage!
The last screenshot to the right is another fake scan that is pretending to scan your computer. Please don't ever pay for these fake programs, you will get nothing in return.
Getting rid of these fake programs can be complicated. Updating and running your Anit-Virus / Anti-Spyware is a good first step. Having Windows completely updated is another helpful tip to prevent them in the first place. All files and folders you download off the net need to be scanned immediately after downloading. Practicing safe browsing is another thing you should be doing.
If you still are having problems with spyware - Feel free to give me a call or e-mail. I usually like to take care of Spyware and Virus problems in house rather than a service call.
I offer 24 hour turnaround most of the time. I service the entire Grand Rapids, MI area including Jenison, Hudsonville, Grandville, Wyoming, Byron Center, Kentwood, Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Rockford Comstock Park and Walker.