Spyware

Safetysettings is a computer hijacker that redirects a user's web browser to www.safetysettings.com, pops up warning messages and a warning bubble from the taskbar announcing the computer is infected with spyware and that the user should download a spyware remover. Safetysettings only promotes fake anti-spyware products such as AntiVirGear, SpyShredder, WinAntiVirus Pro 2007, Ultimate Cleaner and SecurePCCleaner. To restore the original default homepage, open IE > go to Tools > Internet Options > Type the URL address of your desired website > Click "Use Current" > click "OK". But restoring your hompepage manually does not necessarily mean that you've gotten rid of the spyware infection that brought on the homepage hijacker. Safetysettings.com may be a sign that you've been infected with spyware or a trojan. If, when Internet Explorer starts, you see any pop up windows telling you about a rogue anti-spyware program and how to remove spyware, then you're probably infected with a trojan and you will continue to be hijacked by safetysettings.com. Sometimes the hijackers prevent you from changing the homepage, or may allow you to temporarily change the homepage only to have safetysettings.com reappear later. So what do you do? Scan your system with an anti-spyware program and remove the spyware infections detected.

SpywareLocker is a rogue anti-spyware program designed to frighten the user into purchasing the full version of it. SpywareLocker usually is downloaded and installed through exploits or under dubious circumstances without user knowledge or permission. Once executed, SpywareLocker will launch on Windows startup and will display exaggerated or false claims of spyware found on user"s computer. This is the manner how it attempts to trick the user into purchasing the commercial version of SpywareLocker. SpywareLocker may be difficult to remove manually because it has the ability to recreate itself.

SystemDefender is a fake anti-spyware application that appeared on September 21, 2007. Usually SystemDefender is downloaded and installed by Trojans or through browser security exploits. Once executed, SystemDefender will offer you a free system scan for spyware. Then it will show you an exaggerated and fake scan report and will prompt you to purchase the full version of SystemDefender. Moreover, SystemDefender may open huge browser security holes and steal personal information, such as credit card numbers, banking accounts, PayPal passwords etc. SystemDefender may also download and execute hijackers, dialers and other malware.