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.

Contrware is a rogue anti-spyware program that is distributed through the Zlob Trojan or via other unconventional and unethical mechanisms. Once it is executed, Contrware will display notifications of imaginary security threats in its attempts to get the user to purchase the full version of the application. In addition, Contrware may generate system instability.

AntiSpywareShield is a fake anti-spyware program that is related to Dr. Antispy. AntiSpywareShield is downloaded and installed by a Trojan, through browser security holes, or via other unconventional and unethical mechanisms. Once it is installed, AntiSpywareShield will show notifications of imaginary security and privacy risks in its attempts to trick the user into purchasing the full version of the application and may even cause sluggish performance of your computer.

AntiVirGear is a rogue anti-spyware application designed to scare you into purchasing AntiVirGear's full version by showing misleading warning messages on your Taskbar. AntiVirGear is usually downloaded and installed via ZLOB/MediaAccess Codec installer from an adult site. AntiVirGear scans your computer and uses false positives in order to frighten you into buying the full program. Although AntiVirGear may appear to be harmless, it is a security risk to your computer and it may actually expose you to more security threats by installing other malicious applications. Home site for this fake anti-spyware application is www.Antivirgear.com

Spy-Kill is a rogue anti-spyware program that may be secretly installed onto your system through various Trojans or browser security holes. Once installed, Spy-Kill will start displaying fake warnings and will urge you to purchase the program. Though Spy-Kill claims to include a popup blocker, it generates excessive popup advertisements. Spy-Kill shouldn't be trusted and is recommended to be removed from your PC with no delay.

MalwareDestructor is a fake anti-spyware program that is often downloaded and installed by a Trojan, through browser security loopholes, or via other unconventional and unethical mechanisms. Once it is installed, MalwareDestructor will show notifications of imaginary security and privacy risks in its attempts to trick the user into purchasing the full version of the program. It is very dangerous because MalwareDestructor program is not going to clean your computer from spyware but might actually expose you to more security threats.

SpyArsenal Print Monitor is a nasty spyware keylogger created to stealthily monitor and log your typed keystrokes made on your machine. SpyArsenal Print Monitor can be configured to take screenshots of your computer screen at preset time periods. SpyArsenal Print Monitor will monitor your visited websites, sent emails and IM conversations. SpyArsenal Print Monitor is capable of recording typed passwords and banking pass codes. SpyArsenal Print Monitor may compromise your security and privacy.

W32/Gokar is a mass-mailing worm that is designed to infect machines running Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP. W32/Gokar propagates as an email attachment. Once it is executed, W32/Gokar will try to spread via mIRC by overwriting the script.ini file of the mIRC client. W32/Gokar also scans your hard disks and searches for email addresses. Then W32/Gokar will send its copies to all addresses found in your machine's Outlook address book. In addition, W32/Gokar may terminate several processes related with anti-virus and anti-spyware applications.