Antispyware Toolbox

With the ever evolving issue of spyware, aka malware, the question remains what to do about it. The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies here. With the proper applications and safeguards in place you can keep these buggers out of play. However once they get in the mix they are sure to gum up the works and will take some real work to get rid of.

Malware, like viruses need advanced, dedicated software that are made especially for the detection and removal of the malicious application. There is a litany of software programs on the market to help detect & remove different types of malware. When I speak of malware I am referring to browser hijackers, those little monsters that take over your Internet start page and won't let you surf to the page you want to, key loggers that record your key strokes and report the information back to the mother ship and other malicious software that generally keep you from enjoying your computer.

Malwarebytes has a program that is great at getting to the evil that may be lurking on your computer.  Scans are relatively short but very thorough finding all kinds of vermin from your regular run of the mill adware programs such as mywebsearch to Trojans and root kits.  You can download Malwarebytes from http://malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

ComboFix is a program written by sUBs, that removes spyware, malware, rogue antispyware apps and Vundo infections. Also it deletes a bunch of files related to the infections and is updated fairly regularly. When Combofix finished, it will produce a report for you. Power user can use the report to search and remove infections that are not automatically removed. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

SpySweeper, $29.95, by webroot, www.webroot.com. I tried SpySweeper at the urging of a magazine review. SpySweeper is fast and thorough. You can stop a scan and delete what miscreants have been found but unlike PestPatrol you will have to start the scan all over again. SpySweeper has a set of “shields” that give you real time protection from browser hijackers, malware trying to insert itself in your start menu, manipulate your host file and other villainous activity.

While keeping malware at bay is not rocket surgery no one anti-malware application has the claim to fame of being the master of this field and it is suggested that you use more than one reputable application.   That said once a malware infiltration has taken place removing it, or them, may may not be as easy as installing one or more of the aforementioned tools.  The job may require starting the computer in safe mode, registry hacks, etc.
Before trying out any anti-malware application I recommend that you first surf over to http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm and check it out. Some of the guys that claim to be on your side actually aren’t.
Good luck and stay safe.
 

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