For my tests, I used a list of nine Web sites and URLs that are sources of malware, spyware, and viruses, and all were effective and convincing in their delivery. Two of the sites actually showed step-by-step how to install the ActiveX control they were trying to deliver. To make sure I tested each product the same way, I scripted my browsing experience using Macro Scheduler 7.3, by MJT Net. For the products that did not include anti-virus protection, I installed Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.6 and updated it with the latest definitions. My test PCs and servers were a mix of Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP Pro, and Windows 2003 Server Standard.
Combating Spyware in the Enterprise
Eset, with its NOD32 Antivirus System, is a relatively unknown player in the enterprise anti-spyware game. This suite of security services proved average in detecting and cleaning my malware threats but boasts a full-featured remote-administration console. Although NOD32 has solid technical chops, it does suffer from overly cumbersome installation and disjointed administration.
Intego is my favorite Mac anti-spyware and anti-malware protection in 2023. It has comprehensive spyware protection and some excellent extra features, like a great firewall, parental controls, clean-up features, and more. Intego offers a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee on all its plans.
TotalAV has a range of packages, all of which include its anti-spyware protection. TotalAV Antivirus Pro is a good basic package, providing malware scanning and system tune-up for up to 3 devices for 19.00 / year, while TotalAV Internet Security adds a VPN and covers up to 5 devices for 39.00 / year. TotalAV Total Security then adds an ad blocker, a password manager, and coverage for up to 6 devices for 49.00 / year. TotalAV also offers a free plan that includes on-demand scanning and phishing protection for 1 device. The paid plans are all covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
SUPERAntiSpyware offers both a free and a paid version. The free version only performs on-demand scanning. The paid version, SUPERAntiSpyware Pro X, costs 33.06 / year and continuously monitors your device for spyware infections with its AI-Powered engine. It also includes multiple scan options, real-time threat blocking, automatic updates, and email notifications. The Pro X plan is available on a free 14 day trial, and it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
SpywareBlaster offers both free and paid versions. SpywareBlaster Free simply protects against spyware and other PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) via its browser extensions. The paid version, SpywareBlaster Autoupdate, which starts at 12.37 / year, additionally provides automatic database updates, easy multi-user coverage, and technical support.
However, Spybot does contain some advanced features to protect your device from spyware and adware, including real-time spyware scanning, antivirus scanning, cookie and plugin blocker, and rootkit scanning.
Anti-spyware software scans any files, programs, or scripts on your device for all known forms of spyware, and then removes any it finds. The best anti-spyware scanners, like those offered by Norton, McAfee, and Avira, also detect every other type of malware, using a combination of heuristics, machine learning, and massive cloud databases.
These kinds of programs often enter computers hidden in programs that apparently pose no threat whatsoever, such as freeware, shareware or demos. Often, the source of the download is more of a factor than the file itself, as many well-known files are tampered with and spyware inserted in them, meaning that when a user installs the legitimate program, the spyware is installed as well.
While the common thread between variants of spyware is the intent to steal personal information from a device, the ultimate aim behind obtaining that information can vary greatly. As such, a combination of security controls and user education and awareness are key to prevent spyware from infiltrating an enterprise.
All employees must understand that spyware browser extensions may appear legitimate but will track internet activity and record user behavior in order to monetize that information, either by selling the data or serving ads against it. Keyloggers and information stealers, two other types of spyware, also infect computers to steal data.
Mobile spyware, depending on complexity, can record the same data found on traditional PCs but with the addition of call logs, text messages and location data. More advanced, targeted spyware can also access a mobile device's camera, microphone or encrypted messaging communication. In all but the most extreme cases, the key to preventing mobile spyware is being aware of the permissions requested by apps.
In the easiest scenarios of legitimate apps or browser extensions that overstep privacy bounds to enter spyware territory, simply removing the extension or uninstalling the app should fix the issue. On a traditional computer, removal of spyware may require antispyware or antimalware software as simply uninstalling the malicious software will not remove all components.
On mobile devices, removal of spyware gets more complex with advanced or targeted attacks. Spyware that exploits flaws in a mobile system may embed itself so deeply that it will require a full system reset and reinstallation of the OS from a clean system image.
PestPatrol was an anti-malware product, designed to protect a computer system against threats such as adware, spyware and viruses. It performed automated scans of a system's hard disks, Windows registry and other crucial system areas, and enabled manual scans for specific threats, selected from a very long list of known malicious software.[3] Among its unique features were CookiePatrol, which purges spyware cookies, and KeyPatrol, which detects keyloggers.[4] Unlike most anti-spyware programs designed for home use on a single desktop, PestPatrol also provided a solution for the network environments found in enterprises.[5] Among the features that made it appealing for enterprise security administrators was the ability to manage networked desktops remotely.[6]
Early versions of the product were criticized for the poor user interface, described alternatively as something that "looks like an application that was ported from OS/2, with unclear buttons"[7] or a "clunky, text-based UI",[8] but the reviewers praised its malware detection and removal capabilities, stating "PestPatrol is the most effective anti-spyware system - short of a switch to Linux - that we've ever used".[7]
It was described by InfoWorld as "one of the most established brands in anti-spyware",[9] and in 2002, it was selected as "Security product of year" by Network World, which cited its ability to detect and remove more than 60,000 types of malware, and its defenses against Remote Administration Tools (RATs).[10]
Billing itself as the "Authority in Spyware Protection," it licensed its signature files for use in Yahoo! Companion and others. In 2003, along with other anti-spyware and anti-malware companies such as Webroot, Lavasoft and Aluria, it formed an industry consortium to fight malware called the Consortium of Antispyware Technology (COAST).[11]
Computer Associates (now CA Technologies) bought PestPatrol in 2004[12] and made it a part of its eTrust computer security line, which includes a virus scanner and a firewall. Using the newly acquired technology, CA created a bundle named CA Integrated Threat Management (ITM), which consisted of an anti-virus solution and the PestPatrol anti-spyware.[8][13]
Long time readers may note the absence of Kaspersky Plus from this collection. It definitely has some strong spyware-fighting features, among them fine-grained webcam control and an encryption system for your files. It remains highly effective, with excellent scores from the independent testing labs. So, where's Kaspersky?
Products from Sophos and Trend Micro include a component that monitors any program that tries to activate the webcam. Norton has a similar feature. Authorized programs, like your video conferencing tool, get access without a problem. But if an unknown program tries to peek through the camera, you get a warning, as well as a chance to give the spyware a black eye.
The spyware protection features I've mentioned are important, but they're not the only tools available. I mentioned encrypting your sensitive files. For maximum security, you must also use secure deletion to erase the originals beyond the possibility of forensic recovery. And yes, quite a few antivirus and security suite products offer secure deletion.
If spyware does get a foothold on your PC, it can't hoover up data that isn't there. Many security products can clear traces of your browsing activity, general computer activity, or both. As a bonus, getting rid of unnecessary files can free up disk space and may boost performance.
As I noted earlier, this article focuses on products that employ techniques aimed specifically at different types of spyware. It's not about the best general-purpose security software. In the end, the most powerful tool you can apply to keep yourself safe from spyware is a top-of-the-line antivirus or security suite. These products handle all kinds of malware, including threats much tougher than mere spyware.
Anti-Spyware Enterprise Edition retains the search and eradication methods that InterMute developed to wipe out the hard-to-find CoolWebSearch spyware, which has about 50 variants that can hijack Web browsers.
Separately, eSoft announced it has added anti-spyware protection to its InstaGate firewall/VPN line for small-to-midsize business customers. The InstaGate line also provides anti-spam, anti-virus and Web access controls through additional modules.
What is Verizon Internet Security Suite?Verizon Internet Security Suite (VISS) is a set of software and services that helps protect your (Windows or Mac) computer from hackers, viruses, spyware, and other threats. Verizon Internet Security Suite is automatically updated to keep the user protected from new threats online. VISS Multi-Device contains additional features and includes comprehensive security for Windows, Mac, and Android smartphones/tablets. 2ff7e9595c
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