Some call them spyware some call them badware, some call them rogue applications. How about "crapplications?" Of course the concept of "crapware" already exists, and relates to the unordered, unwanted, and basically lame "bonus programs" (AOL, anyone…..anyone???) that come pre-installed on new PCs and is best treated to a quick removal via Control Panel/Add Remove Programs.
Just out from PC Tools, the software company that produces Spyware Doctor, release the following information about top threats today. Spyware Doctor, by the way, successfully removed the AntiVirus 208 infection I was working on last night. There was on finally step. Using the Control Panel, I went into Display setting. On the Desktop tab, I clicked on the Customize Desktop button, and Desktop Items Window, I selected the Web tab, where I found something called "Privacy Protection" checked. Un-checking it returned the Desktop back to the Windows desktop display I had selected, instead of the plain white background that remained after Spyware Doctor had killed the rogue app.
Top Threats
Below are some of the latest threats identified by PC Tools
Notice that Number 1 and 5 are downloadable applications – "AntiSpyware Patrol", and "Online Games." The Trojan Downloadoer ZLOB is usually packaged with all of this sort of program, and allows the bad guys to add more crap to your computer at any time. My advice – before installing ANYTHING to your computer, do a little Google research, just type the product name into the search box and read what people are saying. THis can keep you from paying top dollar for crappy legitimate software as well.
AUG
About the Author:
I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker. I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. I also teach Cybersecurity Awareness Training classes. I work as an information technology and cybersecurity instructor for several training and certification organizations. I have worked in corporate, military, government, and workforce development training environments I am a frequent speaker at professional conferences such as the Minnesota Bloggers Conference, Secure360 Security Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, the (ISC)2 World Congress 2016, and the ISSA International Conference 2017, and many local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, and several school districts. I have been blogging on cybersecurity since 2006 at http://wyzguyscybersecurity.com