The "best" anti-spyware tool

[Rommel]

Yes, I know that "best" can be described, at best, as a subjective descriptor. But I still want to know what some of you think or claim as the "best" anti-spyware solution. Currently I use a tag team of Ad-Aware Pro SE and Spybot S&D. Are they sufficient and/or are there others that may perform better? Thanks for the information.

[dvk01]

A combination of adaware & spybot seems to be a generally good combination to find most malware and remove it safely

Some other scanners allege to find more, but some are renowned for false positives

Most of the ones that adawre & spybot don't find need special removal so an experienced tech using HJT or a similar registry examiner will deal with those

The only pay for ones I would consider apart from the paid for version of adaware are pest patrol and webroots spysweeper which might find a fix a few different ones than adaware/spybot but the same applies in reverse some of what adawre finds etc PP & spysweeper miss

This is a personal view and I don't endorse any products and consider the free tools to do just as good a job as the paid for ones

[SANTA'S HELPER]

spyblocker software for blocking / preventing infection

[SuperGeek]

I like the combo of

1. Spybot (free)

2. Ad-Aware (free version)

3. SpywareBlaster (free)

4. SpywareGuard (free)

5. X-Cleaner (free version)

6. Spysweeper (free trial)

7. Pest Patrol (You've got to be careful with this one due to many false positives, but i still think it is useful.)


Now this is just for spyware, not other forms of malware. For that i use a few other programs which i won't post 'cause off topic.

As for which is the best of the lot it is really hard to say. I really wouldn't be without any of the one's I listed. I suppose if i had to choose just one it could be Spysweeper, but that would never happen in reality because I like and use them all.

SG

[mercurie]

I use Adaware plus and Spybot keep myself up to date and never had a problem. Not a hang or freeze nothing and they find plenty of stuff to kill.

Happy hunting!! ;)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "I like the combo of

1. Spybot (free)

2. Ad-Aware (free version)

3. SpywareBlaster (free)

4. SpywareGuard (free)

" }-
I completely agree. ;) I would also throw SpySweeper somewhere in there.

[GlobalForce]

Posted by dvk01 :-{ Quote: "This is a personal view and I don't endorse any products and consider the free tools to do just as good a job as the paid for ones" }-That's a safe bet Derek (if it's OK to refer to you), a combination of compatible apps, free will certainly work Rommel.

Spybot I use as a standalone scanner along with the special stuff (HJT, CWS, etc.), just in case...
Some people run it with the tea-timer (active monitor).

Spysweeper's in there for it's anti-keylogger protection (active), thanks dvk01 and D&C for the mention.


GF

[RohenX]

this post removed due to being spam for a rogue anti-spyware. See my post in this thread - Detox

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "To read some reviews
Xoftspy is the best free program that I know!" }-:o This is a rogue anti-spyware product that you're promoting.
Try Webroot Spy Sweeper or Ad-Aware or Spybot, but not the rogue ones!
See link in my sig for information about these so called anti-spyware products.

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "To read some reviews =
http://www.spywareremoversreview.com/

Xoftspy is the best free program that I know!
You can download it at <snip>" }-

And another phony "review" site set up by affiliates of junk programs. These are found all over the web and one must be very careful when "review" sites have purchase links with affiliate ID. It's all about ranking the product that pays the most cash in affiliate $$$ with high honors.

Ugh.

John
Luv2BSecure

.


edited to remove link to rogue spyware from quote - Detox

[Detox]

You advertising for "XoftSpy" will have to be done elsewhere, my anonymous friend. I even downloaded the "free scan" just to give the absolute benefit of the doubt - it claimed that I currently have

CoolWebSearch
CWS.Oslogo
SaveNow
SaveNow
Winpup32
Winpup32
Adshoter.SearchForIt
Alexa
Marketscore(Netsetter)


and all I have to do is buy the license to clean them!

Hmmm.. how very strange.. My fully up-to-date Ad-Aware SE givesd a totally clean scan, as does Spybot - S&D.... No alerts in TDS3, Trend Housecall online scan absolutely clean... Coincidence? I think not. Deceptive marketing of crapware? (Ad-Aware GUI ripoff BTW) I think so.

Sorry to pull this a bit off topic but I wanted to ensure nobody was fooled by the guest post.

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "You advertising for "XoftSpy" will have to be done elsewhere, my anonymous friend. I even downloaded the "free scan" just to give the absolute benefit of the doubt - it claimed that I currently have

CoolWebSearch
CWS.Oslogo
SaveNow
SaveNow
Winpup32
Winpup32
Adshoter.SearchForIt
Alexa
Marketscore(Netsetter)


and all I have to do is buy the license to clean them!

Hmmm.. how very strange.. My fully up-to-date Ad-Aware SE givesd a totally clean scan, as does Spybot - S&D.... No alerts in TDS3, Trend Housecall online scan absolutely clean... Coincidence? I think not. Deceptive marketing of crapware? (Ad-Aware GUI ripoff BTW) I think so.

Sorry to pull this a bit off topic but I wanted to ensure nobody was fooled by the guest post." }-

Bravo!
Well done, Detox!

John
Luv2BSecure

.

[dvk01]

-{ Quote: "You advertising for "XoftSpy" will have to be done elsewhere, my anonymous friend. I even downloaded the "free scan" just to give the absolute benefit of the doubt - it claimed that I currently have

CoolWebSearch
CWS.Oslogo
SaveNow
SaveNow
Winpup32
Winpup32
Adshoter.SearchForIt
Alexa
Marketscore(Netsetter)


and all I have to do is buy the license to clean them!

Hmmm.. how very strange.. My fully up-to-date Ad-Aware SE givesd a totally clean scan, as does Spybot - S&D.... No alerts in TDS3, Trend Housecall online scan absolutely clean... Coincidence? I think not. Deceptive marketing of crapware? (Ad-Aware GUI ripoff BTW) I think so.

Sorry to pull this a bit off topic but I wanted to ensure nobody was fooled by the guest post." }-


All the supposedly bad files it found will be the activeX compatability entries telling IE to BLOCK any downloads of those problems

The entries it found are comonly found by rogue spyware removers and the entries are put in by either Spybot or spyware blaster normally as an ActiveX kill bit

That is why we are so adamant about being very careful with these badly wrtitten or rip off so called spyware removers

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "Well done, Detox! " }-Indeed, but you didn't have to go through all that trouble.
Eric L. Howes already tested it before, as mentionned on the Rogue Anti-spyware webpage.
Thanks anyway for confirming the results and removing this post. ;)
Hey ... I just found out I can report a bad post. Bummer, didn't see that before. :-\

[the Tester]

I have a lot of confidence in the combination of Spybot,AdAware,and Spyware Blaster.

These programs are well-known and that means something when you consider all the rogue spyware removal programs that are out there. ;)

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "I have a lot of confidence in the combination of Spybot,AdAware,and Spyware Blaster.

These programs are well-known and that means something when you consider all the rogue spyware removal programs that are out there. ;)" }-
If keyloggers are a concern, I would add Webroot's Spy Sweeper to the list. Spybot and AdAware (as good as they are) are geared more to the garden variety spyware and adware and don't have near the database size for keylogger detection that Spy Sweeper has.

John
Luv2BSecure

.

[GlobalForce]

Posted by Detox :-{ Quote: ""I even downloaded the "free scan" just to give the absolute benefit of the doubt"." }-Spoken as a true-----> gentleman. 8)

GF

[snowbound]

I would also like to throw Spycop into the anti-keylogger mix.

It has saved my bacon on a few occasions. ;)



snowbound

[GlobalForce]

Say Snowbound,

Not that you've needed it, but how's the support from Spycop? I've got SpySweeper now (on a pc mag mention), and IMO can tell you their support's short a bag of chip's. I'd like your opinion on this, cause when my subsciption dries out,
I'll be in the market.

So, how is your bacon these days ;D ?

GF

[yeuxbleus]

-{ Quote: "Say Snowbound,

Not that you've needed it, but how's the support from Spycop? I've got SpySweeper now (on a pc mag mention), and IMO can tell you their support's short a bag of chip's. I'd like your opinion on this, cause when my subsciption dries out,
I'll be in the market.

So, how is your bacon these days ;D ?

GF" }-
Webroot's support is non-existant. When I couldn't upgrade, I e-mailed them and I just got the automatic response of "uninstall then reinstall". I've never heard from them since. >:( I will be looking into SpyCop when my subscription is up as well, as I will be staying clear of any Webroot product.

[GlobalForce]

It does seem all responses are automated, all cut and dry. Besides, I've found they run you around their site in an attempt to get some reasonable answers. They are not on my list of helpful vendors.

Snowbound or someone with SpyCop, any words about support will be taken with open ears.

GF

[solarpowered candle]

spyblocker is maybe still up there with the best, However It will be intersting to see how Prevx shapes out . This may be excellent at spyware/malware etcd provention, provided ones system is clean before instalation of prevx.

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Say Snowbound,

So, how is your bacon these days ;D ?

GF" }-

A little burnt. ;)

As for Spycop support, the few times i needed it i got vey quick responses so i was quite happy with that.

Pretty simple program actually, and they have greatly improved the scan times in the last few versions.

The only downside is it is quite pricey, 70.00 dollars CDN. when i purchased it, not sure how much it is now. Lifetime subscription though.


snowbound

[luv2bsecure]

I agree with Webroot support being awful. However, if the product works better than the competition with better support - I'll take the feeling of security in the product before the support. Spy Sweeper has a much larger database than SpyCop and is especially good in the keylogger realm. But, the support is horrible - I'll give you that. Fortunately, I have never needed their support as the product works extremely well. Webroot needs to get their tech support in gear though......just no excuses for that kind of (non) service.

[GlobalForce]

Thanks for the feedback snowbound and L2b.

I didn't realize SpyCop's rate was seventy, but with lifetime (or as long as they stick around) it sounds better.

I agree L2b, support can be frustrating as they had me re-register twice! Why, I'll key it to their first response to my request for support, they were having server problems, the program wouldn't open. The fix was easy enough. But I do prefer a better functioning program vs. good support. It's the reason I picked it up in the first place, one of the online mag. comparisons gave it high rating's as the one that caught keyloggers.

I had a hunch you'd reply here somewhere... ;)

GF

[richrf]

Hi,

I am considering a purchase of Spy Sweeper for anti-keylogging support but I am trying out SnoopFree Privacy Shield (www.snoopfree.com) and it looks like it has terrific anti-keylogging protection. Only, because of my limited technical capabilities in this area, I am unable to really evaluate it and I haven't seen any independent reviews on the architecture. Has anyone done any due diligence on this product? Thanks for any comments

Rich

[luv2bsecure]

I haven't looked closely at this program, but I think it has a lot of potential. The real test against this anti-keylogger, obviously, will be to throw some trial versions of keyloggers at it -- and see if it detects them. I have just put this on my to-do list. It really looks fascinating - and unique. Take a look at this page which shows you what kind of "breach" meassages you are likely to encounter if a keylogger has been installed.
http://www.snoopfree.com/help_file/Breaches.htm#Breach Messages

Pretty intiguing - will definitely give it a spin.

[richrf]

Thanks John. I very much appreciate your reply and assistance. On my system, it seems like SnoopFree is picking up all programs that are trying to latch onto keyboard or window screen services. This includes programs such as Quckbooks, TDS-3, Ad-Aware, TrueVector, and InstallShield. I gave all of these programs privileges but what I like was the fact that SnoopFree seem to be doing a good job of detecting all potential keyloggers. It seems to be very tight. If you come up with anything, I will be looking for a post. Thanks again.

Rich

[Q Section]

A thank you to richrf who pointed to a link that pointed to a link. There seems to be a rather new resource for reviewing anti-spyware programmes. It is called ADWARE REPORT (http://www.adwarereport.com/). From their website -

"In our August round of testing, we analyzed seven of the most popular spyware removal products and rated each according to their ability to detect, remove, and completely cleanse a target PC of all spyware."

All data is not in yet but looks promising. Check it for yourself!

Be seeing you.

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: " There seems to be a rather new resource for reviewing anti-spyware programmes. It is called Adware Report " }-This is yet another fake review site - though clearly well-done as the site looks legit. These "review" sites are setup to do nothing more than sell product. Look at the "top-rated" antispyware tools: All the most expensive programs. Spybot (free) gets a 2 rating???? Aluria's Spyware Eliminator #1???? When you click on the "buy" button you are redirected (through an adwarereport re-direct link) to the developers site. ADWARE REPORT then gets his commission.

Don't ever trust a review site where the reviewer is getting a piece of the action. These affiliate sites are misleading and must be called out for what they are. Good anti-spyware: Spybot, AdAware, and Spy Sweeper. Note: Only one of those has a price tag. I would have put Pestpatrol on the list but the false positives are ridiculous.

[yeuxbleus]

-{ Quote: "I agree with Webroot support being awful. However, if the product works better than the competition with better support - I'll take the feeling of security in the product before the support..." }-

Yes, however, the product is doing me no good if I can't get it to work, therefore, I think that in this case, support is the most important. >:(

-{ Quote: "... Webroot needs to get their tech support in gear though......just no excuses for that kind of (non) service." }-

I agree 100%. ;)

[luv2bsecure]

I am a Spy Sweeper user, is there any way I might possibly be able to help you?

[richrf]

Hi John,

Thanks for your offer to assist. I am evaluationg SpySweeper and often I have questions concerning false positives. How do you go about resolving these questions? Does SpySweeper support respond quickly. My experiences with TDS-3 and BOClean have been exceptionally good. Usually a response within hours if not minutes. When I think I might have a trojon or spy (rare nowadays), I do like to get fairly quick response so I know how to proceed. Any experiences that you may have would be very helpful in my decision process. Thanks.

Rich

[Q Section]

What we said was that simply because someone is in the financial loop does not invalidate a test. It merely means the test is not an independent third-party test. If the test programmes can be known and tested by an independent third party then we can make some progress. Still, the tests that were done cannot be relied upon at face value simply because the means to replicate the tests are not available.

Just as in anti-virus testing, we need to know which files/malware were used and we need to be able to achieve exactly the same results on other test computers. Until that happens we only have what is called in the courts hearsay.

It still stands that we advocate using both Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware continuously as they work a little differently and both have merit separately.

We await a true independent third-party test. :)

[Infinity]

Spyblocker isn't even mentioned there...

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "Just because the reviewer is "getting a piece of the action" does not invalidate the test results." }-In this case I am afraid that it does. The results are nothing short of ridiculous. They also put rogue spyware into the "testing" mix. There is no question that this is a sales site and the "reviews" are merely set-up to push product.

Aluria Affiliate program:

Aluria Affiliate Program

Link to Aluria Software™ and Start Making Money! If you have a website, e-newsletter, or access to another online marketing channel, join the Aluria Software Affiliate Program today and earn money by promoting our software programs.

Why Join Aluria Software’s Affiliate Program?
The answer is simple, because we love writing BIG checks!

http://www.aluriasoftware.com/partners/affiliates/

Webroot affilate program:

How Much Can You Earn?

For a limited time, Webroot is providing new Affiliates with 50% commission on every sale for the first three calendar months you are in the program. This gives you three months to ramp up your sales to the necessary levels to maintain higher commissions. After the initial three months, your commission is determined by sales volume as shown below.

https://secure.webroot.com/affiliates/affiliate_signup.html

Granted, the site's marketing is well-done and they make the testing look impressive. But, make no mistake, this site is not there for the purpose of informing you about the quality of anti-spyware tools. It is there to generate click-thru's for the #1 and #2 "rated" products, with which this site gets up to 50% commission (and even higher at times with Aluria).

If Spybot and AdAware came in #1 and #2 in their "testing" do you think the site would even exist? It is a sales site. If you STILL doubt, look at the company's spam "review site":http://www.spamreviews.com/archives/000021.html

Guess what is #1? Giant Company's Spam Inspector (!!!!!)

Affiliate program:

Designed for online web sites who would like to sell the GIANT product line by sending qualified customers online to any of the GIANT Company web sites. Referral payouts of 50% of each qualified sale!! * There is absolutely no cost or risk associated with joining the affiliate program.

Clever - but misleading - online "reviews"..........

[luv2bsecure]

-{ Quote: "Hi John,
Thanks for your offer to assist. I am evaluationg SpySweeper and often I have questions concerning false positives. How do you go about resolving these questions? Does SpySweeper support respond quickly. My experiences with TDS-3 and BOClean have been exceptionally good. Usually a response within hours if not minutes. When I think I might have a trojon or spy (rare nowadays), I do like to get fairly quick response so I know how to proceed. Any experiences that you may have would be very helpful in my decision process. Thanks.
Rich" }-
If you rely on product support for that, that would, in fact, be something you would want good (and fast) support for. I have never used them for that myself so I can't speak to their speed. I have only heard it's pretty bad. As for the false positives though, the best support is Google and - Wilders!

[yeuxbleus]

-{ Quote: "I am a Spy Sweeper user, is there any way I might possibly be able to help you?" }-

Thank you! You are very kind! I bought a registered version of SpySweeper back in February. This installed and ran beautifully. When the program informed me that an upgrade was available, I followed their directions and ordered one from the website. I got a quick response via e-mail detailing how to upgrade. I followed the link and downloaded the newer version using the key code provided when prompted to do so. This is when my troubles began. As soon as it installed I got all kinds of error messages from every process running in the background. This continued until my system froze. I had to reboot in safe mode in order to uninstall it. After uninstalling and removing all registry traces, all is back to "normal". As mentioned, I e-mailed them concerning this and got the automated response. I e-mailed them again telling them the suggestion did not work and I haven't heard back since. Thanks.

[Don Pelotas]

Hi yeuxbleus

Be sure to have the latest build of Spy Sweeper 3.0.0 (Build 129) , the first version of 3.0 did produce symptoms like you descipe on my computer (when using rightclick), Build 129 has work just fine. Hope this helps. :)

[Infinity]

there is allready a new updated one.

-{ Quote: "Program Version 3.2.0 (Build 142) Using Spyware Definitions 391" }-

[GlobalForce]

Yeuxbleus,
I'd have to say server problems again, though I can not confirm this. In my circumstance, I was instructed to delete the install dat.file from the program, and reload my registered code which got me up and running. I speak only in reference to my situation, your's may be different.
I have never received a personal support letter from Webroot though they have resolved all issues in my case. It does seem mixed as to when the support response actually arrives (auto-confirmation almost immediate). If the problems are on weekends and you submit, you should have a response sometime Monday.

These are my experiences with Webroot.

GF

[Don Pelotas]

-{ Quote: "there is allready a new updated one." }-
I missed that one :D. Thank you INFINITY. :)

[Infinity]

No prb, Don.

what about the tags?

[yeuxbleus]

-{ Quote: "Hi yeuxbleus

Be sure to have the latest build of Spy Sweeper 3.0.0 (Build 129) , the first version of 3.0 did produce symptoms like you descipe on my computer (when using rightclick), Build 129 has work just fine. Hope this helps. " }-


-{ Quote: "there is allready a new updated one.there is allready a new updated one.

-{ Quote: "Program Version 3.2.0 (Build 142) Using Spyware Definitions 391" }-" }-

Thanks Don Pelotas and INFINITY. I forgot to mention that I am running Win98SE. After uninstalling and cleaning out all traces, I downloaded a trial version of the latest build. Same problems. ??? I am beginning to wonder if the newest versions are having compatibilty issues with Win98SE. Can anyone comment? :-\