What are differences Between SpywareGuard & Spyware Blaster?

Discussion in 'SpywareBlaster & Other Forum' started by Wheels3572, Dec 19, 2003.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Wheels3572

    Wheels3572 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2003
    Posts:
    17
    As the Subject Says. What is the Difference between
    Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster?
     
    Wheels3572, Dec 19, 2003
    #1
  2. LowWaterMark

    LowWaterMark Administrator

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2002
    Posts:
    18,280
    Location:
    New England
    Hi Wheels3572,

    SpywareGuard is a resident scanner (similar in a way to how an anti-virus program works) which proactively scans files prior to them being executed; looking for spyware installation kits and such. It scans with both known signatures and some generic protection techniques to detect and prevent spyware installation. SG also includes capabilities to prevent browser hijacks and provides built-in download protection for Internet Explorer. Because of all of this, SpywareGuard does run in the background. In fact, there will be two processes related SG in your task manager.

    SpywareBlaster is a preventative program. It sets flags in the registry to prevent the running of a specific list of bad spyware related ActiveX controls. This includes general spyware and malicious dialers. It also blocks a list of known spyware related cookies in IE6. SpywareBlaster should be run periodically, say once a week, to check for updates to its database. Other than that it doesn't need to be running to provide protection, so there are no processes run either at startup or in the background.

    I hope this helps to explain how they work.

    Best Wishes,
    LowWaterMark
     
    LowWaterMark, Dec 19, 2003
    #2
  3. Wheels3572

    Wheels3572 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2003
    Posts:
    17
    ok I guess my next question is I saw in a post I thought where it said SG scans when files are installed on computers and SB only detects malicious websites? Is that true? If so the main difference between each being

    SG - Scans for when files are installed on computer
    SB - Scans Maclicious websites?

    Other then that yes it explains what each do ty :).

    Willie
     
    Wheels3572, Dec 19, 2003
    #3
  4. LowWaterMark

    LowWaterMark Administrator

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2002
    Posts:
    18,280
    Location:
    New England
    Well, yes and no. SpywareGuard's main protection is a scanner that checks application install files when you run them, so that is right. This is very much like an anti-virus product that scans for viruses when you access or run a program.

    However, SpywareBlaster does not scan at all. It's main protection is that it sets "kill bits" for known malicious ActiveX controls. These kill bits prevent those ActiveX controls from being able to run. They disable those ActiveX controls.

    Now, it is true that the main source of malicious ActiveX controls are from websites meant to infect computers with spyware. So in that sense, SpywareBlaster does protect your system from that kind of malicious website. In fact, if a kill-bit is set on such an ActiveX control, it can't even be downloaded to your system from a website. So that's probably what was meant in the post you are referring to.
     
    LowWaterMark, Dec 19, 2003
    #4
  5. Wheels3572

    Wheels3572 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2003
    Posts:
    17
    Ok so I guess I am totally dense here sorry hehehe but with this paragraph which I am quoting now

    "However, SpywareBlaster does not scan at all. It's main protection is that it sets "kill bits" for known malicious ActiveX controls. These kill bits prevent those ActiveX controls from being able to run. They disable those ActiveX controls."

    Does that mean there is kill bits already set like preset kill bits for as you put it known ActiveX Controls or does it analyze the site as you goto them and then set kill bits to prevent the ActiveX from running?

    Willie
     
    Wheels3572, Dec 19, 2003
    #5
  6. snowbound

    snowbound Retired Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2003
    Posts:
    8,723
    Location:
    The Big Smoke
    The killbit is set for every spyware entrie u select when updated.

    That is why it is important to check for updates regularly.

    Like LWM said, SpywareBlaster is not a running process.
    It does not analyze or scan your system.

    Hope this helps.



    snowbound
     
    snowbound, Dec 19, 2003
    #6
  7. LowWaterMark

    LowWaterMark Administrator

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2002
    Posts:
    18,280
    Location:
    New England
    The kill-bits are all set ahead of time. Javacool finds malicious ActiveX controls all over the Internet and figures out the kill-bit that will stop them and adds them to SpywareBlaster. That's all it is - a list of known bad ActiveX items.

    There is no analysis of any website you visit. There is only a list of bad items selected by Javacool. If that bad item happens to be on a website you visit, you are protected. If there is a bad item on a website that Javacool has not yet found, SpywareBlaster is not going to protect you. There is no analysis - just a list of predetermined bad items.
     
    LowWaterMark, Dec 19, 2003
    #7
  8. Wheels3572

    Wheels3572 Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2003
    Posts:
    17
    ok ty that last part did answer my question :).

    "There is no analysis of any website you visit. There is only a list of bad items selected by Javacool. If that bad item happens to be on a website you visit, you are protected. If there is a bad item on a website that Javacool has not yet found, SpywareBlaster is not going to protect you. There is no analysis".

    Thank you VERY much for your help.

    Willie
     
    Wheels3572, Dec 19, 2003
    #8
  9. rocket

    rocket Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2004
    Posts:
    2
    Location:
    just west of Asheville, NC
    ;) :) :):)Thanks so much for everyone's input>>> I had loaded Spybot Search & Destroy on advice from E-Machine support staff: That software referred me to download Spyware Blaster.......... And thanks to you folks now I understand why...
    The SpyBot program is similar to Spyware guard in that it scans the system, Programs, downloads, etc Where SW Blaster prevents "known" Bad Stuff from entering the system!!! The key here is Update, Update, Update.
    Lowatermark & everyone else: You are Good!!!! Thanks again for helping a novice Understand....
    By the way, spyware guard has to be the better program 'cause I have to do manual scans with SpyBot.
    Nevertheless, I am eternally grateful to both for putting endless hours of personal time to offer something this good FREE to the public.... After I try this out for a week or two, if my system can hold up , my contributions will go to both.......... Rocket :)
     
    rocket, Mar 18, 2004
    #9
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...