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Technical Help & Discussion => General Tech Discussion, News & Q&A => Topic started by: Clive on February 09, 2006, 12:46

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: Clive on February 09, 2006, 12:46

February 9, 2006
Veronique De Freitas

A new report reveals that spyware threats could rise dramatically in the coming months.

According to anti-spyware company Webroot, last year was the biggest year on record for spyware.

Webroot's latest State of Spyware report shows that spyware is becoming more complex and therefore more difficult to detect and remove.

Last year, the anti-spyware company identified more than 400,000 websites that host spyware.

The report also revealed that UK web users are exposed to more than 21 pieces of spyware per PC and that there are 48 system monitors and 249 Trojans per 1000 PCs.

David Moll, chief executive officer of Webroot Software, said: "Spyware criminals know that many users have some kind of internet security application deployed on their PCs. These criminals also know that many of these applications do not protect users against the most advanced technologies such as Trojan horses and keyloggers.

"To capitalize on this security weakness, spyware criminals are increasingly relying on the most advanced technologies to infect users. The only way users can be protected against these types of threats is to use anti-spyware software that is recognized as a best-of-breed solution and includes frequent, automatic updates."

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: Simon on February 09, 2006, 18:36

I'm awaiting further details, but my cousin has managed to get his PC infected with something which pops up a dialogue box each time he starts his PC, telling him he has been infected with spyware, and to "click here to remove it", which then asks a £20 fee for some removal software!  Each time he removes the dialogue box, it pops up again a few seconds later.  
Ad Aware and Spybot have been unable to remove it, even in safe mode.

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: Clive on February 09, 2006, 18:43

Keep us posted Simon.  I had to fight off Winfix this afternoon and had a hell of a job stopping it downloading onto my computer.

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: Simon on February 09, 2006, 18:53

If I hear any more, I'll report back.

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: TR on February 09, 2006, 18:56

HJ Log Si  :wink:

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: Simon on February 09, 2006, 18:59

We've tried that, Terry, and posted it on www.hijackthis.de but even after removing all the iffy items, this thing is still there.  :(  I'm waiting for him to tell me exactly what it's called (it's Spyblast, or something like that, but don't go looking that up, as it's not actually that), and then we may be able to find a removal tool.

Title: Spyware on the rise
Post by: Simon on February 09, 2006, 19:46

Update:- looks like this (http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.spaxe.html) is the culprit.