The
Spyware
Warrior List of
Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware
Products & Web Sites
|
Last Updated: May 4, 2007
|
About This Page - Please Read:
Those who have followed the development of this page
since 2004 will have noted that the list of "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware
products has not been updated since May 2007. Unfortunately, other time
commitments have precluded our efforts to keep that list up to date.
Since the last update dozens of "new" rogue anti-spyware programs have
hit the 'Net. The vast majority of them, however, are not really new,
but are simply re-branded clones and knockoffs of the same rogue
applications that have been around from years. In most cases, they are
being pushed through the same deceptive practices by the same parties
responsible for earlier versions. See in particular these "families" of
anti-spyware products, which continue to live on through shameless
re-branding: 15,
18,
19,
21,
22, &
23.
If you are looking for information on the
most recent rogue anti-spyware applications, we recomend visiting these
sites:
|
On this page...
These pages are maintained by:
|
"Rogue/Suspect" means that these products are of
unknown, questionable, or dubious value as anti-spyware
protection.
Some of the products listed on this page simply do not provide proven,
reliable anti-spyware protection or may be prone to ridiculous
false positives. Others may use unfair,
deceptive, high pressure sales tactics to
scare up sales from gullible, confused users. A
very few of these products are either associated with
known distributors of spyware/adware or have been known to
install spyware/adware themselves. Not all products exhibit
the same problems, however. Please see this "note
to readers" for more information.
Users are advised to
rely on the short list of Trustworthy
Anti-Spyware Products
with deserved reputations for quality performance.
Criteria & Testing
Criteria that we use to classify anti-spyware
programs as "rogue / suspect" are discussed below in the
Listing Criteria section.
Testing
was performed with most of the apps listed
below, though not all of
them. The notes section
below contains definitions and descriptions of some of the key
terms used in the comments for the applications listed. Be sure
to consult the Anti-Spyware
Family Resemblances and Orphans
& Outcasts companion pages for more information on the
applications listed.
De-Listed Applications
Some applications that were originally
included in this list of "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware
programs have been de-listed after the vendors for those
programs took steps to correct the problems identified on this
page. For each program that has been de-listed there is a note
explaining the circumstances at the bottom
of the main "rogue/suspect" list. For more information
on the process of de-listing application, see
THIS
discussion below.
Note: before contacting us about
programs not included on the main list below, please check the
list of lesser-known
anti-spyware applications that we have tested as well as the
list of legitimate,
licensed clones of other anti-spyware programs.
More Information
For additional information on "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware
products, see the More
Information section towards the bottom of the page. Suzi has
put together a "Top 10 Rogue Anti-Spyware" list
HERE.
For
reports on more extensive testing with a select group of
anti-spyware utilities, see HERE.
A short list of anti-spyware applications that are recommended as
useful and trustworthy can be found on the list of Trustworthy
Anti-Spyware Products below. An extended list of quality
anti-spyware products is
HERE. If your PC is already infested with spyware or
adware, see the instructions
below for getting help.
|
| Rogue/Suspect
Anti-Spyware Products |
What follows is the main list of "rogue/suspect"
anti-spyware applications, none of which can be recommended for
anti-spyware protection. Be sure to consult the notes
section at the bottom of the list for more information about the list
and how it is constructed. Some applications with an entry below have
been de-listed. Entries for those applications remain to point to
explanatory notes below the main list If you don't find an application
included on the main list of "rogue/suspect" anti-spyware
products below, you might also consult the list of lesser
known anti-spyware applications that are not considered
"rogue/suspect." And for a short list of reputable,
recommended anti-spyware, see the Trustworthy
Anti-Spyware Products section.
Most recent additions:
AntiVirusPCSuite (5-4-07),
ExpertAntivirus (5-4-07),
SpyVampire (5-4-07), SpyWare
Secure (5-4-07), Malware Stopper (4-22-07), AVSystemCare (4-22-07), Adware Remover (4-11-07),
AntiVirus Protector (4-11-07), Antivirus Solution (4-11-07), Spyware IT (4-11-07),
SpyLocked (4-11-07),
AntiSpyZone (4-11-07), PerfectCleaner (3-7-07),
SpyAway (3-7-07),
SpyDawn
(3-7-07), SpyCrush
(3-7-07), NeoSpace
(3-7-07), Copperhead AntiSpyware
(3-7-07), AntiVirusAdvance
(3-7-07),
Ad Armor (1-9-07), Fixer
AntiSpy (1-9-07), Spy
Analyst (1-9-07), Spy
Officer (1-9-07)
Most recent de-listings: TrueSword
(12-26-06), 1-2-3 Spyware Free
(12-26-06), Maxion Spy
Killer & MaxNetShield
(12-26-06)
Most recent re-listings: SpyCleaner (5-12-06)
Please read
this note on the Trustsoft AntiSpyware application
(8-21-05).
Total applications listed: 349
|
| Product |
Domains |
Comments |
| 1 Click Spy Clean |
1clickspyclean.com
1clicksuite.net |
Spybot S&D rip-off (1);
dubious corp. associations (1)
[A: 8-12-04 / U: 8-12-04] |
| #1 Spyware Killer |
1spywarekiller.com
surfertools.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
poor scan reporting; dubious corp. associations (1); same app as
Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpySpotter, SpywareThis,
& Spyware Protection Pro; Ad-aware
knockoff [A:
10-5-04 / U: 2-7-05] |
| 1stAntiVirus |
1stantivirus.com
innovagest2000.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same company as
AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover;
same app as
KillSpy, SpyContra, SpyDeface, Ultimate Defender, & XSRemover [A:
1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
| 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker |
adware.storesbiz.com
spy.storebiz4u.com |
no trial version locatable; same
app as AdDriller, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker &
Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 7-23-04 / U: 2-14-05] |
| about:blank 2005 |
aboutblankremover.com |
no trial version available [A:
1-29-05 / U: 1-29-05] |
| Ad Armor |
adarmor.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same app as
Fixer AntiSpy, Spy Analyst, & Spy Officer [A: 1-9-07 / U:
1-9-07] |
| AdDriller |
addriller.com
cdmworldsoftware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; falsely reports updating ref database;
same
app as 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker &
Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 10-10-04 / U: 10-10-04] |
| Ad-Eliminator |
ad-eliminator.com
adeliminator.net
|
spam-driven, aggressive advertising (1,
2, 3);
browser hijacking (1); unconscionable license
terms (1,
2); Ad-ware
knockoff (1);
same app as
Spy-Control - (Note: other domains associated w/ this app
include: 123spywar.com, 1stspywar.com, adekit.com, adware-business.com, adware-gator.com, adwareindanger.com, adwareisgone.com,
antiadwareco.com, antiadwarefoundation.com, antispawarechat.com, antispywareco.com,
antispywarecoer.com, antispywaredirectx.com, antispawarefree.com,
antispywarefreex.com, killadwareco.com, myspyerase.biz, realspyerase.biz, spydestroying.com, spyelimination.com,
spywareindanger.com, spywarmegasite.com)
[A: 8-1-04 / U: 8-29-04] |
| AdProtector |
adprotector.com
protectorsuite.com
redv.net |
adware-supported by
RedV Network (1,
2);
download link broken? no trial version? [A:
6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| Ads Alert |
pcprivacysoftware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses out-of-date reference database w/ no
update function [A: 8-10-04 / U: 8-10-04] |
| ADS Adware Remover |
adware-remover.net |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, AdwareSpy, AdWare
SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004,
SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; early versions were Ad-aware knockoffs
[A: 7-2-04 / U: 11-17-04] |
| Adware Agent |
killersoftware.com |
no privacy policy (1);
uses ActiveX "kill bit" database stolen from SpywareGuide.com
(1)
[A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| AdwareBazooka |
adwarebazooka.com
adware-bazooka.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme;
same app as
AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, CpyCut, SpyiBlock, Spyware
Disinfector, SystemStable, & The
SpyGuard [A: 12-21-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
| Adware Cops |
adwarecops.com
bulletproofsoft.com |
front end for BPS Spyware & Adware
Remover [A: 3-26-05 / U: 3-26-05] |
| AdwareDelete |
adwaredelete.com
adware-delete.com
qspyware.com |
deceptive advertising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase;
uses inadequate scan/detection scheme; dubious corp. associations (1);
same
app as AntiVirus Gold, MalwareWiped, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, SpyLocked, Spyware Sheriff, SpywareStrike,
TitanShield AntiSpyware, & VirusBlast [A: 6-14-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
| AdwareDeluxe |
adwaredeluxe.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot,
PestProtector, SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover,
& SpywareXP; same company as
MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| Adware Finder |
adwarefinder.com
engagemarketing.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme
& detections database [A: 7-8-06 / U: 7-8-06] |
| Adware Hitman |
adwarehitman.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same app as
Consumer Identity, Protect Your Identity, SpyBan,
SpywareAssassin, Spyware
C.O.P., SpywareKilla, The Adware Hunter, & TheSpywareKiller
[A: 7-20-04 / U: 7-20-04] |
| AdwareHunter |
adwarehunter.com
browser-page.com |
report of browser hijack
(1);
no trial version locatable; dead? [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| Adware-Nuker |
registry-doctor.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); flawed,
inadequate detection scheme (1);
inadequate
information about app & company; no privacy policy; same app
as AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover, PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster,
SpywareHospital, Super Spyware Remover, The Spyware Detective,
& WebSafe Spyware Secure [A: 6-1-05 / U:
6-1-05] |
| AdwarePatrol |
adwarepatrol.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; no privacy policy; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety, AdwareTools,
AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-1-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| AdwarePro |
adwarepro.com |
no trial version locatable; inadequate
information about app & company; same affiliate program as
NetSpyProtector (1) [A:
8-31-04 / U: 8-31-04] |
| AdwarePunisher |
adwarepunisher.com
adware-punisher.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising; desktop hijacking; uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme;
same app as
AdwareBazooka, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyCut, SpyiBlock, Spyware
Disinfector, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-5-05 / U: 2-3-06] |
| Adware Remover |
adwareprotectionsite.com
platinumpartner.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same app as
AntiVirus Protector, Antivirus Solution; same
company as earlier family
of apps [A: 4-11-07 / U: 4-11-07] |
| AdwareRemover |
adwareremover.ws
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareSafety, AdwareTools,
AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus - [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| AdwareSafe |
adwaresafe.com |
same app as Adware
Filter, AdwareX,
& SpyAssassin; same company as Adware Filter [A: 9-10-04 / U:
4-22-05] |
| AdwareSafety |
adwaresafety.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareTools,
AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| Adware Sheriff |
adwaresheriff.com
adwaresheriff.net
sheriffcash.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising; same company as RegFreeze (1) [A:
2-14-06 / U:
2-14-06] |
| AdwareSpy |
adwarespy.com
spywarespy.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator,
Ad-Where 2005,
ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware,
Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 6-29-04 / U: 7-7-04] |
| AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal |
adwarespywareremoval.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;earlier
versions were same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy,
AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield;
earlier versions were Ad-aware knockoffs
[A: 7-23-04 / U: 11-17-04] |
| Adware & Spyware Firewall |
flyyasoft.com |
eval. version expires immediately, no trial
possible [A:
8-2-05 / U: 8-2-05] |
| Adware/Spyware Remover |
adware.storesbiz.com
spy.storebiz4u.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same company as 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker [A:
2-14-05 / U: 2-14-05] |
| Adware Striker |
adwarestriker.com
bulletproofsoft.com |
front end for BPS Spyware & Adware
Remover [A: 3-30-05 / U: 3-30-05] |
| AdwareTools |
adwaretools.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| AdwareX |
adware.com |
same app as Adware
Filter, AdwareSafe,
& SpyAssassin
[A: 6-30-04 / U: 6-30-04] |
| AdwareX Eliminator |
adwarexeliminator.com
athivision.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); falsely reports updating ref database;
same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal,
Ad-Where 2005,
ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware,
Spy-Kill, & The Web
Shield (1); Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 7-8-04 / U: 8-19-04] |
| Ad-Where 2005 |
ad-where.com
privacytools2004.com
adwarespyware.net |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
uses outdated ref database & falsely reports updating ref database (1,
2); same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS
Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare
SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004,
SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield [A:
2-6-05 / U: 2-6-05] |
| Agent Spyware |
agentspyware.com |
uses outdated ref database [A:
11-14-05 / U: 11-14-05] |
| AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover |
aguarddog.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); flawed,
inadequate detection scheme (1);
inadequate
information about app & company; no privacy policy; same app
as Adware-Nuker, PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster,
SpywareHospital, Super Spyware Remover, The Spyware Detective, & WebSafe
Spyware Secure [A:
11-6-04 / U: 3-27-05] |
| AlertSpy |
alertspy.com
adwaredeluxe.com
adwarexterminator.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; exploits name "hijack this" (1);
exploits name "spybot" (1,
2); same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus; same company as MicroAntivirus - (Note:
other domains associated with AlertSpy include: adwaretools.com, nixad.com, spy-bot.com, spy-bot.net,
spy-bot.org, spybotsd.com, swipespy.com)
[A: 11-10-04 / U: 4-29-05] |
| AlfaCleaner |
alfacleaner.com
innovagest2000.com |
drive-by-downloads, stealth installs (1,
2); same company as Anti Virus Pro, Winhound
Spyware Remover, & XSRemover [A:
1-14-06 / U: 3-1-06] |
| AntiSpy Advanced |
antispyadvanced.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; re-packaged version of
Mandel Enterprise's Spyware Remover [A:
12-26-06 / U: 12-26-06] |
| Anti-Spyware Blocker |
anti-viruses.net
your-soft.com
|
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate info about company & app;
same company as Anti-Virus&Spyware [A: 2-17-05 / U:
2-17-05] |
| AntiSpyware Soldier |
antispywaresoldier.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising, stealth installations (1,
2,
3);
false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
8-21-06 / U: 8-21-06] |
| AntiSpyZone |
antispyzone.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising; stealth installs (1);
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate scan/detection
scheme;
same
app as AdwareDelete, AntiVirus Gold, MalwareWiped, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon,
SpyLocked, Spyware Sheriff, SpywareStrike,
TitanShield AntiSpyware, & VirusBlast [A: 4-11-07 / U:
4-11-07] |
| AntiVermins (AntiVerminser) |
antivermins.com |
aggressive
advertising (1);
stealth installs (1) [A:
11-12-06 / U: 11-12-06] |
| AntiVirusAdvance |
antivirusadvance.com |
no trial version available; deceptive
references on download page; same company as MicroAntivirus [A:
3-7-06 / U: 3-7-06] |
| Antivirus Email |
antivirus-email.com |
advertising supported
service
(1,
2);
outrageous terms of service
(1,
2); no trial
version available [A: 10-24-05 / U: 10-24-05] |
AntiVirus Gold /
AntiVirus Golden |
antivirus-gold.com
antivirusgolden.com |
aggressive advertising, desktop
hijacks (1,
2,
3, 4,
5, 6,
7,
8); false positives work as goad to
purchase; uses inadequate scan/detection scheme;
same
app as AdwareDelete, MalwareWiped, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, SpyLocked, Spyware Sheriff, SpywareStrike,
TitanShield AntiSpyware, & VirusBlast [A: 6-2-05 / U:
6-13-06] |
| AntivirusPCSuite |
antiviruspcsuite.com |
no trial version available [A:
5-4-07 / U: 5-4-07] |
| Anti Virus Pro |
anti-virus-pro.com
innovagest2000.com |
no trial version available; same company as
AlfaCleaner, Winhound Spyware Remover, & XSRemover [A:
1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
| AntiVirus Protector |
antivirusprotectionsite.com
antivirusprotector.com
antiviruspremium.com
virusscansite.com
platinumpartner.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same app as
Adware Remover Antivirus Solution; same
company as earlier family
of apps [A: 4-11-07 / U: 4-11-07] |
| Antivirus Solution |
6d-antivirus.com
platinumpartner.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same app as
AntiVirus Protector, Adware Remover; same
company as earlier family
of apps [A: 4-11-07 / U: 4-11-07] |
| Anti-Virus&Spyware |
anti-viruses.net
your-soft.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor
scan reporting; inadequate info about company & app; same company as
Anti-Spyware Blocker [A:
8-7-04 / U: 2-17-05] |
| ArmorWall |
armor2net.com
spywarekiller.net |
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor
scan reporting [A: 7-15-04 / U: 7-15-04] |
| AVSystemCare |
avsystemcare.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising (1) [A:
4-22-07 / U: 4-22-07] |
| BestGuardPlatinum |
bestguardplatinum.com |
aggressive advertising, desktop
hijacks (1);
no trial version available [A: 3-19-06 / U:
3-19-06] |
| Botsquash |
botsquash.com |
trial version expires immediately;
uses inadequate, outdated ref database [A: 8-15-04 / U:
8-15-04] |
| BPS Spyware & Adware Remover |
bulletproofsoft.com
spywarecops.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; company is known
adware distributor (1);
exploits name SpywareBlaster (1)
& SpywareGuard (1);
Ad-aware rip-off (1,
2);
Spybot S&D rip-off (1,
2,
3);
old version was same
app as Real
AdWareRemoverGold, Spyware Nuker, & TZ Spyware Adware Remover; new
version uses "Spyware Cops" or "Spy Striker" front end [A:
6-26-04 / U: 12-19-05] |
| Brave Sentry |
bravesentry.com |
aggressive
advertising, desktop hijacking (1,
2); false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate scan
reporting; same app
as DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestTrap, PestWiper,
SpyDemolisher, SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, &
Spyware-Stop [A:
3-9-06 / U: 3-9-06] |
| BreakSpyware |
breakspyware.com |
misleading scan results [A:
12-26-06 / U:
12-26-06] |
| CheckFlow CheckSpy & Anti Spyware 2005 |
checkspy.com
checkflow.com |
client app's scan reporting poor; client requires installation of
Microsoft .NET framework; free scan prone to false positives that work as goad to
purchase; [A: 11-7-04 / U: 12-30-04] |
| CleanX |
cleanx.co.kr |
false positives work as goad to purchase
(Korean) [A: 10-5-06 / U: 10-5-06] |
| Consumer Identity |
consumeridentity.com |
aggressive advertising
(1,
2, 3,
4); false positives work as goad
to purchase; web site down, domain inactive;
same app as
Adware Hitman, SpyBan, SpywareAssassin, Spyware C.O.P., SpywareKilla, The Adware Hunter,
& TheSpywareKiller [A: 8-9-04 / U: 10-1-04] |
| ContraVirus |
contra-virus.com |
uses out-of-date ref database; deceptive
scan reporting
(Korean) [A: 12-26-06 / U: 12-26-06] |
| Copperhead AntiSpyware |
copperheadsecurity.com |
inadeqate ref database; confusing scan
results [A:
3-7-06 / U: 3-7-06] |
| CurePCSolution |
curepcsolutions.com |
aggressive advertising,
browser
hijacks; false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
12-26-06 / U:
12-26-06] |
| DIARemover |
diaremover.com |
aggressive
advertising, desktop hijacking; false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as Brave Sentry, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestTrap, PestWiper, SpyDemolisher,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A:
10-6-06 / U: 10-6-06] |
| Doctor Adware |
doctoradware.com
no-spy-ware.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| Doctor Adware Pro |
doctoradwarepro.com
alertspy.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot,
PestProtector, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, &
SpywareXP; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-20-05 / U:
3-20-05] |
| Easy Erase Spyware Remover |
easyerase.com |
scanner apparently broken; no update
function; ref database is woefully inadequate; appears to be the same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator,
ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 7-20-04 / U: 7-20-04] |
| Easy Spyware Killer |
easyspywarekiller.com |
scant info on home
page, no privacy policy (1);
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate ref database (1); same
app as PAL Spyware Remover, & JC Spyware Remover & Adware Killer [A:
6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| Elimiware |
elimiware.com
professionalcash.com |
uses fake/bogus "free" scan to sell product; no trial version
available for testing; inadequate info about company & app; no privacy
policy; dubious license terms (1)
[A: 4-7-05 / U: 4-7-05] |
| ETD Security Scanner |
etdscanner.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate info about company; same
app as 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker; AdDriller, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker &
Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware, Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 10-16-04 / U: 10-16-04] |
| ExpertAntiVirus |
expertantivirus.com |
app plants the
very files it detects as malware (1); false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
5-4-07 / U: 5-4-07] |
| Fixer AntiSpy |
fixerantispy.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same app as Ad
Armor, Spy Analyst, & Spy Officer [A: 1-9-07 / U:
1-9-07] |
| Flobo Free Anti Spyware Clean |
floborecovery.com |
non-existent scan reporting [A:
11-14-05 / U: 11-14-05] |
| Freeze.com AntiSpyware |
freeze.com |
company is known adware distributor (1);
questionable license terms, demands
personal info, provides outdated trial version of Webroot Spy Sweeper (1)
[A: 9-15-04 / U: 9-15-04] |
| Froggie Scan |
software4yoursuccess.com |
uses
inadequate detection scheme; displays in-context banner ads;
same
app as Privacy Crusader, Spy Reaper,
SpyShield, SpyViper, Spyware IT, Spyware Scrapper, & The Spyware Shield [A:
3-29-06 / U: 3-29-06] |
| GoodbyeSpy |
tekeffect.com |
no update function;
false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
7-20-04 / U: 7-20-04] |
| GuardBar |
guardbar.com |
weak anti-spyware protection (1);
same company as SpyBouncer (1)
[A: 9-18-04 / U: 9-18-04] |
| HitVirus |
hitvirus.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme;
same app as
AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyCut, SpyiBlock, Spyware
Disinfector, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-21-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
| IC Spyware Scanner |
allume.com
aladdinsys.com |
ridiculous false positives; uses inadequate
detection scheme; this application is bundled in
Internet Cleanup (same company) as spyware
protection [A: 12-10-04 / U: 11-9-07] |
| InternetAntiSpy |
internetantispy.com
zendmedia.com |
aggressive, deceptive
advertising, browser hijacking (1,
2,
3,
4);
no trial version locatable [A: 6-26-04 / U:
6-26-04] |
| Internet Cleanup |
allume.com
aladdinsys.com |
ridiculous false positives; uses inadequate
detection scheme; this application bundles IC Spyware Scanner (same
company) for spyware protection [A: 3-13-05 / U:
11-9-07] |
| InternetShield |
internetshield.com
softwareonline.com
certified-safe-downloads.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising (1);
vendor prosecuted by Washington AG (1)
[A: 4-12-06 / U: 4-12-06] |
| iSpyKiller |
ispykiller.com
esunsofttechnologies.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same company as MySpyFreePC & Max Privacy Protector; same app
as Spyblocs 3.0, MySpyFreePC, Privacy Defender, SamuraiSpy, &
Spy Crusher [A: 1-26-05 / U:
1-26-05] |
| JC Spyware Remover &
Adware Killer |
jcspyware-remover.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
uses inadequate ref database (1); same app as Easy Spyware
Killer & PAL Spyware Remover [A: 6-26-04 / U:
6-26-04] |
| KaZaaP |
kazaap.org |
installs multiple
adware/spyware parasites
[A: 8-12-05 / U: 8-12-05] |
| KillAllSpyware |
killallspyware.com
mainstreamdollars.com |
aggressive advertising (1);
dubious corp. associations (1);
no trial version locatable; inadequate
information about company; web site promises "free download"
but then demands payment; no privacy policy/EULA [A:
8-25-04 / U: 2-7-05] |
| KillAndClean |
killandclean.com |
installed through
exploits; false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate/flawed scan/detection scheme;
same app as Safe &
Clean & UnSpyPC [A: 6-14-06 / U: 6-13-06] |
| KillSpy |
killspy.net |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme;
same company as AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover;
same app as
1stAntiVirus, SpyContra, SpyDeface, Ultimate Defender, & XSRemover [A:
11-25-05 / U: 1-6-06] |
| MalwareAlarm |
malwarealarm.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising desktop hijacking (1); false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as BraveSentry, DIARemover, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestTrap, PestWiper, SpyDemolisher,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A:
12-26-06 / U: 12-26-06] |
| MalwareScanner |
spywarecops.com
bulletproofsoft.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
latest version
of BPS Spyware & Adware
Remover [A: 3-10-06 / U: 3-10-06] |
| Malware Stopper |
malware-stopper.com
malwarepanacea.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate scan
reporting; same app
as Brave Sentry, DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestTrap, PestWiper,
SpyDemolisher, SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, &
Spyware-Stop [A:
4-22-07 / U: 4-22-07] |
| MalwareWipe / MalwareWiper / MalwareWiped |
malwarewipe.com
malwarewiped.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising; uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme;
same
app as AdwareDelete, AntiVirus Gold, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, SpyLocked,
Spyware Sheriff, SpywareStrike, TitanShield AntiSpyware, & VirusBlast [A:
12-28-05 / U: 12-26-06] |
| Max Privacy Protector |
maxprivacyprotector.com
esunsofttechnologies.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
poor scan reporting; same company as MySpyFreePC & iSpyKiller;
same app as
#1 Spyware Killer, SpyDoctor; SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005,
SpyLax, SpySpotter,
SpywareThis, & Spyware Protection Pro [A:
3-11-05 / U: 3-11-05] |
| MicroAntivirus |
microantivirus.com
microantivirusxp.com
platinumparter.com |
no trial version locatable; inadequate
information about company; no privacy policy; same company as AlertSpy
[A:
8-22-04 / U: 3-18-06] |
| Mr.AntiSpy |
mrantispy.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as BraveSentry, DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, PestCapture, PestTrap, PestWiper, SpyDemolisher,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A:
12-26-06 / U: 12-26-06] |
| MyNetProtector |
mynetprotector.com |
installs multiple
adware/spyware parasites (1,
2, 3);
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1,
2);
dubious corp. associations (1);
inadequate/broken scanning (1,
2)
[A: 8-18-04 / U: 8-18-04] |
| MySpyFreePC |
myspyfreepc.com
esunsofttechnologies.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same company as Max Privacy Protector & iSpyKiller; same app
as Spyblocs 3.0, iSpyKiller, Privacy Defender, SamuraiSpy, & Spy
Crusher [A:
2-5-05 / U: 2-5-05] |
| MySpyProtector |
myspyprotector.com |
EULA includes
adware terms [A: 11-12-06 / U:
11-12-06] |
| NeoSpace |
neospacelab.com |
aggressive, deceptive
advertising (1,2,3);
Ad-aware rip-off; inadequate scan results [A:
3-7-07 / U: 3-7-07] |
| NetSpyProtector |
netspyprotector.com
spybot-spyware-removal.com |
inadequate info about app, no trial version
locatable; "free scan" prone to false positives (1);
reportedly a variant
of NoSpyX, SpyVest, and Spyware Stormer (1)
[A: 7-7-04 / U: 7-26-04] |
| NoSpyX |
nospyx.com
interesoft.com
spywareboard.com |
aggressive advertising (1);
false positives
work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting; dubious corp. associations (1);
variant of SpyVest, SpywareCleaner, Spyware Slayer, Spyware Stormer,
Spyware Wizard, & X-Spyware
(1); Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 6-26-04 / U: 4-13-05] |
| Oxford Spyware Remover |
oxfordspywareremover.com |
no trial version available; inadequate info
about company, no privacy policy (1)
[A: 6-15-05 / U: 6-15-05] |
| PAL Emergency Response |
palsol.com
palsol.biz
palsol.net |
no trial version available; same company as
PAL Spyware Remover
[A: 9-18-05 / U: 9-18-05] |
| PAL Spyware Remover |
palsol.com
palsol.biz
palsol.net |
aggressive advertising, browser hijacking (1,
2,
3, 4); false positives
work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate ref database (1);
exploits name "spybot" (1); exploits name "spyware
warrior" (1);
same app as
Easy Spyware Killer, & JC Spyware Remover & Adware Killer - (Note:
other domains associated w/ PAL Spyware Remover include: 1spyware-removal.com,
adwarebgone.info, adwarespyware.net, cybergations.com, espywarekiller.privacyregained.com,
free-spyware-scan.info, jointventureforprofit.com/spy/, online-spyware-scan.com,
paltek.net, petspatrol.com, shmyl.com/ierison, spybot-scan.com, spybot-scanner.com, spybot-virus-scan.com, spybot.com-xp.com, spy-spyware.com, spyware1.com, spywarefinder.net, spywarekiller.us, spyware-remover-software.net,
spywarescout.com, spywarethis.com-xp.com, spyware-virus-scan.com, spyware-virus-remover.com,
trojan-virus-scan.com, win-fix.com)
[A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| PC AdWare SpyWare Removal |
pcadwareremoval.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
flawed, inadequate detection scheme (1);
inadequate
information about company, no privacy policy/EULA (1);
same app as
Adware-Nuker, AGuardDog AdWare/SpyWare Remover, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster,
SpywareHospital, Super Spyware Remover, The Spyware Detective, & WebSafe
Spyware Secure [A:
12-21-04 / U: 3-27-05] |
| PCArmor |
pcarmor.net |
no trial version locatable, inadequate
information about company, no privacy policy/EULA (1)
[A:
8-22-04 / U: 8-22-04] |
| PC Health Plan |
pchealthplan.com |
false positives
work as goad to purchase
[A: 5-6-05 / U: 5-6-05] |
| PerfectCleaner |
perfect-cleaner.com |
same app as
AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyAway, SpyCut, SpyiBlock,
Spyware Disinfector, TheSpyGuard, & SystemStable [A:
3-7-07 / U: 3-7-07] |
| PestBot |
pestbot.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestProtector,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| PestCapture |
pestcapture.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as Brave Sentry, DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestTrap, PestWiper, SpyDemolisher,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A:
10-6-06 / U: 10-6-06] |
| PestProtector |
pestprotector.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot,
SpyAdvanced, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| PestTrap |
pesttrap.com
xpesttrap.com |
aggressive,
deceptive advertising (1);
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as Brave Sentry, DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestWiper, SpyDemolisher,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper,
SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A:
1-18-06 / U: 4-12-06] |
| PestWiper |
pest-wiper.com
pestwiper.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as BraveSentry, DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestTrap, SpyDemolisher,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop
[A:
3-10-06 / U: 3-10-06] |
| Privacy Champion |
privacychampion.com |
reported hijacks/stealth installs (1,
2)
[A: 11-3-04 / U: 11-3-04] |
| Privacy Crusader |
egeosoftware.com
redemptionengine.com
rewardsengine.com |
ridiculous false positives; uses flawed, inadequate
detection scheme; same
app as Froggie Scan, Spy Reaper,
SpyShield, SpyViper, Spyware IT, Spyware Scrapper, & The Spyware Shield
[A: 11-5-05 / U: 11-25-05] |
| Privacy Defender |
pcsecurityshield.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor,
misleading scan reporting; deceptive advertising/"scan" on home page (1);
advertises through adware (1);
recruits affiliates through spam (1); dubious corp. associations (1); same app
as Spyblocs 3.0, MySpyFreePC, iSpyKiller, SamuraiSpy, & Spy
Crusher; also from this
domain: The Shield
2004, PC Security Shield - (Note: other domains associated w/ Privacy
Defender include: clixtrader.net, pcsecuritysheild.com, pcsecuritywall.com, pctoolworks2004.com,
pctoolworks2005.com, threatlevel.com) [A: 6-26-04 / U: 9-7-05] |
Privacy Tools 2004
(read note) |
privacytools2004.com |
vendor threatens
to distribute malware (1,
2, 3);
vendor attempts to silence critics (1);
unconscionable license terms (1,
2);
false positives work as goad to purchase (1,
2);
previous version was same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator,
Ad-Where 2005,
ETD Security Scanner, SpyBeware,
Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield;
previous version was Ad-aware knockoff
- Read this note about Privacy Tools 2004. [A: 7-20-04 / U: 8-27-04] |
| Protect Your Identity |
myspywarescan.com |
false positives work as goad
to purchase; uses out-of-date reference database w/ no functional update
function; same app as
Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, SpyBan, SpywareAssassin, Spyware C.O.P., SpywareKilla, The Adware Hunter,
& TheSpywareKiller [A: 10-2-04 / U: 10-2-04] |
| PSGuard |
psguard.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1,
2); reported
stealth-installs, hijacking (1,
2,
3, 4,
5,
6,
7); same app
as Security iGuard
[A: 6-14-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
PurityScan /
PuritySweep |
clickspring.net
purityscan.com
puritysweep.com |
adware-supported,
"drive-by-downloads" (1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6); stealth installs executables to foil uninstallation
[A: 6-26-04 / U: 7-5-04] |
| QuickCleaner |
quickcleaner.com |
online scan/detection service only;
inadequate info about service; inadequate, flawed scan/detection; no
uninstaller [A:
8-2-04 / U: 8-2-04] |
| RazeSpyware |
razespyware.com
razespyware.net
spywaredollars.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1,
2,
3); reported hijacks (1,
2,
3,
4, 5,
6);
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting;
same app as
SmartSecurity -
Note: other domains associated w/ RazeSpyware
include: findmenow.info, scanthenet.com, spyware-spyware.org
[A: 3-31-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
| Real AdWareRemoverGold |
adwareremovergold.com
adremovergold.com
|
aggressive, deceptive advertising
(1);
reported hijacks (1,
2);
dubious corp. associations (1);
false positives work as goad to purchase; Ad-aware rip-off; BPS Spyware & Adware Remover clone (1)
- (Note: other domains associated with Real Adware
Remover Gold include:
iteens.com, sg08.biz)
[A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| RegFreeze |
actualresearch.com
antispylab.com
regfreeze.com
regfreeze.net
sheriffcash.com
ad-soft.net |
aggressive
advertising, desktop hijacks (1,
2,
3); false positives work as goad to purchase (1);
dubious corp associations (1)
[A: 8-8-04 / U: 12-24-05] |
| RemedyAntiSpy |
remedyantispy.com
remedy-antispy.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme;
same app as
AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, SpyCut, SpyiBlock, Spyware
Disinfector, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-21-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
| Safe & Clean (Scan & Clean) |
scanandclean.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate/flawed scan/detection scheme;
same app as
KillAndClean & UnSpyPC [A:
1-2-06 / U: 1-2-06] |
| SafeWebSurfer |
safewebsurfer.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); flawed,
inadequate detection scheme (1);
same app
as Adware-Nuker, AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover,
PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SpyToaster, SpywareHospital, Super Spyware
Remover, The Spyware Detective, & WebSafe Spyware Secure [A: 3-27-05 / U:
3-27-05] |
| SamuraiSpy |
samuraispy.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same app
as Spyblocs 3.0, iSpyKiller, MySpyFreePC, Privacy Defender, & Spy
Crusher [A: 3-20-05 / U: 3-20-05] |
| Scan & Repair Utilities 2006 |
scanandrepair.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
inadequate info about company [A:
1-19-06 / U: 1-19-06] |
| ScanSpyware |
scanspyware.net |
aggressive advertising;
false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 6-26-04 / U:
3-24-06] |
| Scumware-Remover |
scumware-remover.org
smartestsearch.com
66.79.171.75 |
hijacks browser home page, HOSTS file
(1, 2,
3, 4,
5);
inadequate info about program and company; no EULA or privacy policy; crashes on test machine [A:
10-24-04 / U: 2-7-05] |
| SecureMyPC |
softsky.com.ua
gsiconcepts.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
11-5-05 / U: 11-5-05] |
| Security iGuard |
securityiguard.com
privacycash.com |
badgers users into purchase; reported
hijacking by affiliates (1,
2,
3,
4, 5);
dubious corp. associations (1,
2);
same app as
PSGuard
[A: 11-7-04 / U: 1-4-06] |
| SlimShield |
slimshield.com
spyware-wiper.com |
aggressive advertising, hijacking,
stealth installation (1,
2,
3,
4);
badgers users into purchase; false
positives work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting; no privacy
policy; inadequate info about company & app [A:
3-2-05 / U: 3-18-06] |
|
SmartSecurity |
smart-security.info |
no working scan in demo version; inadequate
info about company (1);
hijacking, aggressive advertising (1,
2,
3, 4,
5);
same app as
RazeSpyware
[A: 5-8-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
| Spy-Ad Exterminator Pro |
oreware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
8-8-04 / U: 10-10-04] |
| SpyAdvanced |
spyadvanced.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot,
PestProtector, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, &
SpywareXP; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 2-23-06 / U: 2-23-06] |
| Spy Analyst |
spyanalyst.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
same app as Ad
Armor, Fixer AntiSpy, & Spy Officer [A: 1-9-07 / U:
1-9-07] |
| Spy Annihilator |
adwaresoft.com |
inadeqaute info about application, no
privacy policy (1);
free scan application uses outdated ref database w/ no update function;
application uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; false positives
work as goad to purchase [A: 2-10-05 / U: 2-10-05] |
| SpyAssassin |
spyassassin.com |
exploits name of
"Ad-aware" (1,
2); same app
as Adware Filter, AdwareX, & AdwareSafe [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| SpyAssault |
spyassault.com |
installs
Favoriteman parasite (1,
2);
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| SpyAway |
spy-away.com |
same app as
AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, PerfectCleaner, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyCut, SpyiBlock,
Spyware Disinfector, TheSpyGuard, & SystemStable [A:
3-7-07 / U: 3-7-07] |
| SpyAxe |
spyaxe.com
spyaxe.biz
spyaxe.net
nospywaresoft.com
topantispy.com
spyaxeupdate.com |
desktop hijacking,
aggressive/deceptive advertising (1,
2); uses inadequate scan/detection scheme;
same
app as AdwareDelete, AntiVirus Gold, MalwareWiped, SpyFalcon,
SpyLocked, Spyware Sheriff, SpywareStrike,
TitanShield AntiSpyware, & VirusBlast [A: 10-24-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
| SpyBan |
spyban.net |
installs Look2Me &
VX2/ABetterInternet parasites (1,
2, 3,
4, 5,
6);
inexcusable false positives; same
app as Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, Protect Your
Identity, SpywareAssassin, Spyware
C.O.P., SpywareKilla, The Adware Hunter, & TheSpywareKiller; dead? [A:
6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
| SpyBeware |
spybeware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase;
update function broken?; same
app as AdDriller, 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy,
AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004,
Spy-Kill, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff
[A: 7-23-04 / U: 7-23-04] |
| SpyBlast |
spyblast.com
advertising.com |
vendor prosecuted
by FTC (1,
2); adware-supported
(1, 2,
3); aggressive, deceptive advertising (1);
drive-by-downloads, download link broken? no trial version locatable? [A:
6-26-04 / U: 8-4-05] |
| Spy-Block |
spy-block.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A:
6-1-05 / U: 6-26-05] |
| SpyBlocs/eBlocs.com |
eblocs.com
networkdynamicscorp.com |
aggressive, deceptive
advertising (1,
2,
3, 4,
5,
6,
7); false positives work as goad to purchase;
previous versions were Ad-aware knockoffs; same
company as CyberDefender; version
2.0 was same app as
#1 Spyware Killer, SpyDoctor, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpySpotter, &
SpywareThis; version 3.0 was same app
as Privacy Defender, MySpyFreePC, iSpyKiller, SamuraiSpy, & Spy
Crusher [A: 6-26-04 / U:
2-20-05] |
| SpyBouncer |
spybouncer.com
goggle.com
stingware.com
untdd.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase
[A: 6-26-04 / U: 4-22-07] |
| SpyBurn |
neosoftlabs.com
spyburn.palsol.biz |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same
app as XoftSpy (please read this note
about XoftSpy); Ad-aware knockoff;
no longer available (dead domain) [A: 7-4-04 / U:
10-5-04] |
| SpyBuster |
spy-buster.com
remove-spyware.com |
no trial version available [A:
12-26-06 / U:
12-26-06] |
| SpyClean |
spyclean.com
guardwall.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting; requires installation of
Microsoft .NET framework. [A: 7-9-04 / U: 7-9-04] |
| SpyCleaner |
cleanup-adware.com
pigeons.net
spycleaner.net
spycleaner-gold.com
topdownloads.net |
free version
installs WhenU
Save! adware program (1);
same
app as SpyRemover - please read this note
about SpyCleaner [A: 6-26-04 / U: 5-12-06] |
| SpyContra |
spycontra.com
innovagest2000.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same company as
AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover;
same app as
1stAntiVirus, KillSpy, SpyDeface, Ultimate Defender, & XSRemover [A:
1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
| Spy-Control |
spy-control.com
|
installs
Searchmeup parasite (1);
unconscionable license
terms; dubious implied endorsement (1);
advertised via "spam" (1); Ad-ware
knockoff (1);
same app as
Ad-Eliminator - (Note: other domains
associated w/ SpyControl include: bestnotospy.net, fightpycity.net, fightpyco.net, free-kazaa-spyware.info,
spy-control-now.com, spywarecleanser.info, spyware-finder.info, spyware-list.info, spyzonetown.com, stop-spyware-now.info) [A: 2-1-05 / U:
2-20-05] |
| SpyCrush |
spycrush.com |
aggressive, deceptive
advertising (1,2); same app
as SpyDawn, SpyHeal, SpywareQuake, VirusBurst, & VirusBursters
[A:
3-7-07 / U: 3-7-07] |
| Spy Crusher |
spy-crusher.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same app
as Spyblocs 3.0, iSpyKiller, MySpyFreePC, Privacy Defender, &
SamuraiSpy [A: 3-20-05 / U: 3-20-05] |
| SpyCut |
spycut.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme;
same app as
AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyiBlock, Spyware Disinfector, SystemStable, & The
SpyGuard [A: 3-10-06 / U: 3-10-06] |
| SpyDawn |
spydawn.com |
aggressive, deceptive
advertising (1); same app
as SpyCrush, SpyHeal, SpywareQuake, VirusBurst, & VirusBursters
[A:
3-7-07 / U: 3-7-07] |
| SpyDeface |
spydeface.com
innovagest2000.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same company as
AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover;
same app as
1stAntiVirus, KillSpy, SpyContra, & XSRemover [A:
1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
| Spy Defence |
spydefence.com |
false positives work as goad to
purchase [A: 10-5-06 / U: 10-5-06] |
| SpyDeleter |
spydeleter.com
209.50.251.182 |
aggressive advertising, hijacking (1,
2); vendor prosecuted by FTC (1,
2,
3);
same company as
SpyWiper/MailWiper (1,
2,
3, 4);
no trial version locatable [A: 6-26-04 / U:
10-10-04] |
| SpyDemolisher |
spydemolisher.com
spyware-cash.com
|
inadequate scan reporting; same app
as Brave Sentry, DIARemover, MalwareAlarm, Mr.AntiSpy, PestCapture, PestTrap, PestWiper,
SpyMarshal, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, &
Spyware-Stop [A: 6-14-05 / U:
6-14-05] |
| SpyDestroy Pro |
spydestroy.com
platinumparter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses
inadequate ref database; same
app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety,
AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot,
PestProtector, SpyAdvanced, SpywareRemoval, SpywareRemover, & SpywareXP;
same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
| Spy Detector |
spydetector.net |
questionable
license terms; flawed, high pressure scan detection & results [A: 7-24-04 / U: 7-24-04] |
|