Spyware: Top 10...


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FYI...Should others be in this "Top 10"?

- http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=22027

22 March 2005

"THE 10 BIGGEST spyware and adware threats based on detection as well as potential impact are:

1) CoolWebSearch (CWS): May hijack any of the following: Web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings. Recent variants of CoolWebSearch install using malicious HTML applications or security flaws, such as exploits in the HTML Help format and Microsoft Java Virtual machines.

2) Gator (GAIN): Adware program that may display banner advertisements based on user Web surfing habits. Gator is usually bundled with numerous free software programs, including the popular file-sharing program Kazaa.

3) 180search Assistant: Adware program that delivers targeted pop-up advertisements to a user's computer. Whenever a key word is entered into a search engine or a targeted Web site is visited, 180search Assistant opens a separate browser window displaying an advertiser's Web page that is related to the key word or site.

4) ISTbar/AUpdate: Toolbar used for searching pornographic web sites that may display pornographic pop-ups and hijack user homepages and Internet searches.

5) Transponder (vx2): An IE Browser Helper Object that monitors requested web pages and data entered into online forms, then delivers targeted advertisements.

6) Internet Optimizer: Hijacks error pages and redirects them to its own controlling server...

7) BlazeFind -- May hijack any of the following: Web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings. BlazeFind may redirect Web searches through its own search engine and change default home pages...This hijacker may also change other Internet Explorer settings.

8) Hot as Hell -- A dialer program which dials toll numbers in order to access paid pornographic Web sites. Hot as Hell may disconnect a user's computer from a local Internet provider and reconnect the user to the Internet using an expensive toll or international phone number. It does not spy on the user, but it may accrue significant long distance phone charges. It may run in the background, hiding its presence.

9) Advance Keylogger -- Advanced Keylogger has the ability to monitor keystrokes and take screenshots.

10) TIBS Dialer -- TIBS Dialer is a dialer that may hijack a user's modem and dial toll numbers that access paid, pornographic Web sites.

List courtesy of Webroot Inc..."

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