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Rogue Spyware Products
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Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products |
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Most recent additions: Scan & Repair Utilities 2006 (1-19-06), PestTrap (1-18-06), Spyware-Stop (1-16-06), 1stAntiVirus (1-14-06), AlfaCleaner (1-14-06), Anti Virus Pro (1-14-06), SpyContra (1-14-06), SpyDeface (1-14-06), WinAntiSpy 2005 (1-9-06), SpywareStrike (1-5-06), True Sword (1-3-06), Safe & Clean (Scan & Clean) (1-2-06), MalwareWipe (12-28-05), CyberDefender (12-27-05), AdwareBazooka (12-21-05), AdwarePunisher (12-21-05), HitSpy (12-21-05), RemedyAntiSpy (12-21-05), SpyiBlock (12-21-05), SpyViper (12-14-05), SystemStable (12-8-05), The SpyGuard (Adware Punisher) (12-5-05), Spyware Terminator (12-5-05) Most recent de-listings: Spyware Detector (1-10-06), Doctor Alex (12-24-05), AdwareAlert (12-15-05), SpywareKill (10-30-05) Please read this note on the new Trustsoft AntiSpyware application (8-21-05).
Total
applications listed:
260 |
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Product |
Domains |
Comments |
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1 Click Spy Clean |
1clickspyclean.com |
Spybot S&D rip-off (1); dubious corp. associations (1) [A: 8-12-04 / U: 8-12-04] |
|
#1 Spyware Killer |
1spywarekiller.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] |
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1stAntiVirus |
1stantivirus.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same company as AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover; same app as KillSpy, SpyContra, SpyDeface, & XSRemover [A: 1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
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2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker |
adware.storesbiz.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] |
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about:blank 2005 |
aboutblankremover.com |
no trial version available [A: 1-29-05 / U: 1-29-05] |
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AdDriller |
addriller.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 |
spam-driven, aggressive advertising (1, 2, 3); broswer 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] |
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Ad-Protect |
adprotect.com |
(read note) |
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AdProtector |
adprotector.com |
adware-supported by RedV Network (1, 2); download link broken? no trial version? [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
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Ad-Purge Adware & Spyware Remover |
rebrandsoftware.com |
ridiculous false positives; uses inadequate detection scheme; same app as Privacy Crusader [A: 6-5-05 / U: 11-25-05] |
|
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] |
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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] |
|
Advanced Spyware Remover |
dreamenstudio.com |
ridiculous false positives [A: 10-19-05 / U: 11-25-05] |
|
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] |
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AdwareAlert |
adwarealert.com |
(read note) |
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AdwareBazooka |
adwarebazooka.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; same app as AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyiBlock, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-21-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
|
Adware Cops |
adwarecops.com |
front end for BPS Spyware & Adware Remover [A: 3-26-05 / U: 3-26-05] |
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AdwareDelete |
adwaredelete.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, SpyAxe, & SpywareStrike [A: 6-14-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
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AdwareDeluxe |
adwaredeluxe.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; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
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Adware Filter |
pcsafe.com |
exploits name of "Ad-aware" (1); same app as AdwareX, AdwareSafe, & SpyAssassin; same company as Adware Safe [A: 10-31-04 / U: 1-17-06] |
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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] |
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AdwareHunter |
adwarehunter.com |
report of browser hijack (1); no trial version locatable; dead? [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
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Adware-Nuker |
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] |
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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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; 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] |
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AdwarePunisher |
adwarepunisher.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; same app as AdwareBazooka, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyiBlock, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-5-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
|
AdwareRemover |
adwareremover.ws |
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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus - [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
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AdwareSafe |
adwaresafe.com |
same app as Adware Filter, AdwareX, & SpyAssassin; same company as Adware Filter [A: 9-10-04 / U: 4-22-05] |
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AdwareSafety |
adwaresafety.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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
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AdwareSpy |
adwarespy.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 |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same company as 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker [A: 2-14-05 / U: 2-14-05] |
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Adware Striker |
adwarestriker.com |
front end for BPS Spyware & Adware Remover [A: 3-30-05 / U: 3-30-05] |
|
AdwareTools |
adwaretools.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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; 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 |
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 |
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 |
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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus; same company as MicroAntivirus - (Note: other domains associated with AlertSpy include: 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 |
same company as Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover, & XSRemover [A: 1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
|
Anti-Spyware Blocker |
anti-viruses.net |
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] |
|
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-gold.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, SpyAxe, & SpywareStrike [A: 6-2-05 / U: 1-4-06] |
|
Anti Virus Pro |
anti-virus-pro.com |
no trial version available; same company as AlfaCleaner, Winhound Spyware Remover, & XSRemover [A: 1-14-06 / U: 1-14-06] |
|
Anti-Virus&Spyware |
anti-viruses.net |
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 |
false positives work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting [A: 7-15-04 / U: 7-15-04] |
|
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 |
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] |
|
CheckFlow CheckSpy & Anti Spyware 2005 |
checkspy.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] |
|
CoffeeCup Spyware Remover |
coffeecup.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate ref database (1); same app as Easy Spyware Killer, JC Spyware Remover & Adware Killer, & PAL Spyware Remover; Note: discontinued by vendor July 2005 [A: 7-27-04 / U: 12-8-05] |
|
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] |
|
CyberDefender |
cyberdefender.com |
ridiculous false positives; same company as Spyblocs / eBlocs [A: 12-27-05 / U: 1-16-06] |
|
Doctor Adware |
doctoradware.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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
|
Doctor Adware Pro |
doctoradwarepro.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; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-20-05 / U: 3-20-05] |
|
Doctor Alex |
doctor-alex.com |
(see note) |
|
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 CoffeeCup Spyware Remover, PAL Spyware Remover, & JC Spyware Remover & Adware Killer [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Elimiware |
elimiware.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] |
|
Emco Malware Bouncer |
emco.is |
prone to false positives; poor scan reporting; no longer available [A: 12-23-04 / U: 8-1-05] |
|
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] |
|
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] |
|
GarbageClean |
securemywindows.com |
(read note) |
|
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, SpyiBlock, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-21-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
|
IC Spyware Scanner |
allume.com |
ridiculous false positives; outrageous license terms; crashes during scan; this application is bundled in Internet Cleanup (same company) as spyware protection [A: 12-10-04 / U: 3-13-04] |
|
Intelligent Spyware Cleaner |
zzztech.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate detection scheme (1); inadequate info about company & app (1); no privacy policy (1) [A: 12-28-04 / U: 12-28-04] |
|
InternetAntiSpy |
internetantispy.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 |
ridiculous false positives; outrageous license terms; this application bundles IC Spyware Scanner (same company) for spyware protection [A: 3-13-05 / U: 3-13-05] |
|
iSpyKiller |
ispykiller.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 |
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] |
|
KillSpy |
killspy.net |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same app as XSRemover [A: 11-25-05 / U: 1-6-06] |
|
MalwareWipe |
malwarewipe.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising; uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme [A: 12-28-05 / U: 1-6-06] |
|
MalWhere |
malwhere.com |
(read note) |
|
MaxNetShield (MNS Spyware Remover & History Eraser) |
maxnetshield.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; this application suite bundles SpyKiller (same company) for spyware protection [A: 7-13-04 / U: 7-13-04] |
|
Max Privacy Protector |
maxprivacyprotector.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 |
no trial version locatable; inadequate information about company; no privacy policy; same company as AlertSpy [A: 8-22-04 / U: 3-24-05] |
|
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] |
|
MyPCTuneUp |
mypctuneup.com |
(read note) |
|
MySpyFreePC |
myspyfreepc.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] |
|
NetSpyProtector |
netspyprotector.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] |
|
No-Spy / Sin-Espías |
no-spy.com |
(read note) |
|
NoSpyX |
nospyx.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 |
no trial version available; same company as PAL Spyware Remover [A: 9-18-05 / U: 9-18-05] |
|
PAL Spyware Remover |
palsol.com |
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 CoffeeCup Spyware Remover, 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] |
|
pcOrion |
pcorion.com |
(read note) |
|
PestBot |
pestbot.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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
|
PestProtector |
pestprotector.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, SpyDestroy Pro, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
|
PestTrap |
pesttrap.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate scan reporting; same app as SpyDemolisher, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A: 1-18-06 / U: 1-18-06] |
|
Privacy Champion |
privacychampion.com |
reported hijacks/stealth installs (1, 2) [A: 11-3-04 / U: 11-3-04] |
|
Privacy Crusader |
egeosoftware.com |
ridiculous false positives; uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; same app as Ad-Purge Adware & Spyware Remover [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 |
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 / |
clickspring.net |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; same app as AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, SpyiBlock, 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 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 (1); false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Scumware-Remover |
scumware-remover.org |
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 |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 11-5-05 / U: 11-5-05] |
|
Security iGuard |
securityiguard.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 |
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: 3-12-05] |
|
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] |
|
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] |
|
SpyAxe |
spyaxe.com |
desktop hijacking, aggressive/deceptive advertising (1, 2); uses inadequate scan/detection scheme; same app as AdwareDelete, AntiVirus Gold, & SpywareStrike [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 |
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 |
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 |
aggressive advertising (1) [A: 6-26-04 / U: 9-25-05] |
|
SpyBurn |
neosoftlabs.com |
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] |
|
SpyClean |
spyclean.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 |
spycleaner.net |
(read note) |
|
SpyContra |
spycontra.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same company as AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, Winhound Spyware Remover; same app as 1stAntiVirus, KillSpy, SpyDeface, & 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] |
|
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] |
|
SpyDeface |
spydeface.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] |
|
SpyDeleter |
spydeleter.com |
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 |
inadequate scan reporting; same app as PestTrap, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A: 6-14-05 / U: 6-14-05] |
|
SpyDestroy Pro |
spydestroy.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, SpywareRemoval, & SpywareRemover; 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] |
|
SpyEliminator |
securetactics.com |
inadequate info about company & app, no privacy policy (1); no trial version locatable [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Spy Emergency 2005 |
spy-emergency.com |
(read note) |
|
SpyFerret |
onlinepcfix.com |
Spybot S&D rip-off (1, 2); also from this domain: Lop Uninstaller, Xupiter Uninstaller [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
SpyFighter |
spyfighter.com |
aggressive/deceptive advertising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; advertises through adware (1) [A: 11-7-04 / U: 12-14-05] |
|
SpyFirewall |
spyfirewall.com |
deceptive adevrtising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting; same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpySpotter, SpywareThis, & Spyware Protection Pro; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 2-1-04 / U: 2-1-05] |
|
SpyGuardian Pro |
softdd.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; confusing, misleading scan reporting [A: 11-10-04 / U: 11-10-04] |
|
SpyiBlock |
spyiblock.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; same app as AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SystemStable, & The SpyGuard [A: 12-21-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
|
SpyiKiller |
spyikiller.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate info about company & app (1); no privacy policy (1) [A: 12-28-04 / U: 12-28-04] |
|
Spyinator |
spyinator.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, SpyFirewall, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpySpotter, SpywareThis, & Spyware Protection Pro; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 7-2-04 / U: 7-2-04] |
|
Spy-Kill |
spy-kill.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); falsely reports updating ref database; same app as 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, AdDriller, ADS Adware Remover, AdwareSpy, AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal, AdwareX Eliminator, Ad-Where 2005, ETD Security Scanner, Privacy Tools 2004, SpyBeware, & The Web Shield; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 10-12-04 / U: 10-12-04] |
|
SpyKiller |
spy-killer.com |
uses inadequate scanning/detection scheme; this application is bundled in MaxNetShield (same company) as spyware protection [A: 6-26-04 / U: 4-11-05] |
|
SpyKiller 2005 |
spykiller.com |
vendor prosecuted by FTC (1); aggressive, deceptive advertising (1, 2, 3); false positives work as goad to purchase; same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyLax, SpySpotter, SpywareThis, & Spyware Protection Pro; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 6-26-04 / U: 2-14-05] |
|
SpyKillerPro |
spykillerpro.com |
browser hijacking, aggressive advertising (1); dead? [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
SpyLax |
healthycomputerclub.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); poor scan reporting (1); successor to SpyDoctor (1); same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor; SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpySpotter, SpywareThis, & Spyware Protection Pro - Note: SpyLax's previous incarnation as SpyDoctor is not to be confused w/ Spyware Doctor, a completely different app by another company [A: 6-29-04 / U: 10-25-04] |
|
Spy-Out |
spyout.net |
(read note) |
|
SpyPry |
logiguard.com |
ridiculous false positives; variant of known known family of app [A: 6-14-05 / U: 6-17-05] |
|
SpyRemover |
rizalsoftware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses out-of-date reference database w/ no update function -- Note: not to be confused with SpyRemover from itcompany.com [A: 8-10-04 / U: 1-8-05] |
|
SpySheriff |
spysheriff.com |
aggressive advertising, reported stealth-installs (1, 2, 3); false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate scan reporting; same app as PestTrap, SpyDemolisher, SpyTrooper, SpywareNo, & Spyware-Stop [A: 6-1-05 / U: 6-1-05] |
|
Spy Sniper |
pimasoft.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 10-30-05 / U: 10-30-05] |
|
Spy Sniper Pro |
spysniper.net |
promoted through spam (1); no trial version available [A: 8-21-05 / U: 8-21-05] |
|
SpySpotter |
spyspotter.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; aggressive/deceptive advertising, advertised via adware (1); same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpywareThis, & Spyware Protection Pro; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 8-9-04 / U: 10-26-05] |
|
Spy Stalker |
spystalker.com |
ridiculous false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 10-19-05 / U: 10-19-05] |
|
Spy Striker |
spystriker.com |
front end for BPS Spyware & Adware Remover [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
|
SpyToaster |
spytoaster.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; flawed, inadequate detection scheme (1); inadequate information about company; no privacy policy (1); same app as Adware-Nuker, AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover, PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SafeWebSurfer, SpywareHospital, Super Spyware Remover, The Spyware Detective, & WebSafe Spyware Secure [A: 5-6-05 / U: 5-6-05] |
|
SpyTrooper |
spy-trooper.com |
aggressive/deceptive advertising, stealth installs (1, 2, 3); same app as PestTrap, SpyDemolisher, SpySheriff, SpywareNo, Spyware-Stop [A: 9-10-05 / U: 9-10-05] |
|
SpyVest |
spyvest.com |
poor scan reporting; variant of NoSpyX, SpywareCleaner, Spyware Slayer, Spyware Stormer, Spyware Wizard, & X-Spyware (1); Ad-aware knockoff [A: 7-20-04 / U: 4-13-05] |
|
SpyViper |
spyviper.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses outdated ref database [A: 12-14-05 / U: 12-14-05] |
|
Spyware Annihilator |
solidlabs.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1, 2); false positives work as goad to purchase; no update function [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
SpywareAssassin |
spywareassassin.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1, 2); vendor prosecuted by FTC (1, 2); false positives work as goad to purchase; no EULA/Privacy Policy; uses out-of-date reference database; same app as Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, Protect Your Identity, SpyBan, Spyware C.O.P., SpywareKilla, The Adware Hunter, & TheSpywareKiller [A: 7-4-04 / U: 3-11-05] |
|
SpywareAvenger |
spywareavenger.com |
no trial version locatable; company is known adware distributor (1); "strict no-refund policy"; advertises through adware (1); "negative option" coupled w/ outrageous pricing [A: 9-22-04 / U: 12-28-04] |
|
SpywareBeGone |
spywarebegone.com |
aggressive advertising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; free scanner uses out of date ref database; same company as Spyware Vanisher [A: 6-26-04 / U: 11-10-04] |
|
Spyware B1aster |
spyware-b1aster-software.com |
no trial version locatable online; inadequate info about company & app (1); exploits name SpywareBlaster (note: should not be confused with the JavaCool app of the same name) [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
|
Spyware Bomber |
spywarebomber.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; vendor connected w/ known spyware/adware distributor (1, 2); no trial version publicly available [A: 8-24-05 / U: 10-24-05] |
|
SpywareCleaner |
checkforspyware.com/sc/ |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6); exploits name "hijack this" (1); uses insecure ordering page (1); variant of NoSpyX, SpyVest, Spyware Slayer, Spyware Stormer, Spyware Wizard, & X-Spyware (1); Ad-aware knockoff - (Note: other domains associated w/ this app include: hijack-this.net, spw2a.com/sc/, spw2f.com/sc/, spw3e.com/sc/, spw4.com/sc/, spw8.com) [A: 6-26-04 / U: 4-6-05] |
|
Spyware Cleaner |
spywarecure.net |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 11-17-05 / U: 11-17-05] |
|
Spyware Cleaner & Pop-Up Blocker |
--- |
inadequate info about app and company; no trial version locatable online (1, 2) - (Note: distributed by GameMill publishing / Educational Initiatives Group; same company as for Spyware Suite 2005; alt. app names incl. AntiSpy & PopStopper; bundled w/ Net Cleaner & PC Accelerator; all apps branded "SpyMagic") [A: 7-7-04 / U: 7-7-04] |
|
Spyware Cops |
spywarecops.com |
front end for BPS Spyware & Adware Remover [A: 3-5-05 / U: 3-5-05] |
|
Spyware C.O.P. |
spyware-cop.com |
aggressive advertising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; same app as Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, Protect Your Identity, SpyBan, SpywareAssassin, SpywareKilla, The Adware Hunter, & TheSpywareKiller [A: 6-26-04 / U: 7-16-04] |
|
SpywareCrusher |
spywarecrusher.com |
no update function [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Spyware Defense |
spywaredefense.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; dubious corp. associations (1) [A: 9-4-05 / U: 9-4-05] |
|
Spyware Destroyer |
spyware-destroyer.com |
inadequate info about app, no trial version locatable; home page uses same "free scan" as NetSpyProtector; "free scan" prone to false positives (1) [A: 10-10-04 / U: 10-10-04] |
|
Spyware Detector |
spywaredetector.net |
(read note) |
|
SpywareHospital |
spywarehospital.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, AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover, PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster, Super Spyware Remover, The Spyware Detective, & WebSafe Spyware Secure [A: 11-7-05 / U: 11-7-05] |
|
SpywareHound |
spywarehound.com |
advertises with/through known parasite (1); inadequate information about application [A: 10-24-04 / U: 10-24-04] |
|
Spyware Immobilizer |
halt-spyware.com |
no trial version available for testing; inadequate info about company & app; no privacy policy; uses insecure order page [A: 4-7-05 / U: 4-7-05] |
|
SpywareKill |
spywarekill.com |
(read note) |
|
SpywareKilla |
spywarekilla.com |
aggressive advertising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; same app as Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, Protect Your Identity, SpyBan, SpywareAssassin, Spyware C.O.P., The Adware Hunter, & TheSpywareKiller [A: 6-26-04 / U: 7-16-04] |
|
Spyware Medic |
rosecitysoftware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 3-11-05 / U: 3-11-05] |
|
SpywareNo! |
spywareno.com |
aggressive advertising, reported stealth-installs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6); false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate scan reporting; same app as PestTrap, SpyDemolisher, SpyTrooper, SpySheriff, & Spyware-Stop [A: 5-21-05 / U: 6-1-05] |
|
Spyware & Pop-Up Utility |
softwareoasis.cc |
inadequate, confusing info about app on home page; no trial version locatable [A: 7-9-04 / U: 7-9-04] |
|
Spyware & Pest Remover |
spyware-pest-remover.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; falsely reports updating defs database; inadequate info about company & app (1) [A: 1-13-05 / U: 1-13-05] |
|
Spyware Protection Pro |
3bsoftware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; earlier versions were same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpySpotter; & SpywareThis; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 12-14-04 / U: 8-14-05] |
|
SpwareRemoval |
spywareremoval.ws |
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, & SpywareRemover; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 3-25-05] |
|
Spyware Remover |
topics-ent.com |
no trial version locatable online; inadequate info about company & app (1) [A: 12-20-04 / U: 12-20-04] |
|
Spyware Remover |
adware.privacy-solution.com |
uses inadequate detection scheme; uses out-of-date ref database [A: 4-7-05 / U: 4-7-05] |
|
SpwareRemover |
hijack-this.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate ref database; expolits name "spybot" (1, 2); exploits name "Microsoft AntiSpyware" (1, 2, 3); exploits name "Hijack This" (1); same app as AdwareDeluxe, AdwarePatrol, AdwareRemover, AdwareSafety, AdwareTools, AlertSpy, Doctor Adware, Doctor Adware Pro, PestBot, PestProtector, SpyDestroy Pro, & SpywareRemoval; same company as MicroAntivirus [A: 3-25-05 / U: 9-18-05] |
|
SpywareRemover |
spy-ware-remover.com |
front for BPS Spyware & Adware Remover (itself an Ad-aware rip-off); associated w/ SpyForce.com [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Spyware Shield |
mntolympus.org |
(read note) |
|
Spyware Slayer |
freepcscan.com |
aggressive advertising (1); false positives work as goad to purchase; questionable EULA/Privacy Policy (1, 2, 3); included in SurfSafe; variant of NoSpyX, SpyVest, SpywareCleaner, Spyware Stormer, Spyware Wizard, & X-Spyware (1); Ad-aware knockoff [A: 10-10-04 / U: 9-8-05] |
|
Spyware Snooper |
spywaresnooper.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase [A: 10-1-04 / U: 10-1-04] |
|
Spyware Stormer |
spywarestormer.com |
aggressive advertising (1, 2, 3, 4); drive-by-downloading (1); false positives work as goad to purchase (1); variant of NoSpyX, SpyVest, SpywareCleaner, Spyware Wizard, & Spyware Slayer (1); Ad-aware knockoff [A: 6-26-04 / U: 7-20-04] |
|
SpywareStrike |
spywarestrike.com |
aggressive/deceptive advertising, desktop hijacking (1); uses inadequate scan/detection scheme; same app as AdwareDelete, AntiVirus Gold, & SpyAxe [A: 1-5-06 / U: 1-5-06] |
|
Spyware Striker Pro |
ascentive.com |
no trial version available [A: 8-14-05 / U: 8-14-05] |
|
Spyware-Stop |
spyware-stop.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate scan reporting; same app as PestTrap, SpyDemolisher, SpySheriff, SpyTrooper, & SpywareNo [A: 1-16-06 / U: 1-16-06] |
|
Spyware Suite 2005 |
--- |
inadequate info about app and company; no trial version locatable online (1) - (Note: distributed by GameMill publishing / Educational Initiatives Group; same company as for Spyware Cleaner & Pop-Ip Blocker) [A: 12-20-04 / U: 12-20-04] |
|
Spyware Terminator |
invender.nl |
no trial version available [A: 2-26-05 / U: 2-26-05] |
|
SpywareTek / Spyware Removal System |
spywaretek.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate info about company & app (1); no privacy policy; inadequate ref database; requires installation of Microsoft .NET framework [A: 12-7-04 / U: 12-7-04] |
|
Spyware Terminator |
spywareterminator.com |
vendor connected w/ known spyware/adware distributor (IBIS/Websearch); Note: not to be confused with Spyware X-terminator from Stompsoft [A: 12-5-05 / U: 12-5-05] |
|
SpywareThis |
spywarethis.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; no update function; same app as #1 Spyware Killer, Max Privacy Protector, SpyDoctor, SpyFirewall, Spyinator, SpyKiller 2005, SpyLax, SpySpotter, & Spyware Protection Pro; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Spyware Vanisher |
spywarevanisher.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; same company as SpywareBeGone [A: 10-20-04 / U: 10-20-04] |
|
Spyware Wizard |
spywarewizard.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising, browser hijacking (1, 2); variant of NoSpyX, SpyVest, SpywareCleaner, Spyware Slayer, Spyware Stormer, & X-Spyware (1) [A: 3-12-05 / U: 12-6-05] |
|
SpywareZapper |
spywarezapper.com |
front for TZ Spyware Adware Remover (download link is for TZ Spyware Adware Remover, itself a BPS Spyware & Adware Remover clone) [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
SpyWiper |
mailwiper.com |
deceptive advertising, browser hijacking, drive-by-downloading (1, 2, 3); vendor prosecuted by FTC (1, 2, 3); same company as SpyDeleter (1, 2, 3, 4); no trial version locatable [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
Spyzooka |
spyzooka.com |
(read note) |
|
StopGuard |
stopguard.com |
aggressive advertising, browser hijacking (1, 2, 3); dubious corp. associations (1); false positives used as goad to purchase; poor scan reporting; no EULA or privacy policy; inadequate info about company; no uninstaller [A: 8-30-04 / U: 9-9-04] |
|
StopItBlockIt 2005 |
stopitblockit.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate info about company; no privacy policy [A: 3-11-05 / U: 3-11-05] |
|
Super Spyware Remover |
shareware4web.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); flawed, inadequate detection scheme (1); inadequate info about company & program, no end user privacy policy (1); same app as Adware-Nuker, AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover, PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster, SpywareHospital, The Spyware Detective, & WebSafe Spyware Secure [A: 10-20-04 / U: 3-27-05] |
|
System Detective |
affiliatesuccess.net |
inadequate info about app, no end user privacy policy (1); no trial version locatable; parent company primarily an affiliate program (1) [A: 6-27-04 / U: 6-27-04] |
|
SystemStable |
systemstable.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising; false positives work as goad to purchase; same app as AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyiBlock, & TheSpyGuard [A: 12-8-05 / U: 12-8-05] |
|
TeoSoft Anti-Spyware |
teosoft.com |
"free scan" severely crippled; company uses spam to promote products (1) [A: 9-14-05 / U: 9-14-05] |
|
Terminexor |
terminexor.com |
unauthorized Spybot Search & Destroy clone (1, 2); no privacy policy or EULA [A: 12-23-04 / U: 12-23-04] |
|
The Adware Hunter |
theadwarehunter.com |
deceptive detection reports (1); prone to inexcusable false positives (1); uses out-of-date reference database (1); same app as Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, Protect Your Identity, SpyBan, SpywareAssassin, Spyware C.O.P., SpywareKilla, & TheSpywareKiller [A: 8-7-04 / U: 8-7-04] |
|
The SpyGuard |
thespyguard.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1, 2, 3); uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; same app as AdwareBazooka, AdwarePunisher, HitSpy, RemedyAntiSpy, SpyiBlock, & SystemStable [A: 12-5-05 / U: 12-21-05] |
|
The Spyware Detective |
thespywaredetective.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, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster,SpywareHospital, Super Spyware Remover, & WebSafe Spyware Secure [A: 12-21-04 / U: 3-27-05] |
|
TheSpywareKiller |
thespywarekiller.com |
deceptive detection reports (1); false positives work as goad to purchase (1); uses out-of-date reference database (1); same app as Adware Hitman, Consumer Identity, Protect Your Identity, SpyBan, SpywareAssassin, Spyware C.O.P., SpywareKilla, & The Adware Hunter [A: 7-17-04 / U: 7-17-04] |
|
The Web Shield |
pcspytool.com |
no trial version locatable; 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, & SpyBeware; Ad-aware knockoff [A: 7-7-04 / U: 7-7-04] |
|
Titan AntiSpyware |
titanantispyware.com |
no trial version available; inadequate info about company & app [A: 10-30-05/ U: 10-30-05] |
|
Top10Reviews SpyScan |
anti-spyware-review. |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); site is affiliate for listed products [A: 10-21-04 / U: 10-21-04] |
|
True Sword |
. | . |
|
TrueWatch |
truesuite.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; "free scan" uses out-of-date reference database w/ no update function [A: 7-27-04 / U: 7-27-04] |
|
TZ Spyware Adware Remover |
trackzapper.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; Ad-aware rip-off; BPS Spyware & Adware Remover clone [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
UControl |
whenu.com |
adware-supported (1, 2) -- Read this note about UControl [A: 1-4-05 / U: 1-5-05] |
|
Ultimate Cleaner |
ultimatecleaner.com |
adware-supported (1, 2); prone to ridiculous false positives [A: 12-28-04 / U: 12-28-04] |
|
UnSpyPC |
unspypc.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); inadequate/flawed scan/detection scheme; same app as Safe & Clean [A: 9-5-05 / U: 1-2-06] |
|
VBouncer/AdDestroyer |
spywarelabs.com |
drive-by-downloads (1, 2); resident scanner w/ little feedback/control; questionable license terms (1, 2) [A: 6-26-04 / U: 6-26-04] |
|
WareOut Spyware Remover |
wareout.com |
aggressive advertising (1); drive-by-downloads (1, 2); false positives work as goad to purchase; uses inadequate ref database [A: 12-11-04 / U: 2-7-05] |
|
WebSafe Spyware Secure |
websafesecure.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase (1); flawed, inadequate detection scheme (1); no privacy policy; same app as Adware-Nuker, AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover, PC AdWare SpyWare Removal, SafeWebSurfer, SpyToaster, SpywareHospital, Super Spyware Remover, & The Spyware Detective [A: 3-27-04 / U: 3-27-05] |
|
WinAntiSpy 2005 |
winantispy.com |
no trial version available; same company as WinAntiSpyware 2005, WinAntiVirus 2005, & WinFixer [A: 1-9-06 / U: 1-9-06] |
|
WinAntiSpyware 2005 |
winantispyware.com |
aggressive advertising (1, 2); same company as WinAntiSpy 2005, WinAntiVirus 2005, & WinFixer [A: 9-4-05 / U: 9-4-05] |
|
WinAntiVirus 2005 |
winantivirus.com |
aggressive advertising (1, 2, 3, 4); false positives work as goad to purchase; inappropriate collection of Personally Identifiable Information; same company as WinAntiSpy 2005, WinAntiSpyware 2005, & WinFixer [A: 5-21-05 / U: 9-4-05] |
|
Wincleaner AntiSpyware |
wincleaner.com |
no trial version available [A: 8-12-05 / U: 8-12-05] |
|
Winhound Spyware Remover |
winhound.com |
stealth installs through exploits, system hijacking (1, 2, 3); scare-mongering used as goad to purchase; same company as AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, XSRemover [A: 11-29-05 / U: 1-14-06] |
|
Winkeeper |
winkeeper.net |
uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme; exploits name "Spyware Doctor" (1) [A: 6-9-05 / U: 6-9-05] |
|
WinSOS |
winsos.com |
false positives work as goad to registration [A: 11-14-05 / U: 11-14-05] |
|
WorldAntiSpy |
worldantispy.com |
aggressive, deceptive advertising (1, 2); desktop hijacks (1, 2, 3, 4) [A: 8-21-05 / U: 9-10-05] |
|
X-Spyware |
x-spyware.com |
false positives work as goad to purchase; uses flawed, inadequate detection scheme [A: 12-7-04 / U: 6-7-05] |
|
Xspyware |
xspyware.net |
dubious license terms (1, 2); variant of NoSpyX, SpyVest, Spyware Cleaner, Spyware Slayer, Spyware Stormer, Spyware Wizard, & X-Spyware (1); Ad-aware knockoff [A: 12-7-04 / U: 1-29-05] |
|
XSRemover |
xsremover.com |
uses flawed, inadequate detections scheme; same company as AlfaCleaner, Anti Virus Pro, & Winhound Spyware Remover; same app as 1stAntiVirus, KillSpy, SpyContra, & SpyDeface [A: 11-30-05 / U: 1-14-06] |
|
ZoneProtect AntiSpyware |
zoneprotect.com |
app crashes after install; installs AdBlaster parasite; inadequate info about company & app, no privacy policy (1) [A: 5-8-05 / U: 5-8-05] |
|
Notes: Testing: Testing was performed with most of these apps. Apps not tested include: 2004 Adware/Spyware Remover & Blocker, about:blank 2005, AdProtector, Adware Hunter, AdwarePro, Adware & Spyware Firewall, Elimiware, Anti Virus Pro, InternetAntiSpy, KillAllSpyware, MicroAntivirus, Oxford Spyware Remover, NetSpyProtector, PAL Emergency Response, PCArmor, SpyBlast, SpyDeleter, SpyEliminator, SpyKillerPro, SpyWiper, SpywareAvenger, Spyware Cleaner & Pop-Up Blocker, Spyware Destroyer, Spyware Immobilizer, Spyware Terminator, System Detective, Spy Sniper Pro, Spyware B1aster, Spyware Remover, Spyware Striker Pro, Spyware Suite 2005, The Web Shield, Titan AntiSpyware, WinAntiSpy 2005, WinCleaner AntiSpyware, XSRemover. False positives: In cases where it is noted "false positives work as goad to purchase," the apps in question produced inexcusable false positives on a "spyware-free" system (previously scanned with AVP 3.5, Trojan Hunter 4, Ad-aware SE, Spybot S&D 1.3, & Spy Sweeper 3) and then demanded payment to clean that non-existent "spyware"/"adware." Scan logs, reference database files, screenshots, and other related files from the tests have been archived. "Ridiculous false positives" are noted in cases where an app produced inexcusable false positives on a "spyware free" system but did not demand payment to clean that non-existent "spyware" / "adware." Poor scan reporting: This means that the application either did not provide information about what it found (e.g., it simply reported "8 spyware items found" without identifying particular parasites by name) or did not report enough information about the basis for the items it found (e.g., it reported finding the Look2Me parasite, but did not report what Registry keys, files, or folders it had identified as Look2Me). Knockoffs/rip-offs: The term "knockoff" means at the very least that the app in question substantially imitates the look, feel, and experience of another program (usually Ad-aware). With some of these "knockoff" apps there may be evidence (e.g., scan logs) of more serious borrowing from other programs, but there are no specific allegations to that effect as yet from the affected parties. The term "rip-off" means that there are specific allegations from the affected parties of unauthorized borrowing from their applications (usually Ad-aware or Spybot Search & Destroy). See the Anti-Spyware Family Resemblances companion page for screenshots of most of these applications. (Screenshots for applications not included on the Family Resemblances page can be found on the Orphans & Outcasts page.) Aggressive/deceptive advertising: "Aggressive" advertising consists of the obnoxious, intrusive, use of pop-ups, false GUI elements, or other advertising techniques designed to badger, pressure, or coerce users into buying the application advertised. "Deceptive" advertising employs advertising techniques and information designed to create a false sense of alarm among users in order to stampede them into purchasing the application being advertised. Flawed, inadequate detection schemes: "Flawed, inadequate detection schemes" refer to scanning techniques that are insufficient to produce reliable detections of spyware, adware, and malware. These detection schemes typically rely exclusively on matching file names/path and Registry names/paths without using MD5 hash checking or signature matching to uniqiuely identify detected components. In some cases, there may be other problems with the detection scheme, such as failing to scan all drives on a system or skipping key system areas during scanning. Dates: Significant dates are listed in the format MM-DD-YY. A: date that entry for application was added to list; U: date that application was last checked/tested or entry was last significantly modified/updated. |
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