Be on the look for a new spyware program named “DigiKeyGen”.  You can find this program on web pages that allow you to download a password generator that supposedly will give you access to FREE adult resources on the interenet.

Unfortunately after you install this program, it also puts an Anti Spyware program on your computer that is supposed to protect you.  However, the program is bogus and does nothing more than try to trick you into purchasing their program by telling you their is spyware on your computer (whether their is or not).

Just another example where you need to be real careful with FREE applications on the internet.

Coming this summer, AOL users may be feeling more secure than they have in the past. AOL is currently developing two tools that will provide users with firewall, antivirus and antispyware security, and will likely rival similar products from Symantec, McAfee and Microsoft. The first product, known as “Active Security Monitor” is currently in testing and should be released to AOL users later this month. The program reviews how susceptible PCs are to viruses, spyware, theft, network intrusions and other online threats. The software will continuously review PCs and home networks, and deliver security scores to the users. The software will also list recommended products that will resolve the risks cited in its report, and offer alerts concerning security threats.

The second product is known as “Total Care.” This product should rival Symantec, and Mcaffe. This product is an all-in-one program that offers firewalls along with virus and spyware protection. This product should be released for testing by the end of the month and both products should be available to AOL users this summer.
 
These tools seem to come from a 2005 study by Gartner who concluded that 14% of ISP users choose their ISP for its protection. This is up from 5% in 2004. Expect other ISPs to follow in the footsteps of AOL and offer better protection for its customers.

The State of Washington using their spyware laws brought a lawsuit against Seth Traub of Porstmouth, New Hampshire accusing him of associating the Microsoft Corporation in his spyware ads on Google.  He was creating ads that had “Microsoft Antispyware” that was actually going to a site that promoted Secure Computer’s Spyware Cleaner. 

Washington  has been really serious about pursuing deceptive spyware products and advertising under their “Spyware Act.  Mr. Traub is the third defendant to settle with the state.

The lawsuit as of today is still ongoing against defendants Secure Computer and Manoj Kumar of Maharashtra, India who is a Spyware Cleaner affiliate.

When you think of spyware, James Bond and his bag of tricks or maybe even the “eye in the sky” of satellite spying comes to mind. It is difficult to imagine than an ordinary person, with an ordinary life and a run of the mill personal computer can be a victim of “spyware”. Who would spy on you? What can be so interesting on your PC that an outsider would invade your privacy? Well, guess what, it does happen.

How, you ask, can this happen to me? It can happen in any number of ways. The fact is, spyware lives all over the internet, hiding in obscure places. Would you think spyware could be hiding in free downloads of screensavers, weather alerts or news alerts? It could. Are you aware there is a type of spyware that changes settings on your computer; your home page could be changed, or your default media altered.? There is also a type of spyware that can be installed to gain information about your user habits, or even gather personal information about you. One type of spyware is a form that generates pop-up ads when you surf the net; and there is also a type that allows remote access or control of your computer.

Not every program or application you download for free from the internet includes spyware. A lot of legitimate programs and applications are available, and it is not fare to lump everyone as a spyware producing application. But, let’s face it, every time you download a free program or application from the web you take the chance of having spyware installed on your computer, whether you like it or not.

How, you ask, can you protect your pc from spyware? Well, here are just a few suggestions:

•  Be sure to keep your antivirus and security patches up-to-date.
•  Don’t think you have to click “no” or “cancel” on a pop-up ad to get rid of it. In Microsoft Windows, use the Ald+F4 option, or click the “x” in the corner.
•  Most importantly, download programs from web sites you trust.
•  Use available tools, such as Webroot’s Spy Sweeper to detect and delete adware, spyware and malware from your computer.

Webroot Spy Sweeper is an effective tool not only to clean spyware from your PC, but also to give you real time protection. It has won the Editor’s Choice Award from PC Magazine on sever occasions. Webroot Software company is a member of the Anti-Spyware Coalition )ASC), an industry group formed to identify tools and best practices to improve the effectiveness of anti-spyware technology.