Posing as legitimate software applications, Rogue Anti-Spyware programs typically offer users free scans of their computers, ostensibly to detect Spyware. The software generates false positives and displays alerts in order to scare users into purchasing their product. Rogue Anti-Spyware makers usually deliver their offers via Pop-up ads. Not only do Rogue Anti-Spyware programs fail to remove Spyware, most actually download Spyware and other malicious software onto users' computers. Installations can include Homepage Hijackers, Search Hijackers and Adware. Rogue Anti-Spyware can be very difficult to remove. Some known Rogue Anti-Spyware programs are: SpySherriff, SpyTrooper, Security Iguard, Winhound, SpyAxe, Antivirus Gold, SpywareStrike, PSGuard, SpywareNO, Adware Delete, WorldAntiSpyware, WinAntiSpyware2005, RegFreeze and Raze Spyware. The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against a few makers of Rogue Anti-Spyware, including the creators of Spy Deleter, Spy Wiper and Spyware Assassin. Spyware researchers test new anti-Spyware constantly in an attempt to identify the latest Rogue Anti-Spyware.Spyware has become such a pervasive threat to users of the Internet that Rogue Anti-Spyware creators can easily capitalize on users' fear of this dreaded but misunderstood phenomenon. Often, as soon as a Rogue Anti-Spyware application is detected and publicized, its creator will "rebrand" it with a different name and appearance. |