Top 10 Spyware Threat

The list below describes the ten spyware threats most frequently identified by Webroot's Spy Audit, a free spyware scanner tool.

1. CoolWebSearch (CWS)
CoolWebSearch 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)
Gator is an 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 Assistant180search Assistant is an adware program that delivers targeted pop-up advertisements to a user’s computer. Whenever a keyword 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 keyword or site.

4. ISTbar/AUpdateISTbar is a toolbar used for searching pornographic web sites that, when linked to, may display pornographic pop-ups and hijack user homepages and Internet searches.

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

6. Internet OptimizerInternet Optimizer hijacks error pages and redirects them to its own controlling server at http://www.internet-optimizer.com.

7. BlazeFindBlazeFind 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 to www.blazefind.com. This hijacker may also change other Internet Explorer settings.

8. Hot as HellHot as Hell is 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. Advanced KeyloggerAdvanced Keylogger, a keystroke logger, has the ability to monitor keystrokes and take screen shots.

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