Tags: spybot | spyware

Download the Free Spybot Search and Destroy to remove and prevent spyware

Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by some anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.

For an introduction to Spybot-S&D, please read the tutorial. And check the list of Features.

Spybot-S&D can also clean usage tracks, an interesting function if you share your computer with other users and don't want them to see what you have been working on. And for professional users, Spybot-S&D allows you to fix some registry inconsistencies and extended reports.

If you use Spybot-S&D's realtime protection against spyware, nasty spies will not enter your system. Currently there are three different kinds of protection:

• The Immunize function prevents e.g. Tracking Cookies from entering your system.
• Resident SDHelper is a second layer of protection for Internet Explorer. Immunize function blocks installers by their ActiveX ID, while SDHelper blocks badware that tries to enter using a different method.
• Resident TeaTimer prevents unwanted files from being installed – no matter how – on your system.

Most importantly - SpyBot SD is NOT a spyware program in disguise. Some supposed anti-spyware programs are rogues that have only superficial functionality and might even install malware themselves to show they would detect something others are missing. A list of known fake or rogue applications can be found at Spyware Warrior.

Spybot SD is NOT an anti-virus program, so you must still install and license a reputable Anti-Virus program on every workstation, such as the eScan range of products which are sold and supported by Eject.