Different approaches to removing malware

Malware (malicious software) seems to be getting worse. No surprise since there's big money in it as a recent article in the Wall Street Journal pointed out. Typical scams aim to scare unsophisticated users with phony warnings that their computer is infected with a virus. Conveniently, the warning is followed by prompts to install software to remove the virus. Victims pay for the phony antivirus software and end up infected to boot.

The term for this is scareware. A recent Microsoft report found one particular scareware program installed on 4.4 million computers. Scareware is not something that Vista's UAC can prevent since the user invites it in. Among the scareware programs are Antivirus'09, Personal Antivirus, WinDefender 2008, P Antispyware 09, WinPC Antivirus, RapidAntivirus, WinAntivirus, XP Antivirus and DriveCleaner.

So, many people need malware removal. But how?

SAFE MODE

The next best option is to run anti-malware in safe mode. While this is better than booting normally, it's still not optimal. Yes, safe mode prevents many auto-started programs from running, but the malware may have infected the operating system itself.

In my previous posting, I discussed rootkits and how they can modify the operating system to hide their files. That's only one way that rootkit software can compromise the system. It might also, for example, hide its process. Once Windows has been compromised, you can't count on safe mode to provide a truly clean environment.

STOPzilla Anti-Spyware is the only anti-stealth weapon you'll ever need, and it operates in true real-time®. STOPzilla Anti-Spyware on the market removes malicious applications only when users run time-consuming scans. Unfortunately, they don't stop these dangerous applications before they get into your computer, or prevent them from re-installing themselves as soon as you reboot. From the time you start your computer until you close down, STOPzilla Anti-Spywareis hard at work. No down time, no complicated procedures; just let STOPzilla run, and you're safe.

STOPzilla successfully scans, removes and blocks Spyware, Adware, Pop-up ads, Phishing attacks, hijackers, rootkits, Trojans, bots, drive-by downloads, rogue programs, messenger service ads, keyloggers, malicious BHOs, dialers, and much more.