Spam, encryption to drive security spending

New ways of tackling spam and a general need for better overall IT security are pushing a growth in spending for security products, according to one market research firm.

In a new study, The Radicati Group Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., said security products are now at the top of the list for IT spending, while spending for other technologies is still somewhat sluggish. The study said total revenue from enterprise security products will grow from $2.9 billion in 2004 to $6.6 billion in 2008 -- an average rate of 24% each year.

"It's a market that has picked up steam," said Sara Radicati, the company's president and CEO. "In the past we had predicted 10% to 15% growth."

One of the trends cited by the study is the move away from products that do one task and toward software suites that tackle a whole range of security problems. Revenue for such security software suites is expected to jump from $185 million in 2004 to $492 million in 2008, the research firm said.

Clearswift Ltd.'s Mimesweeper, Tumbleweed Communications Corp.'s Mailgate and CipherTrust Inc.'s Ironmail are all examples of products that combine various technologies such as firewalls and antivirus and antispam software , Radicati said.

The all-in-one product segment has an advantage in that it is more convenient and can be less costly to operate. "It simplifies the overall management infrastructure and they are easier to install," she said. "The downside is they may be less specialized than a point [product]. Point [products] will always be a tad ahead."

Antispam software is experiencing steady growth, too. Revenues are expected to increase from $979 million in 2004 to $1.7 billion in 2008 -- an average rate increase of 16% over four years.

Antispam technology in general is experiencing an evolution. Microsoft is making some moves in this regard with the planned release of Sender ID technology built into Exchange Edge Services, which is due out in 2005. Sender ID, a draft specification that is currently before the Internet Engineering Task Force, is designed to help reduce the problem of domain spoofing and protect against phishing schemes.

"Everyone is realizing that the real issue isn't just spam but the integrity of Internet communications," Radicati said.

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How to Download Free Anti Spyware

Windows Defender


Find Windows Defender. This anti-spyware program not only offers protection from spyware, it also has a popup blocker and has a simple setup to allow you to schedule your maintenance.

Download Windows Defender. Locate their web page. Once you are there, you will see a big banner that says, "Get It Now". Click on that and it will take you to another page.

Click on "Continue". The Microsoft website will automatically scan your computer for a legitimate copy of windows. Once you pass this test you will be taken to the download page.

Spybot Search & Destroy


Step 1 Locate Spybot Search & Destroy. This free anti spyware program is designed to remove spyware, run in the background so you are always protected and, if you share your PC, it can cover your tracks so others cannot see what you have been doing.

Step 2 Download Spybot Search & Destroy. Go to their website and click on your language of choice. This will take you to another page with news and information about the free program. On the left-hand side of the screen are a few options. Click "Download". You will see a few programs that you will want to obtain.

Step 3 Click on "Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.0" to download the program first. Choose any location you wish to download from. Then click "Download Now". Your file will begin downloading right away. Use the same steps to download the update files.

Trend Micro HouseCall

Step 1 Find Trend Micro HouseCall. This is an online scanner that not only is a built-in anti-spyware program but also checks your computer for viruses and adware.

Step 2 Go to the Trend Micro HouseCall website. Click on "Scan Now. It's Free!". When the new window pops up, click on "Launch HouseCall Free Scan".

Step 3 Choose a Java platform or download special files to your computer. Each method is fine, and you do not need to worry about downloading their plug-ins. At this time, HouseCall is only supported by Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Technorati : anti-Spyware, antiSpyware, free STOPzilla Anti-Spyware download, free antispyware download

Top anti-spyware software

KOLKATA: In June, Praveen Rai in Mumbai saw his coffers swell by Rs 90,000 while Akhilesh Bagla a Kolkata businessman sat baffled as the same amount


exited his bank account overnight. Though Bagla had done nothing apart from some e-banking, Rai sitting on India's other coast had successfully hacked into the businessman's account, to commit possibly the first e-fraud in the city.

Although the rise in online presence and transactions pose a potential risk to users, there are ways to safeguard your identity and information on the internet, ethical hacker and cyber security expert Ankit Fadia explained in the city on Friday.

"There are solutions that can substantially reduce the risk. Installing a firewall for your personal computer, as well as installing a good anti-virus and anti-spyware can provide significant protection," Fadia said. He was speaking at a seminar at the Heritage Institute of Technology.

"It is a misconception that firewalls are only for corporate use. Using them on your personal computer can mean that criminals have a harder time trying to access your personal information," he revealed, while adding that regular updates for operating systems, anti-virus and anti-spyware softwares were essential.

Fadia also recommended the use of strong individual passwords for each website or online service by using a combination of alphabets, numbers and special characters. "It's not good having your name followed by your birthday as a password for protecting vital information. You should also instal and use a key scrambler, so that your typing patterns cannot be copied or tracked," he said.

On the cyber terrorism front, Fadia who had worked with international intelligence agencies in the aftermath of 9/11 said terror organisations were now improvising email accounts to exchange information.

"Terrorists can sign into a single email account from different parts of the world and save their messages in the draft form, which the others can then access. As the email never leaves the server, it becomes increasingly difficult for security agencies to track these conversations," he said.

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Accelerator Adds Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware

Contrary to claims we published in July (see SlipStream Data Touts Success), the dialup acceleration industry remains as competitive and cutthroat as ever.

Most reviews, such as this one in PC World, have found that the various competitors' offerings each have their own strengths and weaknesses (the PC World review found Proxyconn had the best cache and therefore the best speed on previously visited sites, Propel the best speed on new sites, and Artera's product the easiest to use but least effective).

When we spoke with Uzi Yair, CEO of Newport Beach, Calif.-based Proxyconn, he, too claimed to be number one in this space. Usually, you would look to an industry analyst for data, but despite the continued resiliency of dialup, the analysts at the major firms seem to be more interested in broadband-and in services like IPTV which have barely hit the market-so there is no publicly available data on market share. Artera, Propel, and SlipStream all have confirmed booths at ISPCON.

Proxyconn's latest improvement to its service is the addition of anti-virus from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based Authentium. Yair says the company will sell the anti-virus through channel partners at a price of $1 per user per month, expecting ISPs to charge end users $2 per user per month. The product may also be offered at retail at a higher price, perhaps $29.95. "We have to be competitive with McAfee and Norton," Yair says.

He notes that ISPs seem particularly pleased with the ability to own brand the Proxyconn anti-virus offering . He adds, "ISPs can sell our anti-virus as part of the accelerator suite or as a stand alone product. They don't have to use our accelerator if they don't want to."

Partial test


Yair was so enthusiastic about the software that he offered us a test drive. Unfortunately, we have a corporate computer and we did not have a dialup connection to test it on. The cache did not speed up our Internet connection. The anti-virus did not find any viruses our corporate Symantec product had missed. And the accelerator crashed because our corporate connection doesn't allow proxy servers, which are so essential to the product that they're part of its name. The product served a single ad after it was first installed. All of the above shows why we do not test software at ISP-Planet.

The one element of the software that we were able to test is the GUI. The interface was very easy to use and to understand. When Yair says that it will reduce support calls, we believe him. We also, of course, tested uninstall, and that feature was flawless.

At ISP-Planet, we believe that any ISP offering dialup should also offer acceleration, and that every ISP should test the various available products from Artera Turbo, Propel, QuikCAT, Bytemobile, ICT, Proxyconn, and Slipstream Data. Each has strengths and weaknesses.

Yair says Proxyconn is closing deals with 3 or 4 ISPs each week. He admits competition is tough. "It's good for end users, and it puts pressure on margins. ISPs benefit from the opportunity to provide better service and increase their revenue."

The edge of the USA


We spoke with Tim McAfee (no relation to the anti-virus vendor ), general manager (as in "engineer") of Houlton, Maine-based Pioneer Wireless Network (network map here).

The company is situated on the Canadian border, with weather to match. "We've got two seasons here," says McAfee, "the season with snow and the season without."

The company has been adding services for residential customers. The standard residential package is 768 Kbps down, 128 Kbps up for $34.95.

"We had customers asking for software like EarthLink gives their customers," he explains. "We said we could not hire a developer and build software in house, but we started looking for options."

The company provides AppRiver anti-spam as part of its packages. It uses open source (GNU public licensed) software for filtering: DANS Guardian with the Squid proxy server.

Recently, it selected Proxyconn for the accelerator and anti-virus. Ease of installation-and getting three pieces of software in one package (anti-virus, anti-spyware, and accelerator)-were key considerations. The company also looked at Propel.

With all the software in place, the company expects to be able to charge $5 per month for Proxyconn, and to reduce support calls. "About 35 percent of support calls are related to spyware and viruses," says McAfee. He feels Proxyconn can help.

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The state of hacking in the world today

According to the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland, the world is loosing about one Trillion dollars a year due to credit card and wire fraud (I picked their estimate because it was the highest).

There has been an 80% jump in credit card and wire fraud in the last two years. Crime syndicates are to blame. This increase in cybercrime will continue. It seems that the business model is very attractive to them:

1. Hire a few programmers worldwide to scan thousands of IT systems for security holes . Often, the bulk of the scanning is done by thousands of home and business computers that are remote controlled into doing this work. The computer's owners are not aware that their computer is doing this work in the background. Spyware and viruses are the primary method by which an unsuspecting person's computer is remote controlled to do this work. Specific industries are usually targeted such as third party credit card processing firms.


2. An alternative method to collect this information is to send millions of random emails nicely asking people to hand over or "verify" their banking information. Incredibly this works.


3. The results of these scans are then passed to the crime syndicate staff programmers for focused and advanced attacks. These programmers are typically in foreign countries where US law Enforcement has limited or no influence.


4. Once a system is breached, identity, credit card and banking information is collected.


5. This collected information is used to electronically steal money or goods.

This type of crime is currently very low risk, low investment and high return for the crime syndicates. What can you do?

1. Do not connect your PC directly to your cable modem. At a minimum use any of the Cable/DSL Routers made by companies such as Netgear or Linksys or most any other brand. Their presence alone will stop over 90% of malware from reaching your computer.


2. Make sure that your antivirus and anti-spyware software are current. I can recommend McAfee or AVG for antivirus and, Spybot and Malwarebytes for anti-spyware. Many other products are also excellent.


3. Do not answer any requests that you receive in email to update or give or verify your banking information. Your bank will never ever ask you for this in an email


4. Do not open any attachments that you are not expecting, regardless of who they are from.


5. Review your credit card bill for unexpected charges, including monthly charges for small amounts such as $3.59.

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The Difference Between Adware & Spyware

As technology advances and more people come to rely on the Internet for information, leisure, and business it seems as if keeping your computer free of advertising is a daunting task. Not technically fitting into either the virus or spam category we have spyware and adware, which are growing concerns for Internet users. At times these programs may invade your privacy, contain malicious code, and at the very least they can be a nuisance when using a computer connected to the Internet.

Adware


Adware is considered a legitmate alternative offered to consumers who do not wish to pay for software. Programs, games or utilities can be designed and distributed as freeware. Sometimes freeware blocks features and functions of the software until you pay to register it. Today we have a growing number of software developers who offer their goods as "sponsored" freeware until you pay to register. Generally most or all features of the freeware are enabled but you will be viewing sponsored advertisements while the software is being used. The advertisements usually run in a small section of the software interface or as a pop-up ad box on your desktop. When you stop running the software, the ads should disappear. This allows consumers to try the software before they buy and you always have the option of disabling the ads by purchasing a registration key.

In many cases, adware is a legitimate revenue source for companies who offer their software free to users. A perfect example of this would be the popular e-mail program, Eudora. You can choose to purchase Eudora or run the software in sponsored mode. In sponsored mode Eudora will display an ad window in the program and up to three sponsored toolbar links. Eudora adware is not malicious; it reportedly doesn't track your habits or provide information about you to a third party. This type of adware is simply serving up random paid ads within the program. When you quit the program the ads will stop running on your system.

Spyware


Unfortunately, some freeware applications which contain adware do track your surfing habits in order to serve ads related to you. When the adware becomes intrusive like this, then we move it in the spyware category and it then becomes something you should avoid for privacy and security reasons. Due to its invasive nature, spyware has really given adware a bad name as many people do not know the differences between the two, or use the the terms interchangeably.

Spyware is considered a malicious program and is similar to a Trojan Horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today.

Spyware works like adware but is usually a separate program that is installed unknowingly when you install another freeware type program or application. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the capability to monitor your keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the Web browser, while consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising and marketing purposes or sell the information to another party.

Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements are not always be read completely by users because the notice of a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers.

Combating Spyware


While one may not realize they have installed spyware, there are some signs that it exists on your computer. If you notice any changes to your Web browser that you did not make such as extra toolbars or different homepage settings, as well as changes to your security settings and favorites list, you could have spyware running on your system. Other signs of a spyware infection include pop-up ads which aren't related to a Web site you're viewing; usually spyware advertisements are adult content in nature and are not displayed in the same fashion as legitimate ads you would normally see on your favorite Web sites. You may also see advertisements when you're not browsing the Web. Clicking hyperlinks which do not work (or take you somewhere you didn't expect), a sluggish system, or your system taking longer to load the Windows desktop are all signs that your computer may be infected with spyware.

With the onset of spyware comes a plethora of anti-spyware software packages to rid your system of these unwanted and malicious programs. Anti-spyware software works by identifying any spyware installed on your system and removing it. Since spyware is installed like any other application on your system it will leave traces of itself in the system registry and in other places on your computer. Anti-spyware software will look for evidence of these files and delete them if found.

It is important to remember that not all companies who claim their software contains adware are really offering adware. There is always a chance that adware is spyware in disguise so to speak, and that programs with embedded spyware may not state its existence at all. Always stay on the side of caution and be sure to research privacy policies and licensing agreements that come with freeware. You should also become familiar with Internet lists of companies reported to be using spyware. Much like a firewall or anti-virus program, anti-spyware software is crucial to maintain optimal protection and security on your computer and network.

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STOPzilla Anti-Spyware Solution

ZILLAbar users are entitled to a free trial version of STOPzilla Anti-Spyware Solution.

Spyware is the 21st century computer user's nightmare. It can monitor your Web use, allow others to capture information you enter via your keyboards (passwords, logins, account numbers, etc.), disable your security settings and waste your time with unwanted advertising.

STOPzilla technology has won both the CNET Editors' Choice award and Laptop Magazine Editors' Choice award for excellence. Like some of the best innovations, STOPzilla puts a user-friendly face on complex technology. The screens, settings and instructions are all designed to be intuitive and unobtrusive. Once you install STOPzilla and set a few basic options, you can stop worrying about being vulnerable to Malware and enjoy surfing the Web with peace of mind.

STOPzilla is the only anti-stealth weapon you'll ever need, and it operates in true real-time®. Other products on the market remove 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 is hard at work. No down time, no complicated procedures; just let STOPzilla run, and you're safe.

As a subscriber, you will have access to unlimited free support via live chat, e-mail or toll-free call to our U.S.-based offices should you ever need help. We are always uncovering new and more sophisticated stealth software.

STOPzilla updates the product daily, automatically, ensuring our subscribers that they are (at least) one step ahead of intruders.

Technorati : anti-Spyware, antiSpyware, free STOPzilla Anti-Spyware download, free antispyware download

McAfee AntiSpyware

Enterprise-level spyware protection for your business


Protect your users and systems from spyware before it gets a foothold. Reduce the risks associated with spyware-identity theft, network corruption, loss of productivity, and slower Internet access-with industrial-strength McAfee AntiSpyware. Our award-winning on-access scanning technology stops spyware in its tracks before it can compromise confidential information and slow down your business.

Benefits:


Optimized for business


McAfee AntiSpyware meets the scalability and management requirements of businesses; it offers proactive protection against potentially unwanted programs that may affect your network, your users, and your productivity Detects and keeps spyware out before it's too late


Block and defeat spyware before it can install and multiply using McAfee AntiSpyware's unique on-access scanning technology Keep your users and systems free of spyware


Stop the latest known spyware; McAfee's AntiSpyware's signature files get daily updates from McAfee Avert® Labs Find and stop unknown spyware without having to wait for updated lists


You can't just wait for updated spyware signature files; McAfee AntiSpyware uses behavioral-based heuristic technology to detect and block as-yet-unknown spyware Features:


On-access scanning


Detects and blocks spyware before it installs and spreads; scans processes and files running in memory to neutralize them before they take root because removing one process from memory is faster than trying to remove dozens of spawned applications Stops spyware and viruses efficiently


McAfee AntiSpyware stops both spyware and viruses when it's integrated with McAfee VirusScan®; they share a single scanning engine to reduce system overhead and increase system performance Scan for spyware in the registry and files


It effectively blocks annoying spyware reinstallation because it scans for both registry entries and files; it removes damaging security threats and annoying adware popups that can disrupt productivity

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McAfee AntiSpyware

Ease of Setup/Use:

For a company with such a good reputation, we were disappointed in McAfee Anti-Spyware's feature set. Although the program offers many useful features-like Scan Scheduling, Auto Updates and Real-Time Tracking-it's missing assets such as spyware/adware descriptions and threat levels; these help you determine whether the detected spyware and adware are dangerous or benign.


Detection Effectiveness:

McAfee Anti-Spyware missed much of the spyware and adware we tested. Though marginally effective, this is not software that we recommend to those looking for high-level spyware and adware protection.


Removal Effectiveness:

McAfee Anti-Spyware is simple to use. With few customizable features, McAfee is simple for novices.


System Performance:

There are few customization tools in McAfee Anti-Spyware. You can enable and disable Real-Time Tracking abilities, but that's it.


Scan Performance:

Once you receive delivery of McAfee Anti-Spyware , installation is easy but time-consuming-the installation had us restart our computer three times before the install was completed, which we felt excessive.


Support/Documentation:

McAfee supports their products in several different ways: a FAQs page, email support and a convenient live chat feature online. However, when we contacted McAfee, their staff could not answer many of our questions.


Summary:

Although it's easy to use and comes with fairly good help support, McAfee Anti-Spyware just doesnât do well enough detecting and removing spyware to receive our recommendation. For the same amount of money, we recommend Aluria Anti-Spyware, a top-notch spyware program that is effective against spyware and adware.

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The Shield Firewall

The Shield Firewall 5.0

The Shield Firewall 5.0 is the multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out and personal information in.

Built from the ground upwards with your security in mind, this award winning firewall constantly monitors and defends your system from inbound and outbound attacks. Version 5.0 now features a fully fledged Host Intrusion Prevention System to protect your critical operating system files and block viruses and malware before they ever get the chance to install.

It features a friendly graphical user interface; highly granular configuration options; easily understood and informative alerts; wizard-based detection of trusted zones and much more. The Shield Firewall 5.0 delivers enterprise class protection and can be used 'out of the box' - so even the most inexperienced users will not have to deal with complex configuration issues after installation.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for The Shield Firewall 5.0 customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products. The Shield Firewall 5.0 is Vista Compatible

Technorati : Firewall Protection, Shield Firewall

STOPzilla Anti-Spyware

STOPzilla Anti-Spyware Detects , removes and quarantines Spyware and Adware in Real-time that protect you from surfing.

You want to protect yourself from Spyware and Adware?

Detects, removes and quarantines Spyware and Adware in Real-time.

Automatic Spyware scanning or set scan scheduler as you like.

Can be set to update automatically or on demand for optimal protection.

Advanced Pop-up protection blocks ads that protect you from surfing.

Award-winning technology (5 cow rated) detects malicious software instantly. Comprehensive Online Security.

STOPzilla Anti-Spyware safely detects and removes Spyware, Adware, Popup Ads, Phishing Attacks, browser hijackers, Rootkits, Trojans, botnet attacks, Drive-By Downloads, Rogue Programs, malicious Web sites and much more. Install STOPzilla Anti-Spyware, your computer will be secure .

Purchase the software now and receive all future updates and technology support free of charge.

Why choose STOPzilla Anti-Spyware ?

Easy to use - Customize and it is easier than ever. Whether you are a veteran or a beginner, you will feel it was designed for you.

User-friendly interface - STOPzilla Anti-Spyware contains an extremely user-friendly interface enabling you to work intuitively.

Powerful function - Automatic update everyday. Detects, removes and quarantines Spyware and Adware in Real-time.

30 Days Money Back Guarantee - If you're not satisfied, you don't lose anything.

Key Features and Benefits:

Award-winning Technology

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.

Scans, Removes, and Blocks Spyware in Real-time

STOPzilla's Real-Time protection detects, blocks, and quarantines both known and potential Spyware infections before they can attack your system and do damage.

Most advanced Pop-up blocker available

STOPzilla's highly advanced Pop-up blocker intercepts and destroys all forms of Pop-up advertisements while allowing user-requested Pop-ups to display.

Simple to use

STOPzilla has been specifically designed to perform effectively regardless the user's level of computer expertise. Upon boot-up, STOPzilla starts and requires very little user interaction.

Technorati : anti-Spyware, antiSpyware, free antispyware download

Norton Ghost 14.0

Norton Ghost 14.0

Protects your computer with advanced backup and recovery

Key TechnologiesCreates full system and file backups


Restores from system failures


Saves recovery points to offsite locations


Symantec ThreatCon integration*


FeaturesFull system backup (disk image)-Backs up everything on a hard drive or partition.


File and folder backup-Backs up only the specific files and folders you choose rather than saving an entire drive.


FTP backup-Copies recovery points to a FTP site for easier offsite backup management. NEW


Offsite backup-backs up your files to NAS (Network-Attached Storage) devices. NEW


Symantec ThreatCon integration- triggers incremental backups whenever ThreatCon reaches a specified threat level. Great for computers without virus protection. NEW


Incremental and differential backup -Backs up only files that have changed.


EXCLUSIVE! Google Desktop? integration-Makes data recovery even faster with searchable backup indexes.


LightsOut Restore-Restores your system with an on-disk software recovery environment-no bootable CD required.


EXCLUSIVE!: Remote management-Controls othern Norton Ghost installations (12.0 or higher) on your local area network.


Advanced compression and encryption-Minimizes storage space and helps keep sensitive documents safe.

Technorati : Norton Ghost, Norton Ghost 14.0, Norton Ghost 14.0 Reviews

The Shield Firewall Review

How to Stop Hackers:

The Shield Firewall keeps your private info safe from data thieves and Internet hackers, and prevents identity theft.

With pre-set security levels and a comprehensive user interface. You can guard your computer system and ward off hackers for a safer, faster Internet experience.

The Shield Firewall is a kind of software that inspects all incoming network traffic during the time you are online. It only allows in the known and trusted connections. Without this protection, your PC system is an "open door" for hackers. Protect your computer system and stop hackers!

Many people think mistakenly that the antivirus software that came with their computer is enough to completely give them hacker protection. However, antivirus software doesn't keep your PC from direct hacker attacks.

Features

'Clean Slate' guards your personal info

The Shield's 'Clean Slate' section removes all your personal information, such as email addresses, telephone numbers and credit card numbers, from the hard drive. It also removes all your passwords records, 'run' command history, recently viewed pages, temporary system files, auto-match list, URL history, temporary internet files, histories and cookies.

Advanced scheduling features

The Shield's 2.0 users are able to schedule a specific time when the PC is allowed to go on the web.

Event tracking records all actions

The Shield 2.0 notes all network activities, letting you view any actions or events that occurred on your PC.

Intruder Alerts

Only applications which you have granted authorization are allowed to connect to the web. If an unauthorized connection is tried, a pop-up message lets you know. This stops viruses like Trojan horses from sharing your private info on the web without your approval.

Pre-Set Security Level

Users don't need to know how the program works to use it. Its pre-set security levels begin guarding your system right after installation.

Single button disconnect

Lets you resume or stop the network connections from or to your system with a single click.

Auto Disconnect

Technorati : Firewall Protection, Shield Firewall

STOPzilla Anti-Spyware 5.0

* STOPzilla technology has won both the CNET Editors' Choice award and Laptop Magazine Editors' Choice award for excellence.

* As a subscriber, you will have access to free support via live chat, e-mail or toll-free 800 number from our Boynton Beach, Florida offices, should you ever need help. We are always uncovering new and more sophisticated stealth software.

* STOPzill a updates the product daily, automatically, ensuring our subscribers that they are (at least) one step ahead of intruders.

* Malware (malicious software) is the 21st century computer user's nightmare. It can monitor your Web use, allow others to capture information you enter via your keyboards (passwords, logins, account numbers, etc.), disable your security settings and waste your time with unwanted advertising. Fight back with STOPzilla!

* Other products on the market remove malicious applications only when users run time-consuming scans. Unfortunately, they don't stop these dangerous applications from re-installing themselves as soon as you reboot. STOPzilla detects and quarantines some invaders, rendering them harmless. Others are removed automatically.

* STOPzilla is the only anti-stealth weapon you'll ever need, and it operates in real-time. From the moment you boot up until you close down, STOPzilla is working for you. No down time, no complicated procedures; just let STOPzilla run, and you're safe.

* Like some of the best innovations, STOPzilla puts a user-friendly face on complex technology. The screens, settings and instructions are all designed to be intuitive and unobtrusive.

* Once you install STOPzilla and set a few basic options, you can stop worrying about being vulnerable to Malware and enjoy surfing the Web with peace of mind.

Technorati : antiSpyware, free antispyware download

2009 AntiSpyware Software Reviews

STOPzilla Antispyware 2009 hasn't updated there software in a few years…and it shows. While STOPzilla Antispyware still provides an average level of spyware protection, it's not nearly enough in today's heavily infected world.

On the plus side, STOPzilla Antispyware 2009 scan quickly, installs easily, and has good support. But on the negative side, the majority of spyware, Trojans and other malware easily broke through STOPzilla's barriers. This lack of antispyware protection is simply unacceptable.

Editor's Overview

Easy install


Nice interface


Fast scanning


Poor antispyware protection


Poor anti-phishing


Good support


At 10-15 minutes for a scan, STOPzilla Antispyware is on the fast side. But perhaps they should have slowed down to make sure they caught all spyware.

The install is easy, and the interface is easy to use. Right after install, STOPzilla Antispyware launched into a full system scan without prompting.

STOPzilla Antispyware comes with a few bells and whistles: a decent pop-up blocker, cookie and history cleaner, good toolbar remover, and rollback. However, the majority of these functions are already handled by Internet Explorer and Firefox. So, was it really necessary for STOPzilla to include them? Not really.

STOPzilla Antispyware Freatures:

.On-demand and automatic scanning


.Automatic updates


.Pop-up protection


.Rootkit and botnet security


.Anti-phishing


.Cookie cleaner


.History cleaner


.Toolbar remover


.Rollback feature

STOPzilla Antispyware does fairly well with average spyware. But when it comes to the more nasty, entrenched spyware, STOPzilla Antispyware doesn't do so well. Independent testing showed that almost 30% of spyware attacks weren't stopped by STOPzilla Antispyware. And almost half of Trojans, keyloggers, and rootkits completely got past STOPzilla. That's far too many misses for our liking.

The anti-phishing feature is mostly a joke. Independent tests showed known phishing sites were easily accessed and not blocked by STOPzilla at all. Internet Explorer and Firefox do better with their default settings.

If there's one good thing to say about STOPzilla Antispyware is their customer support. They offer e-mail, phone, or live chat support even for trial users. Not bad, but not good enough when their overall product performance is so lacking.

Support:

Free tech support for registered users


Email support


Live chat


Conclusion

STOPzilla Antispyware 2009 is not up to modern standards of antispyware protection. While the interface looks nice, is easy to use, and installs quickly, the overall performance is highly lacking. Spyware, malware, Trojans, rootkits, and keyloggers all got by STOPzilla Antispyware far too easily. Try something else this year for your antispyware needs

Technorati : anti Spyware, antiSpyware, free antispyware download

Spyware Protection

The Shield Deluxe 2009 combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. The product is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program. See here for protection for 3 PCs.

Combined antivirus technologies. The Shield Deluxe 2009, powered by Kaspersky Antivirus 6.0 relies upon integrated methods to scan for viruses: the reactive method (using signature databases) and proactive protection (behavior blocker and heuristic analysis).

Optimized for use on laptops. Users of laptops benefit from an economy mode that conserves battery energy, while users of WiFi (wireless) Internet services can automatically update antivirus databases. The program has been optimized for use on laptops based on Intel Centrino mobile technology, and for use on computers with Intel processors that support Hyper-Threading technology.

Simplicity and convenience. The Shield Deluxe 2009 is installed and set up in a matter of minutes, while the context-sensitive help function helps users quickly understand the finer points of the program's capabilities. Moreover, the program regularly notifies users of its current protection status and gives recommendations for dealing with virus epidemics and potential threats.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for The Shield Deluxe customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products. The Shield Deluxe 2009 is Vista Compatible.

The Shield Deluxe 2009 combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. The product is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program.

Combined antivirus technologies. The Shield Deluxe 2009, powered by Kaspersky Antivirus 7.0 relies upon integrated methods to scan for viruses: the reactive method (using signature databases) and proactive protection (behavior blocker and heuristic analysis).

Optimized for use on laptops. Users of laptops benefit from an economy mode that conserves battery energy, while users of WiFi (wireless) Internet services can automatically update antivirus databases. The program has been optimized for use on laptops based on Intel Centrino mobile technology, and for use on computers with Intel processors that support Hyper-Threading technology.

Simplicity and convenience. The Shield Deluxe 2009 is installed and set up in a matter of minutes, while the context-sensitive help function helps users quickly understand the finer points of the program's capabilities. Moreover, the program regularly notifies users of its current protection status and gives recommendations for dealing with virus epidemics and potential threats.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for The Shield Deluxe customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products.

Best Free Pop Up Blockers Online

Most anyone who spends any time on line can tell you that pop up ads are nothing if not annoying. Stopping them is a good way to speed up your surfing and put in a plug in one more way for viruses and spyware to invade your system. Luckily there are a number of free pop up blockers on the internet that will help you do just that. As for which are the best, there are five that come to mind initially: Google, STOPzilla, Window Shades, Firefox and PopOops all offer fantastic free pop up blockers for you to use.

The Google Toolbar with Free pop blocker will block the majority of pop ups. In addition to the pop up blocker, you will automatically get a number of other features as it is a tool bar download. You will have features such as being able to search Google from your task bar, which can be handy, but the pop up blocker is the real value in this free download. The drawback that puts some people off, though, is that there is a page rank feature. This feature reports back to Google what sites you have visited.

Another free pop up blocker you may want to consider is the STOPzilla pop up blocker. This particular blocker is produced by a software company called Roxio. The STOPzilla blocker not only stops pop up ads as you browse, but it also includes protection from adware, spyware, cookies, and even hi-jackers. For a small fee, you can also get one year of service with the pop up blocker.

If you really only want your free pop up blocker to do one thing, block pop ups, then consider the Window Shades Popup Blocker. This free blocker is very effective in the blocking of those annoying pop ups. As an ad on to Internet Explorer, it does not have to be turned on separately. It only runs when explorer does, so you don't have to worry about memory being burned up when you aren't even on line.

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.

Installation of STOPzilla Anti-Spyware software was quick and easy.

I using STOPzilla Anti-Spyware. STOPzilla successfully scan my computer & 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. Such, Best Anti-Spyware Software. STOPzilla's provide True Real-Time protection detects, blocks, and quarantines both known and potential Spyware infections before they can attack your system and do damage. STOPzilla's highly advanced Pop-up blocker intercepts and destroys all forms of Pop-up advertisements while allowing user-requested Pop-ups to display.

We really liked the fact that daily automatic updates ensure that users are protected from the latest threats without having to remember to update their software or take any additional steps. This anti-spyware software is practically effortless.




User Interface and Product Application:




Installation of STOPzilla Anti-Spyware software was quick and easy. In just a few minutes we had the spyware removal software up and running and protecting our PC. We found that the real-time protection keeps you safe from spyware attacks without any interruption of your computer activities and prevented pop-up ads from appearing on our desktop.




This spyware removal program seemed to do a very good job of blocking pop-ups and protecting us in real time from spyware threats, the scanning interface and antispyware functionality of STOPzilla Anti-Spyware was very easy to understand and navigate.


STOPzilla Features:

Detects, blocks and removes spyware.

Kills Adware.

Cookie and history cleaner.

Stops pop-up ads.

Stops browser hijackers.

Free Scan

Free technical support.

30-day money-back guarantee.

StopZilla has six primary areas that guide you through different areas of protection.

I've been using StopZilla for a few weeks and I've had no problems. It does miss the odd popup, even those in the blacklist, and some popups I cannot even put into the blacklist, but these are very few, only 5 in the past week.

This is a fine program, and it does it's job well, but you do have to pay almost $18 for it, which is a shame. I won't be paying for this software, I'm going to find another popup killer. I'm not complaining because I have to pay for software, but I am complaining that I have to pay for this specific software, when my favourite popup killer, called Popup Killer, was totally free, and far better and more intuitive and user friendly than StopZilla.

STOPzilla is loaded full of dozens of features that help to protect your computer from spyware and malware. StopZilla has six primary areas that guide you through different areas of protection. When I tested it against it against various spyware, it detected everything putting it right up there with the very best spyware blockers.

Home The Home page helps to protect your computer's privacy by erasing both history and cookies. This area of StopZilla is an easy to use interface that shows the current version and can be used to enable or disable items including getting the latest updates on definition files.

Scanner The scanner allows you to scan at different levels and shows the individual items that will be scanned. This also allows you to view the scan results and allows you to delete findings.

Active Enforcers Each of the following areas can be configured allowing the Browser, Network, System, Run Time and Auto Start to be configured and protected. This easy to use layout can be used by the most novice user and is thorough enough to cover every area needed to provide protection for your computer. By protecting the winsock, network and hosts files, this ensures that your network connection is not interrupted and your computer is still able to get on the internet.

Settings The settings area controls how your computer uses STOPzilla and how spyware will be handled.

Quarantine Area Spyware can be held in this area rendering it harmless to your computer. The default settings purges this quarantine after 30 days ensuring that the spyware is removed from your computer.

Pop-UP Protection STOPzilla's Pop-UP Protection stops pop-ups and controls javascript. This is particularly important for surfing the internet today to avoid being infected by this type of malicious activity.

SITEguard SITEguard is a database of malicious internet sites that are known to deliver spyware to countless visitors (Phishing sites). This protection protects your computer from going to these sites if you click a malicious link to one of these sites from your email client. Updates are available for this portion of StopZilla.

Scheduler and Tools STOPzilla's Scheduler and Tools allows for the scan and update schedules to be set to ensure your computer is fully protected. The Event Log and Diagnostic scan allows you to view what is happening with StopZilla and can send diagnostic information to the STOPzilla team for analysis.

What's New with STOPzilla Software?

STOPzilla offers customer support through an online database, email, online chat and phone support. Live chat and phone support were equally responsive and helpful; our inquiry was handled within a few minutes. We were surprised at how quickly they were able to expedite our questions. Our email request was answered within 1 hour of our sending it. The answer was comprehensive and informative and addressed our question thoroughly. Great job on customer support!

Navigating the Internet shouldn't have to feel like being thrown in the middle of some covert spy operation. Unfortunately, without the right antispyware software, that's exactly how STOPzilla can be. If you don't have effective spyware removal software running on your PC, every single thing you do online and all of the information on your computer is up for grabs. Account numbers, passwords, user names - all of it is at risk without the protection of good spyware removal software.




Because spyware removal is such an important issue, Star Reviews decided to compare antispyware software and,STOPzilla is one of the spyware removal products we tested. The findings of our research are detailed in the review below.

What's New with STOPzilla AntiSpyware Software?

STOPzilla has lowered their price to $9.95 a year

User Interface has been completely redesigned to display the software's major functionality from one Home console.

Vista Compatible.

New Scanner offers 4 types of high-speed scans to detect infections: Quick Scans, Full Scans, Intelligent Scans, and Custom Scans. Scans can be set to Automatic or on-demand.

STOPzilla won the CNET Editors' Choice award and Laptop Magazine Editors' Choice award for excellence.

We really liked the fact that daily automatic updates ensure that users are protected from the latest threats without having to remember to update their software or take any additional steps. This anti-spyware software is practically effortless.

This spyware removal program seemed to do a very good job of blocking pop-ups and protecting us in real time from spyware threats, the scanning interface and antispyware functionality of STOPzilla was very easy to understand and navigate.