How to purge yourself of the dreaded... Malware!
Last month we touched on Social Network security and very briefly on how to avoid Malware.
This month, we're going to focus on Malware, Spyware and Adware and specifically some of the best software out there to search and destroy the malicious software. We're briefly breaking down the effectiveness of the core features – detection, removal and cleaning – and detailing other useful features.
Before we start, it is probably worth explaining what we mean by Malware, Spyware and Adware. Loosely, these terms refer to malicious software installed on a computer without the users consent or knowledge. Where they differ is their intention. Malware for instance is designed to penetrate a users computer and remain undetected, Spyware is written to do exactly what the name suggests – spy. They are typically designed to spy on users and steal personal information. Adware is less malicious than the former but is still installed without the users consent and will display advertisements, usually in pop-up windows. Typically adware is included in genuine freeware or shareware software and is often used by developers to recoup costs for providing software free.
If you're a Windows user then you have probably come across one of these viruses. If not, here are some common signs that you may have been infiltrated;
- Your computer is trying to connect to sites you’ve never been to
- You get pop-up windows whilst you are browsing
- Software applications start without you opening them
- Files or directories disappear
- Search engine results are redirected to paid advertisements
- Your email software is sending emails you never authored
- Your computer slows down
Spybot
A pretty good piece of free software that has some handy anti-spyware features and is great value as you are not required to upgrade to access the removal feature.
Main features and how they perform:
- Good detector of most adware
- Great file removal tool
- Cleans program and web usage tracks
- Registry fixing feature to correct irregularities
- Online update with latest listings
Spyware Terminator
Easy-to-understand anti-spyware software, this free option offers users some great features the others don't offer for free. For those who like a bit more flexibility, you'll be wise to look at this one as it affords the user the ability to designate their level of protection.
Main features and how they perform:
- Good detection
- Good removal
- Good cleaning
- Automatically updates lists
- Scan scheduler
- Integrated Anti-Virus
- Great real-time protection
Malwarebytes
According to our sources this is one of the better anti-spyware pieces of software going around. If you want to try it out first the only major feature left out of the free version is real-time monitoring. As a result you'll be able to enjoy one of the quickest, malware scanners free if you're not too concerned about constant protection. The interface is passable but is easy-to-use and with enough of the tools advanced users require, making it an effective anti-spyware software package.
Main features and how they perform:
- Great detection –quickest in this category
- Great removal – FileAssassin feature allows user to even remove Windows locked files
- Great cleaning
- Multiple drive scanning
- Context menu scan-on-demand for individual files
- Multi-lingual support
- IP blocking module
Ad-Aware
Apparently the world's most popular anti-spyware software, this program combines an easy-to-use interface with some powerful features. It is available free but additional features like anti-virus protection, scheduling and technical support will require the purchase of the Pro and Plus editions.
Main features and how they perform:
- Great detection
- Great removal
- Good cleaning
- Built-in real-time protection
- Rootkit removal system
- External Drive Scanning
- Fast scanning
- Automatic list updates
Counter Spy 2.0
One of the best anti-spyware software available and although not free it represents the best value compared to the other options. For its price it's quite intuitive and recommends changes to your computers settings that will improve security. Plus, it is also one of the most efficient performers using the least memory of the most popular anti-spyware software. Another nice feature is the amount of user control, providing the user information on detected spyware and giving them a choice to remove, good for advanced users.
Main features and how they perform:
- Greatest detection
- Great removal
- Good cleaning
- Integrated Anti-Virus
- Super fast scanning
- Scan Scheduler
- FirstScan scans and removes malware operating system boot
AVG Anti-Virus
One of the most downloaded security software, Anti-Virus Free Edition comes with AVG's award winning anti-virus and anti-spyware engine. It offers an additional – LinkScanner – feature unique to AVG. The free version misses out on some of the better features like Anti-Rootkit, AVG's identity protection, web shield (feature that screens IM chats), firewall and anti-spam. Even without these features it still stacks up well against the others thanks to AVG's extensive virus database constantly updated.
Main features and how they perform:
- Great detection
- Good removal
- Average cleaning
- LinkScanner – alerts users to malicious links
- Integrated Anti-Virus
AVG Resident Shield – protects user as files are opened
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and Amnet is not able to support these software packages or removal of Malware, Adware, or Spyware. The user assumes all responsibility and risk for its use. If you suspect that your computer may have a malware infection, please consult a suitably qualified computer professional. |
