NAV2004 and spyware 1

[mikesh27]

We support about forty networks and obviously the problems with spyware are coming in thicker and faster.

We've normally got through this by running Ad-aware and two or three others until it's all gone. In a couple of cases we've had to reformat.

What I can't understand is, why the major antivirus companies don't tackle spyware. Today I tried removing spyware on five infected PCs using only NAV2004, knowing what would happen?

Could anyone explain why Symantec haven't addressed the problem of getting rid of even the most basic adware?

Thanks,

Mike

http://www.abccomputersolutions.co.uk

http://www.hamptoncarcentre.co.uk

 

[jbrackett]

As I understand it, both Network Associates (McAfee), and Symantec are working on solutions for the problems presented by spyware. I've seen mixed reviews on their effectiveness just now, so it appears that the jury is still out (especially compared to programs that are specifically designed for spyware removal), but give it a little time. They seem to be coming around.

_{"The Crystal Wind is the storm, and the storm is data, and the data is life. You have been slaves, denied the storm, denied the freedom of your data. That is now ended; the whirlwind is upon you . . . . . . Whether you like it or not."}

^{"Trent the Uncatchable" in The Long Run by Daniel Keys Moran}

 

[MasterRacker]

Most of the AV companies have steered clear in the past at least partly because of potential legal issues. In a lot of cases, the end user legally agreed to the installation of the adware. Read through the deep and dark recesses of the EULAs for WeatherBug, various coupon services etc. In return for the free program you have to agree to allow your info to be given to affiliates, or recieve advertising from them etc. Hence the adware. Many free programs break when you remove the adware.

The AV companies didn't want to get involved with breaking apps on someone's computer or uninstalling legally installed apps. Abuse of the adware has now gotten enough people angry that the balance is tipping but the AV comanies have a lot of ground to make up.

This is compounded by the fact that a lot of adware/spyware is more sophisticated than normal viruses. Many viruses are still written by script-kiddies out for an ego boost. Adware/spyware on the other hand is being developed by professional programmers paid by marketing companies.


Jeff
The future is already here - it's just not widely distributed yet...

 

[mikesh27]

Thanks Jeff, for taking the trouble to explain. I've no problem with harmless adware, but malicious spyware is growing out of control. Symantec and McAfee must able to target the harmful ones.

Thanks,

Mike

http://www.abccomputersolutions.co.uk

http://www.hamptoncarcentre.co.uk

 

[MasterRacker]

The big AV companies are beginning to get serious but things are going to get worse before they get better. The article below is a great illustration of how bad it's getting. Compound that with the fact that spywareinfo.com and other sites have been under constant DDOS attacks for months and you get a real feel for how much the Internet truly is the "Wild West".

http://www.theregister.com/2004/06/29/cws_shredder/

Jeff
The future is already here - it's just not widely distributed yet...