Revisiting Spyware

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moongirl
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Revisiting Spyware: http://www.networkworld.com 8/10/05
What we tested

We evaluated Aladdin Knowledge Systems' eSafe Version 5, Blue Coat Systems' Spyware Interceptor, Computer Associates' eTrust PestPatrol Corporate Edition v5, Fortinet's FortiClient Host Security 2.0, FSecure's Anti-Virus Client Security 6.0, Lavasoft AB's Ad-Aware Professional, McAfee's Anti-Spyware Enterprise 8.0i and Secure Content Management Appliance 4.0 (Secure Web Gateway model 3300), Panda Software's EnterpriSecure with TruPrevent Technology, Ashanti PLC LTD's Spyware Defense V1.3, Sunbelt Software's CounterSpy Enterprise Version 1.5, SurfControl's Enterprise Threat Shield, Tangent's Packet Hawk Version 2.0, Omniquad's Omniquad AntiSpy Enterprise Version 3.3, Trend Micro's InterScan Anti-Spyware Suite and OfficeScan Anti-Spyware Suite, Webroot Software's Spy Sweeper Enterprise 2.1 and Websense's WebSense Web Security Suite-Lockdown Edition.

How to identify spyware

Anti-spyware products identify spyware by recognizing executable files, by noting that a PC is attempting to access a known spyware Internet site or by detecting that a computer program is making inappropriate changes to the Windows registry. Vendors find themselves "chasing" spyware by reacting to new spyware instances and new spyware behaviors as they emerge. We'd like to see anti-spyware vendors take a pre-emptive approach that allows better than 90% success at catching spyware.
The Microsoft factor

Microsoft obtained Windows AntiSpyware, which is still in beta test, when it purchased Giant Company Software. Windows AntiSpyware detected 80% of our test spyware. When it finds spyware, Windows AntiSpyware presents the administrator with a list of threats found, details about each threat and recommendations for resolving each threat. At the administrator's behest, Windows AntiSpyware removes every vestige of a spyware instance. Like Omniquad AntiSpy Enterprise, Windows AntiSpyware can do a quick or full scan. Microsoft says the product will have a central console in the future. The Windows AntiSpyware beta test period is to conclude by year-end.
There is a great deal of information here: http://www.networkworld.com/weblogs/testing/009740.html
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