[Merged] MS Anti-Spyware/Virus

Paul K · 06-01-2005, 07:54

Please note the Beta in the title

You have to be running an admin account to install the software
MS Anti-Spyware Released

Quote:

Overview
Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over 50 ways spyware can enter your PC.

The worldwide SpyNetÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ €¦Ã‚Â¾ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¢ community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, which are automatically downloaded to your PC, so you stay up-to-date.

The user must be an administrator to install this application.

Note to Users of Giant AntiSpyware:
Current Giant AntiSpyware users with active subscriptions are advised to continue to use their existing software. Click here for more information.

If your subscription has expired, and you choose to download and install Windows AntiSpyware (Beta), you must first uninstall any previous versions of Giant AntiSpyware.

To remove Giant AntiSpyware:
1. Click Start and then choose Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs and then click Remove a Program. (If your control panel is set to Classic View, click the Add or Remove Programs icon.)
3. When the Add or Remove Programs window appears, select the Giant AntiSpyware program from the list.
4. Click Remove

. Beta Support Policy
* Important Information:
This is pre-release (beta) software distributed for feedback and testing purposes. Microsoft does not provide technical support for beta releases (see below for information about how to gain access to newsgroups). If Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is causing an issue with your system, we recommend removing it by using Add or Remove Programs and even using System Restore if the problem persists.

Additional Information:
Please see the Release Notes to learn more about known issues with Windows AntiSpyware (Beta).

System Requirements
* Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 2000 Professional Edition , Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Service Pack 2, Windows 2000 Service Pack 3, Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, Windows XP Home Edition , Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Professional Edition , Windows XP Service Pack 1, Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Bifta · 06-01-2005, 09:40

Quote:

The download you requested is unavailable. If you continue to see this message when trying to access this download, you might try the "Search for a Download" area on the Download Center home page.

purenuman · 06-01-2005, 10:03

Does it remove their own spyware??

downquark1 · 06-01-2005, 10:27

Here's a nice preview:
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/...re_preview.asp

dilli-theclaw · 06-01-2005, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Please note the Beta in the title

You have to be running an admin account to install the software
MS Anti-Spyware Released

Thanks for that - I've installed it and am trying it out now.

TigaSefi · 06-01-2005, 10:45

can't download it ?

Acathla · 06-01-2005, 10:47

try: http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...areInstall.exe

downquark1 · 06-01-2005, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acathla

try: http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...areInstall.exe

Thanks

06-01-2005, 11:07

Will download it later. Stuck at college at the moment

Aragorn · 06-01-2005, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by purenuman

Does it remove their own spyware??

No! I just tried the MS Beta product and Adaware SE in succession.

MS Product said nothing of interest.

Adaware said I had the 'Alexa' registry entries (gets installed with IE, according to Adaware) and a tracking cookie !!

May look OK, but if it don't pick up the scumware, what use is it?

downquark1 · 06-01-2005, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

No! I just tried the MS Beta product and Adaware SE in succession.

MS Product said nothing of interest.

Adaware said I had the 'Alexa' registry entries (gets installed with IE, according to Adaware) and a tracking cookie !!

May look OK, but if it don't pick up the scumware, what use is it?

The alexia that adaware finds isn't actual spyware, but rather has a potential to become spyware when infected by other stuff. MS may not consider tracking cookies spyware, and it is still in the beta stages

Paul K · 06-01-2005, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigaSefi

can't download it ?

Sorry about that, posted the link I was using at the time and it's specific to my validation I think

The correct link is posted above but just in case anyone missed it...
MS Anti-Spyware

Acathla · 06-01-2005, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by downquark1

The alexia that adaware finds isn't actual spyware, but rather has a potential to become spyware when infected by other stuff. MS may not consider tracking cookies spyware, and it is still in the beta stages

You say that but it found my logitech desktop messenger, RealVNC and WinPCap as potential spyware. Now I would have thought alexia and tracking cookies are more of a threat than bloody VNC!

AndrewJ · 06-01-2005, 13:22

i can see it coming...

download full program

run full program

await security update for program.

Bifta · 06-01-2005, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acathla

You say that but it found my logitech desktop messenger, RealVNC and WinPCap as potential spyware. Now I would have thought alexia and tracking cookies are more of a threat than bloody VNC!

The Logitech Desktop Manager used to contain Backweb, probably still does

Quote:

BackWeb is a generic, background downloading tool that software vendors can incorporate into their product to download data (e.g. product updates) to the user's PC. Its operation depends on the instructions given to it by the individual software vendor who bundles it.

BackWeb has been associated with numerous large companies working on a corporate level to deliver timely information and updates. Essentially, BackWeb is a communications program whereby a large amount of users may be contacted in an instant.

Information may be collected from many sources including applications which may then be delivered to the collection site. Further, this technology is based upon an open architecture whereby third-party developers may develop customized applications to meet their needs.

BackWeb has plug-in module capabilities to further extend features and capabilities of the core program. One such established plug-in module is the "BackWeb Polite Upstream" which allows for the reverse flow of communications. Communications from the client may be delivered to the server for assimilation into a collection point for further processing.

May use port 6670 (as may Deep Throat 1,2 & 3.x, Foreplay, Reduced Foreplay, WinNuke eXtreame, and other programs.)

If it's sending data from your machine to a remote server, I'd say it's spyware.

WinPCap can also be exploited by other malware programs, they use it's libraries send out usage habit data to remote servers.

RealVNC - VNC is open source and can be installed within certain malware programs, see here for details:

http://research.sunbelt-software.com...m?name=RealVNC