A list of the most popular Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs of 2008
2008 is over and as we welcome in 2009 we look back this past year and compile a list of the top 10 Rogue Anti-Spyware programs. Many of the programs that we have picked as the top 10 rogue anti-spyware programs are ones that stood out from the crowd and may have infected thousands of computer users all around the world.
Many of the top 10 programs in our list are still currently causing issues among computer users over the internet. Others you may find have died out to the point that security researchers and security websites are no longer discussing them. Either way, each of the programs remains to be dangerous and should never be downloaded, installed or purchased under any circumstances.
The Top 10 Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs of 2008 list was compiled from our personal research and several security websites that discuss spyware topics and the latest computer security threats.
Top 10 Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs of 2008
The programs listed below are in alphabetical order
- Antivirus 2008 - Falsely advertised as a program that has the ability to scan for and remove spyware parasites. Cleverly designed to resemble normal Windows operating system programs.
- Antivirus 2009 - A clone of Antivirus 2008. Very dangerous in the way it performs automatic system scans and can be installed without your permission through a fake video codec or the antivirus-2009.com website.
- Antivirus 360 - Uses a deceiving name to trick computer users into purchasing a full version of the Antivirus 360 program. Known for displaying several error messages on your screen in addition to slowing the performance of your computer.
- Antivirus XP 2008 - In the same family as Antivirus 2008, Antivirus 2009 and Antivirus 2008 XP. Performs aggressive tactics to exploit computer users out of money for purchasing the full version of Antivirus XP 2008.
- IE Antivirus 3.2 - A variant of MalwareBell, IE Defender and Files Secure which are all rogue anti-spyware programs. May automatically scan your system when it is installed. May be installed automatically through a Trojan infection such as Zlob or Vundo Trojan without your consent.
- MalwareBell - Heavily promoted on the mallwarebell.com website as a spyware removal tool. Redirects you to other sites that prompt you to purchase the full version of MalwareBell. Classifies legitimate security sources as malware parasites.
- VirusHeat - May hijack your web browser leading you to malicious websites. Creates a serious risk of downloading and installing other Trojans or rogue anti-spyware applications. In the same family of rogue programs as Virusprotect and VirProtect.
- VirusTrigger - May come from the Zlob Trojan and virus-trigger.com. Advertised as a program that detect and remove spyware parasites from any PC. May lead to the installation of other rogue anti-spyware programs if left on your computer.
- Winweb Security 2008 - Falsely claims to enhance your safety and security on your computer. Displays a never ending loop of fake popups or alert messages.
- XP Antivirus - Displays fake scan results and several popup messages that aggressively push computer users to purchase a full version to remove the threats. Boots into memory at each Windows startup. Creates fake registry entries to further confuse computer users.
Note: Even though some of the programs listed in our top 10 rogue ant-spyware programs list may seem to be more dangerous than older applications, you should never install any of them for any reason or you may seriously risk damaging your computer. It is recommended that you re-check your computer for any of the Top 10 Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs to be assured that you are running a healthy and secure system.