I've been attacked by some malware called "Spyware Protect 2009". Have you guys seen this before? Screenshot and symptoms inside - hoping someone can help me kill this thing. [more inside]
posted by CRM114 on Mar 26, 2009 - 22 answers

I'm setting up my spankin' new computer. So far I've downloaded AVG as my anti-virus solution, but I'm not sure which way to go for anti-spyware. [more inside]
posted by ®@ on Feb 23, 2008 - 17 answers

Can you help me diagnose if someone is spying on my computer? [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks on Jan 4, 2007 - 30 answers

I have recently started a new job in charge of IT in a small lab <10 people. A while back the lab was badly hacked into and data etc. was lost (there is evidence this was an inside job btw). As part of my remit I am in charge of making sure this doesn't happen again. The company has a site license for anti-virus software so that is not an issue however we currently have no anti-spyware, personal firewall or rootkit / trojan detector etc. What I'm looking for is one or more products which I can install on the user's workstations which are effective in these areas. The most important point apart from actually working of course is that I can centrally administer the software and monitor what is going on - edit firewall rules etc. So what products would you recommend that might satisfy these requirements. Oh yeah all users including myself are running Windows XP so cross platform is not a problem.
posted by empedia on Sep 28, 2006 - 6 answers

"I want to come with you to Redmond and learn the ways of the Registry. I want to be Teh Haxorz, like my father before me." [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on Aug 11, 2006 - 15 answers

I want to put together the ultimate Computer security kit to fix my uncle's ailing computer. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by katyggls on Apr 8, 2006 - 22 answers

I know that cookies may be automatically and surreptitiously installed on my computer when I arrive at a webpage, but what about spyware/malware/virus ? [more inside]
posted by studentguru on Feb 25, 2006 - 13 answers

I just got a new laptop...help me care for it so it has a long and happy life. [more inside]
posted by apple scruff on Jan 18, 2006 - 31 answers

My computer illiterate family has an HP box running Windows XP Home SP 2. They are constantly installing random programs from suspicious websites and allowing nefarious Active X controls to run – often leaving a trail of destruction for me to deal with. Is there an easy way to restrict their ability to install software? (Also - was I dreaming or did Microsoft just release some kind of policy editing tool that deals with this kind of problem?)
posted by mockjovial on Aug 26, 2005 - 11 answers

SpywareFilter: With all this talk of spyware can anyone explain to me the wha? I mean, I don't always stick to the same few sites but I'm not l337 and looking for warez, I don't visit porn sites and I never get beat down with spyware.
Isn't it the web equivelant of an STD brought on and spread by unsafe browsing?
Need network support person in downtown SF, please recommend [MI] [more inside]
posted by geekyguy on Sep 15, 2004 - 7 answers

As embarrassing as it is to confess, I am not very sophisticated with computers and technology. Recently my computer has become the eager droid of "purityscan," which (to my never ending frustration and dismay) opens a few hundred pop-ups per hour. I Googled for the best spy/pop up removal software, but I am unable to tell the good guys from the bad guys. I downloaded and ran "adaware" but now that they have identified "368 spyware components" on my computer they want $30.00 to remove them. I have no problem paying to end this problem, but I do not want to pay for dreck or pay evil extortionists who create the problem and then sell the solution. So: Which software is best, from an honest company, to fix this loathsome problem?
posted by limitedpie on Mar 5, 2004 - 19 answers