According to security research and analysis, these are the 10 most dangerous spyware programs commonly found on infected home and office computers.
CoolWebSearch (CWS)
CoolWebSearch (CWS) is a spyware search-highjacker program that is installed on millions of infected computers worldwide. Once installed, CoolWebSearch highjacks the browser’s homepage settings, redirecting them to another page. CoolWebSearch also alters internet searches and other browser settings.
The latest edition of CoolWebSearch uses malware HTML applications as well as security exploits the Microsoft Java Virtual Machines and the HTML help format to install itself.`
Gator (GAIN)
Gator is adware software that tracks user’s internet surfing habits and displays banner advertisements based upon them. GAIN is commonly found bundled with free software programs such as Limewire, Kazza and many other commonly downloaded programs.
GAIN is one of the oldest and most widespread spyware threats. Once installed, GAIN must be removed from several locations. Even after thorough removal steps have been taken, GAIN sometimes evades detection and resumes its spyware activities.
180search Assistant
180Search Assistant is adware software which tracks user actions and sends targeted pop-up and pop-under advertising to the users’ PC. Each time a users submit keywords to search engines or selected websites, 180Search Assistant opens a new web browser window which displays advertising related to the site or keyword.
ISTbar/AUpdate
ISTbar/Aupdate is a browser addon (toolbar ) which functions as a search engine for pornographic web pages. When these pages are linked to, this software displays pornographic advertising. ISTbar/Aupdate is also known to hijack internet searches and user homepages.
Transponder (vx2)
Transponder (vx2)is a spyware Internet Explorer Browser Helper Object which tracks user behavior and information entered into online forms. Transponder uses this information to deliver targeted spam advertising.
Internet Optimizer
Internet Optimizer hijacks browser error pages and redirects them to its own server. Internet Optimizer displays false error pages which contain advertising. Internet Optimizer has also been known to severely slow down system performance, making infected PCs almost unusable.
BlazeFind
BlazeFind may hijack any of the following: Web searches, home page and other Internet Explorer settings. BlazeFind may redirect Web searches through its own search engine and change default home pages to www.blazefind.com. This hijacker may also change other Internet Explorer settings.
BlazeFind is a combination spyware and adware program. BlazeFind works by hijacking homepage settings as well as other browser settings. Blazefind reroutes internet searches through its own servers, and displays its own search engine’s results instead of the actual results requested by the user. BlazeFind is known to change other browser settings as well.
BlazeFind is commonly associated with internet explorer, but has been known to effect the functions of other web browsers as well.
Hot as Hell
Hot as Hell is a spyware and malware program which attempts to use the modems of infected PCs to dial toll numbers for the purpose of connecting to pornographic websites. Hot as Hell has the ability to disconnect an infected user’s PC from their local internet service provider and access a long distance or toll number instead, at great expense to the user. Hot as Hell generally runs in the background, making it nearly impossible to detect.
Advanced Keylogger
Advanced Keylogger is a spyware program that works behind the scenes recording any and all user activity. Advanced Keylogger records all user keystrokes and uploads them to a remote server for analysis. Advanced Keylogger also has the ability to take screen shots of user actions and upload these as well.
TIBS Dialer
TIBS Dialer is a dialer that may hijack a user’s modem and dial toll numbers that access paid, pornographic Web sites.