Recently I wrote an article that discussed the affects of Spyware and listed some of the more flagrant offenders, in today’s article I will offer some time and praise to those companies and individuals that resist the deluge. These are the sources for reliable anti-spyware software and the latest news on the state of the spyware invasion.Recently I wrote an article that discussed the affects of Spyware and listed some of the more flagrant offenders, in today’s article I will offer some time and praise to those companies and individuals that resist the deluge. These are the sources for reliable anti-spyware software and the latest news on the state of the spyware invasion.

Although spyware can affect just about any browser and variety of computer, if you have a PC and use Internet explorer it is absolutely vital that you install some kind of anti-spyware program on your computer. There are many good programs you can buy and even a fair number of excellent free ones available as well. However, you must be careful about downloading free software, even anti-spyware, as this is exactly how much of the malignant programs get access to your computer in the first place.

While far from complete, here is a list of programs that present themselves as anti-spyware but are in fact just as bad or worse than most traditional spyware programs. This list is provided by the Spyware Warrior website. Spyware Warrior is one of the best anti-spyware activists out there. Before you download any variety of anti-spyware I strongly advise you take a long look at this list.

Their site is incredibly informative and contains exhaustive lists of spyware programs as well as a blog that keeps us update on the latest threats and it names the culprits in language that doesn’t pull any punches. They also have a list of recommended spyware removal software elsewhere on their site.

One of the most popular and trusted free sources of anti-spyware software is the Lavasoft Company, maker of the Adaware. This program is hands down the best known free anti-spyware program available. The program is easy to use, provides details regarding the spyware it locates, and is regularly updated. Cnet, a trusted tech news source, includes Adaware on its list of Top 5 Rated Downloads section.

A backhanded, but equally ringing endorsement comes from the makers of spyware themselves. If you take a look at the list of false anti-spyware programs above you’ll notice that there are several called “Adware something”. These sneaky purveyors of unwanted advertisements and keystroke loggers are attempting to take advantage of consumers looking for Adaware with that missing ”a”. I always advise that you look for the Lavasoft logo before downloading to help make sure you’re getting the program you want.

If you are looking for a more official response to the spyware menace you should pay a visit to the Anti-Spyware Coalition website. The ASC is an organization made up of most of the biggest names in the computer and Internet industry, including Earthlink, AOL, and Yahoo. You should not expect inflammatory rhetoric; the ASC takes what can be generously described as a measured approach.

Recent efforts from ASC include definitions of different varieties of spyware, a glossary of related terms, and a set of guidelines for dispute resolution. All in all, it has the feel of an industry effort to fend off government intervention. A sort of, look how seriously we take the issue so pesky regulators need not get involved.

The information that the site provides is certainly interesting and it’s a good thing that the industry as a whole has a public face of rejection of the whole slimy activity of unwanted advertising and browser high-jacking but it reminds me of the problems with the United Nations, a lot of meetings, a lot of resolutions, but little in terms of solutions.

Spyware is going to go away. There is simply too much money to be made in it. It is something of a wonder to me that so little is done about it by the authorities. It isn’t like the spyware companies are operating out of the back of a moving van, they have regular offices with regular addresses easily visited by the authorities. However, until some kind of legal standards are set and enforced it is good to know that there are at least some people fighting the good fight.
Art Micklewraith