Spyware Removal Tools - A Guide

The most popular method of spyware infection these days is caused by rogue anti spyware programs. These are simply fake spyware removal tools that send out false positive warning messages that your computer is infected. After scaring you into buying their product they can steal your private information while infecting your computer further. Stay FAR away from the following programs:

Antispywaremaster
XP Antivirus 2008
Antispyspider
IE Antivirus
WinFixer
Malware Bell
SpySheriff
Smithfraud
VirusHeat
SpyAxe
AntiVirGear
Malware Alarm
VirusBlast
Spyware Removal Wizard
SpyHeal
RemoveIT Pro

Without question the two most important features of a spyware removal tool are the size of the threat database and the ability to completely eliminate a form of spyware.

One common misconception with spyware removers is if your computer becomes infected any old detector will pick up on it. This can not be further from the truth! Spyware removers are reactive. They can only detect a newer form of spyware after it has already entered the market place. After the initial outbreak the best spyware detection companies will update their software to include the new threats.

Older outdated programs do almost NOTHING against the newer threats. This is why you must use software that is constantly on top of new malicious files. You also need a program that has a huge threat database. An anti spyware program can only detect what is in it's database. Like the age old saying the bigger, the better!


Equally as important is the killing efficiency of the spyware removal tool. Spyware infections are highly sophisticated in this day and age. They will spread themselves across numerous folders including your registry and system process files. Spyware can attach itself to your startup commands, even if deleted it can simply regenerate itself every time you start your computer. The latest infections stick themselves to your "system restore" function nullify the computers ability to use it.

Simply put, to fight the latest spyware infections, you need a lean mean killing machine. You can check out my comprehensive review site to see which spyware remover tested best in both detection and removal. See what I consider the #1 spyware removal tool

Downloading a spyware remover that just kills infections is never enough. The key is to purchase a removal tool that will eliminate spyware and protect you from future assaults.

ActiveX shield

For all web browsers but especially Internet Explorer users, you need a spyware protector that has ActiveX defense.

ActiveX is a control that can automatically download and embed programs onto your web browser and computer. Similar to Java applets, ActiveX controls can also access your operating system without you even knowing it. There is no wonder why ActiveX is one of the most common methods of spyware infection. A spyware removal tool MUST have some kind of ActiveX protection otherwise you will be opening the floodgates to future infections.

Browser shield

One common way spyware can infect your computer is through hijacking your browser. A dangerous website can alter your homepage and alter your favorites or bookmarks. By hijacking your browser they can redirect your webpage sending you to sites filled with spyware. Typically you cannot just click out of them as more and more windows open and soon enough your browser is cooked.

Sometimes the best offense is a great defense. Visit here for a list of spyware removal tools that have these very important features.

• Off hours scheduled scanning to automate spyware removal and catch viruses before they spread
  
  
• Detailed threat reports to help you separate dangerous files from harmless ones
  
  
• Automatic updates to keep you protected against the latest threats
  
  
• Full registry scanning to completely detect and eliminate all remnants of spyware, adware, and viruses
  
  
• Active help desk to assist you with any software issues
  

Please check out this lens warning spyware detected for ALL information regarding what to do if you get that error message. It might not mean what you think!