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Spyware Removal site delivers malware

4 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

YI…

- http://blog.trendmicro.com/spyware-removal…livers-malware/
January 28, 2008 - "Looks can be deceiving, and malware authors are relying on that old adage to lure potential victims into their most recent scheme… The site hxxp ://removal-tool .com manages to do all that… who’d suspect that a professional-looking anti-spyware site will give them just the opposite of what they’re looking for — and even more? With most of the pages hosting malicious iFrames, here’s a list of what could be lurking in your system after a visit to their site:
* HTML_IFRAME.IY
* VBS_PSYME.BCC
* EXPL_EXECOD.A
* HTML_SHELLCOD.AE
* JS_AGENT.AXX
* HTML_DLOADER.XCZ
* WORM_DISKGEN.AF
* HTML_SHELLCOD.AZ
* HTML_SHELLCOD.AW
* JS_REALPLAY.AA
* PE_PAGIPEF.AP-O
* TROJ_AGENT.DDG
* TROJ_PAGIPEF.AP
The use of legitimate-looking Web sites is a regular (yet undoubtedly still very effective) tactic in disseminating Web threats, mainly used to fool users into downloading fake codecs (see here and here), though security applications have also been reported in the past. Any Web-savvy developer knows that professional design and robust content attract customers, and is most likely to earn their trust to initiate one more click. Sadly, even those with malicious intent abide by this rule, and most users can hardly tell a good site from a bad one…"

(Screenshot available at the URL above.)

:ph34r:
i don't think that fake codecs still do the job, however if they still make new 'codecs', probably they pay off… and the malicious websites that are promoted like computer security portals are something new for me. i mean, i know websites that distributes fake anti spyware tools, but now i've encountered new type of websites myself, the one you posted about. i was browsing answers.yahoo.com looking for a removal of some new parasite and i've clicked on a link described like 'manual removal' or something like that. and guess what, ESET alerted me about worm :angry: i hate this turn in malware distribution :angry: it's unfair and kinda smart. people that look for manual removal usually don't use security tools as they don't wanna pay for protection, so they are potential victims. i wonder how can we prevent that

people that look for manual removal usually don't use security tools as they don't wanna pay for protection, so they are potential victims. i wonder how can we prevent that

There are plenty of FREE security tools. Anti-virus / Anti-spyware, etc. The problem is people won't keep them active as they slowdown their gaming and downloading.

Downloading Codecs is one major reason people get infected. Illegal downloads are another infection waiting to happen. You downlaod a song/movie but it doesn't work because you need to download this "Codec". Guess what? The Codec is an infection just for you. You don't want to pay for this program so you downlaod a "crack", guess what? :pullhair:

For a listing of "Safe" help sites:
http://asap.maddoktor2.com/

There are other "safe" help sites not listed but that list should be enough for everyone.

Some FREE security tools:

Avira, AVG OR Active Virus Shield (uncheck the Security Toolbar during install) are good FREE antivirus.
Never install more than one antivirusscanner or firewall on your system! Several together can give problems and decrease the reliability of it seriously!
Comodo OR Kerio are FREE firewalls.

Understanding and using firewalls


  • Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week
    (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

  • Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.
    Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over.
    I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients.
    Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.

    For a tutorial on Firewalls and a listing of some available ones see the link below:
    Note: I no longer suggest Zone Alarm

    Understanding and Using Firewalls

  • Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly.
    This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.
    If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site
    until there are no more critical updates.

  • Install SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster will add a large list of programs and sites into your Internet Explorer
    settings that will protect you from running and downloading known malicious programs.

    A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here:

    Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware

  • IE-SPYAD puts over 5000 sites in your restricted zone so you'll be protected when you visit innocent-looking sites that aren't actually innocent at all.

    Using IE-SPYAD to help block unwanted sites and activities

  • Winpatrol

  • Update all these programs regularly - Make sure you update all the programs I have listed regularly.
    Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new malicious programs are released.

Only run one Anti-Virus and Firewall program.