It looks like nobody is really safe on the Internet today. Even popular social networking sites like Facebook and its users are no longer safe from computer infections. Just recently, a web-based application called Secret Crush was found to have been in violation of the Facebook’s terms of service because of its adware characteristics. The trick is that this widget entices users to click on a link that basically sends them to a website full of malicious softwares. Among the malwares that can be downloaded from the website is called Zango, an infamous adware program that have been downloaded and installed to as much as one million Facebook users.

Zango, which was formerly associated with Hotbar adwareand 180solutions, is one of the leading distributors of adwares. The company develops softwares that provide users with business resources and games, along with DRM-restricted music and videos. But recently, the company settled a $1 million fine with the Federal Trade Commission for installing adware programs without users knowing about it, at the same time obstructing users from removing them.

Security experts have come up with a long list of undesirable activities associated with free softwares provided by Zango, one of which is their instant messaging utility called Zango Easy Messenger. Reports have said that this messaging client tracks and reports user behavior to be able to display targeted advertisements. It can also automatically function during the startup and install other adware components.

McAfee, a top brand in computer security, also warns users from using Zango programs. They said that while many applications from the company may have legitimate purpose, users should still be cautious when downloading and installing them. The company classifies Zango softwares as PUPs or potentially unwanted programs that may function as adware downloaders.

Because of the ever increasing popularity of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Friendster, many cyber criminals set to do harm are starting to use them as venue for their wrongdoings. That is why it is very important to be very extra careful when going to this websites and clicking unknown links all over their pages. This recent wave of infections from these popular portals should come as a warning to users that they should always have their guards up and never be caught in a vulnerable situation. Or else, the bad guys will definitely come to get you. And not even the most innocent websites can be a safe haven for us.

Accused adware purveyor Zango shuttered by bank foreclosure
Zango, a principal player in the spreading of ‘adware,’ has been forced to close down after a decade in business.

Zango Software Spyware Or Adware
http://live.pirillo.com – Imagine my surprise the other day when searching for an archived document of mine the other day. There was what I was looking for…

Adware vendor Zango shuts its doors
"Zango, the adware distributor that was fined $3 million by the Federal Trade Commission in 2006 for sneaking software on people’s PCs, has closed its.

Technorati Tags: adware, Facebook, free software, illegal installation, malware, McAfee, spyware

Adwares, aside from being a nuisance to many computer users around the world, have also been the top security threat known today. It has even surpassed the very dangerous Trojan horse as biggest problem on computer system security, based on the number users it has pestered. Though some adwares are actually harmless whose only function is to display annoying pop-up advertisements while you’re using your computer, some has the capability to cause far more damages aside from promoting products and services. One good example is a little program called DeskAd.

Considered as a malicious software or malware, DeskAd is a destructive application that has infected both home users and businesses. It is packaged as ad-supported software that provides targeted advertisements. It is executed in stealth mode and can be installed without even the user knowing about it. Over time, it begins to cause further damages by starting to control a system, which includes changing settings of web browsers, adding buttons and toolbars, and highjacking the homepage and bookmarks. DeskAd has also been reported of having the ability to redirect users to other locations on the Internet, often sending them to website compromised with other malwares.

Recent studies have also shown that DeskAd can also affect a computer network prompting several administrators to report major network issues. This adware can actually create additional entries to the registry that enables it to be launched every time the machine starts up. Similar to a worm or virus, DeskAd can also replicate itself to spread more infections. This self-replicating property of the program actually causes slower performance because it uses valuable memory and even Internet bandwidth.

Reports have suggested that DeskAd can come from even the most innocent email via file attachments. Many malicious websites also contain this adware. A simple visit to these websites can actually trigger the download and installation of this malware.

Many security experts have said that the only way to remove infections caused by DeskAd is a complete reformat and reinstallation of the operating system. However, there are ways on how even the average user can avoid having this nasty adware from getting on your system. Because this adware actually uses system vulnerabilities as an attack point, it is remember to follow these following tips:

1. Always make sure that your operating system and security applications are up to date. Most OS are readily upgradeable from the provider’s website, granting your copy is licensed. This is because most operating system provides users with few tools they can use to guard their system. Daily or weekly updates are crucial and should be done properly.

2. Install a firewall. And keep them running all the time, especially when you are connected to the Internet. It will keep hackers and other forms of malicious activities from getting into your computer, as well as track outbound communication to make sure no important information is being sent from your computer.

3. Have a reliable adware cleaning and monitoring program. Because adwares have evolved so much and many anti-virus softwares can’t detect them anymore, dedicated applications that scan and remove these kinds of infection should always be up and running. Also, make sure that your copy of this program is always updated to make sure you have the latest patches to recognize even the newest adwares around.

Adwares may be the top dog when it comes to making your computer system vulnerable. But knowing what to do is the first defense to be able to avoid these nasty programs from ever getting into your life. It may look like an impossible task, but it’s actually easy if you think about it.

Ok, so i’m a glutton for spyware punishment
deskad service (0.11 mb) multiple prompt windows; opened window to www.winupdates.com page advertising ‘adware remover gold’, ‘email spam block’ and data shredder gold. search relevancy (0.25 mb). uninstall wizard, 3 prompt window, …

Viruses found, malware, spyware, and popups 
adware:adware/wintools not disinfected windows registry adware:adware/dyfuca not disinfected windows registry adware:adware/searchrelevancy not disinfected windows registry adware:adware/ist.yoursitebar not disinfected windows registry …

Technorati Tags: adware, DeskAd, malware, spyware