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McAfee lists Adware in Top 10 Viruses

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the calling-a-spade-a-spade dept.

joelethan writes "In the new sensitive, caring world of Windows security McAfee Virusscan detects adware/malware, just like its competitors. A surprising consequence is that the McAfee's Regional Virus Info now regularly shows adware in its infection top ten. It feels so good to see old favorites like 180Search and DFC listed. "Now for your listening pleasure it's Adware.Gator at number 7 with a bullet..." "

4 of 272 comments (clear)

  1. Gator is at number 4 by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 5, Informative

    However, Netsky still completely wipes the floor with the adware. Over 10 times as many instances of Netsky were discovered than Gator.

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
  2. USE THESE by RenHoek · · Score: 5, Informative

    Because there are still people who don't know:

    Ad-Aware
    Search & Destroy

    To keep your pc running fast and without too many crashes..

  3. Re:Right.. by eddy · · Score: 5, Informative

    >..let's stick to some realism.

    Yes, let us.

    >Unlike viruses, the user has to actually install them (though that may involve just clicking "yes" in IE).

    No, that's wrong. You can get spyware just by visiting a website, which then exploits your browser to install whatever they want to install.

    I wouldn't call that "the user has to actually install [it]". I'd call that viral behaviour (even though the installed software doesn't live off a host file or process).

    Again; no clicking "yes" required.

    --
    Belief is the currency of delusion.
  4. Re:damn.. by Mant · · Score: 5, Informative

    I dont blame them on microsoft. I never said that. But spyware and virus problem is there, you cant deny that..

    Only if you don't know what you are doing. I've been running XP for two years, and not one virus, or spyware, and pretty minimal effort on my part.

    • Keep windows up to date with auto update
    • Use something other than IE and Outlook/OE
    • Use a firewall
    • Use anti virus and have it auto update
    • Run scans with some anti-spyware software now and then (although I've never caught anything I wanted removed). It looks like this will soon get absorbed by AV software.
    • Don't run dodgy executables, office documents and the like

    The problem is there, no denying, but the solution is way. What is more, it isn't windows specific anyway. Keeping your machine in order and secure is something you should be doing on any OS.