Spammers are becoming more and more clever in their attempts to entice people to respond to their messages or click on links. For example, the message above contains links to spyware and adware removal utilities. However, many of these utilities are just cheap knock offs that have "stolen" code from either LavaSoft's Ad-aware or Spybot to cash in on the concerns of innocent consumers. Worse yet, some of these newer spyware utility programs have been developed by the very same people who developed the spyware and adware in the first place. Many times these programs will eliminate some of their competitors' spyware while secretly installing and replacing it with their own spyware programs.
The following list of programs have been deemed questionable by many reputable Internet sites and Spyware watchdogs: Spyware Nuker, Virtual Bouncer, WarNet, AdProtector, SpyFerret, SpyGone, SpyAssualt, SpyKiller, SpyWiper, Spy Guardian Pro.
All Windows users should beware of email messages and pop-up ads that claim to help you protect your computer against spyware and pop-ups. Recently, several email messages were received by UW - Green Bay users that contained a link to install "spyware protection". In reality, this software is just another form of adware and/or spyware.
All users should be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS about clicking links in unsolicited email messages. If you don't know the sender of the message, DON'T DO IT! These links can often allow viruses or malicious software to be installed on your computer by making it appear that it is helpful software. When an invasive popup does appear, NEVER click anything on the popup, even if it says "No," or "Cancel", or "Delete me from your mailing list." There is no guarantee those buttons do what they say they do, and clicking anything might be the trigger for downloading unwanted software. Always use the Windows Close button on the upper right of the popup window.
Spammers may also try to impersonate local IT administrative staff. Notice that the following email appears to be sent from our IT department on campus. In this case, the attachment was deleted but it may have included a virus or a link to download questionable software, most likely containing some type of spyware. The campus Computer Center will never send this type of generic message or threaten to disable your account because of problems on your workstation.
Also keep in mind that many of the free downloads you get for programs that allow music and file sharing may also contain fine print disclosing the fact that spyware and other software is being installed at the same time.
UW - Green Bay's Computing and Information Technology department continues to recommend the use of three tools to combat spyware, adware, and annoying pop ups:
Google Toolbar http://toolbar.google.com/
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
SpyBot http://beam.to/spybotsd