Safe + Secure
PC Matic Complete Security
Products
Antivirus
PC Matic VPN
Identity Protection
PC Matic Privacy
Support Unlimited
Threat Awareness
How PC Matic Protects You
SuperShield Allowlist
Business Protection
PC Matic Pro
PC Matic for SMB
Solutions
Allowlisting
Script Enforcement
Device Control
Patch Management
Remote Tools
Integrations
Server Security
Learn More
Resellers
Affiliates
Resources
Case Studies
For Federal
Partner Programs
Managed Service Providers
Channel Partners
Affiliate Partners
Resource Center
All Resources
Case Studies
Data Sheets
User Guides
White Papers
Blog Resources
PC Matic Blog
Business Security
Home Security
Cyber News
Scam Alerts
Customer Service
Home Support
Business Support
Learn More
Getting Started
Knowledgebase
Tech Support Scams
Fake Virus Scams
The Cyber Scam Report
Town Hall Sessions
Tools & More
Password Generator
Internet Speed Test
What Is My IP?
PC Matic
About
Careers
Learn More
Industry Recognition
Leadership
Commercials
Stay Up-to-Date
Newsroom
Blog
Events
TechTalk Podcast
Home Customers
My Account
PC Matic App
Add a Device
Renew Subscription
Business Customers
Business Login
Business Support

Spyware

Safe Surfing

/
by Robert P. Lipschutz and John Clyman

Your kids are being targeted by spyware and other Internet-based threats. What can you do to help them surf safely?

In the first installment of this series, we showed how various Web sites and software publishers target your children and teenagers with threats such as spyware and adware. Now let’s look at what you can teach your kids about how to surf more safely in spite of the dangers. We’ll highlight some of the danger signs that can provide a tip that something is amiss, and show how to respond in a way that can protect your kids and your computer.

Safe Surfing Read More »

Search Scout: No Merit Badge

/

Search Scout is one of the features of the Gator Advertising Information Network (GAIN). Gator has a partnership with Overture Services to display keyword-based text ads. The GAIN background software monitors the web pages you visit and the information you enter into search forms. If GAIN determines that you are doing a web search, or you are visiting sites that are associated with particular keywords, Search Scout kicks into action and displays Overture advertising or other results that match the keywords.

Search Scout: No Merit Badge Read More »

Google and Spyware

/

On February 1, 2005, Google announced record revenues of $1.032 billion and profits of $303 million. Just like everyone else in the world, I was blown away. What a great company! The stock market seemed to agree since Google’s stock price hit a record high after their earnings announcement.

But there’s something that has been bothering me and many others in the antispyware community about the search engine juggernaut. And that’s Google’s ties to spyware.

Google and Spyware Read More »

It Pays To Read License Agreements

/
by Larry Magid

I have a deal for you. In exchange for a free piece of software that helps you keep track of your passwords and other log on information, I’m going to install other programs on your PC that will track your web surfing and display advertising that pops-up on your screen. There will also be other types of ads on your computer based on information we collect.

It Pays To Read License Agreements Read More »

The Spyware Name Game

/
by Robert P. Lipschutz and John Clyman

There’s a lot of confusion about exactly what the term “spyware” means and it seems that everyone has an angle. For example, some shady software vendors prominently label their programs “spyware-free” even though in fact they may contain undesirable software hitchhikers that most of us would classify as spyware. The companies justify these claims by using an extremely narrow definition of the term “spyware” — but in our minds, these claims wouldn’t be much different than a soda manufacturer’s proclaiming that its product is “sugar-free” and justifying this statement by arguing that the corn syrup in the soda just doesn’t fall under its definition of “sugar”.

The Spyware Name Game Read More »

Are Your Children Safe from Spyware?

/
by Robert P. Lipschutz and John Clyman

If you have kids, then the computer they use — which may also be the computer you use — is vulnerable to infestation by spyware. Spyware preys on the behavior of children, and teens in particular, by parking itself in the programs they download and on the sites they visit. Peer-to-peer music-swapping software, free online games, screen savers, song-lyrics sites are prime destinations for kids and many of them can carry an unwanted payload that can melt down a machine. But by teaching your kids appropriate behaviors and habits, and using some protective software, you can go a long way toward preventing spyware from gaining a foothold on your system.

Are Your Children Safe from Spyware? Read More »

Follow the Money

/

When Dave and I were at the Spyware Conference in Washington DC, we were approached by Avi Nader, CEO of WhenU. Avi was upset because we were passing our WhenU research to various reporters at the conference. Avi cornered Dave and me and asked, “Why are you picking on us? Why don’t you focus on the guys doing identity theft, and other horrible deeds?” I have had a lot of time to think about this question and my answer. Avi, if you’re listening, here is my response.

Follow the Money Read More »