Do you know what spyware is? Most people have a general idea, but don't really know that much about it. Spyware is software that is installed on your computer, usually without your permission. In order to get rid of it, you must use a reliable anti-spyware software program- but avoid fake programs like FraudTool.Win32.AntiVirus360. You don't need more trouble.

The increased growth of the internet over the last few years has also resulted in increased scams. Criminals work overtime to figure out ways to steal your money - fake software programs are one way they do it. These people can make their products look very convincing.

Spyware can collect your personal information and change the configuration of your pc. It will also target ads at you, usually related to the searches you perform online. Hence the name - these software programs actually "spy" on what you do while on the internet. What are the dangers?

Your online business information can be accessed. This isn't to say that it will definitely happen, but your passwords and business account numbers aren't safe. You could be the victim of identity theft. If you do a lot of your banking and other business online, or use your credit card regularly, you need to get rid of spyware asap.

What are some of the symptoms that you have this unwanted software on your computer? If your pc is much slower than usual, you begin getting barraged by pop-up ads, or your homepage or search page changes, more than likely you have it installed. Spyware sometimes makes it difficult to get your settings configured back to the way they were originally. It's usually just all around bad.

Although using good anti-spyware software is the best route to take, beware. There are countless rogue programs out there that can do more harm to your pc, and they want your money. FraudTool.Win32.AntiVirus360 is one such program. It is usually promoted by an installer found on adult websites.

Rogue anti-spyware software programs like these will advertise aggressively to you, advising you that there are threats and security problems on your pc. Many times there are no security threats, but this software wants to scare you into purchasing their software to remedy the problem. Be smart and don't fall for these schemes.

So, what steps should you take if you find that you are a victim of spyware? Get a reliable software program to remove it. There are many available, but most of the time you must run more than one scan to completely remove the parasites. Most software programs remove approximately 60 to 90% on the first scan.

The only anti-spyware program that has been proven to work in one scan is Spyzooka. This software boasts and excellent reputation and it works. Don't leave your security in the wrong hands - Spyzooka is the solution to your problem. As for FraudTool.Win32.AntiVirus360? Don't mess with it, period.

eXPress Antivirus 2009 is one of the newest of a long line of rogue security tools. You would almost think that the developers of these things would learn what actually works. I guess ultimately, they don’t care enough to bother putting out convincing products.

The appearance of eXPress Antivirus is probably the lamest attempt I’ve seen in trying to look like a real program. They make use of some of the imagery used by Windows, but they slop that up.

The “XP” in the name, “express antivirus,” is a different color than the other letters, perhaps in an attempt to imply that they’re Windows approved. They also use the Windows shield icon, but this is of a different color scheme than the one that Windows uses—it's in brown and black. In fact, the whole color scheme is in brown and black, rather than blue and red.

Aside from the difference in "skin," you can pretty much expect a normal rogue security tool infection out of eXPress Antivirus. If you’re new to this kind of situation, I’ll explain it to you.

eXPress Antivirus and other rogue tools are transmitted from infected websites and downloads. Typically, they involve watching videos, since it’s easy to get a person to initiate the infection that way. eXPress Antivirus, like the others, also have home pages like www.expressantivirus2009.com where you can also get infected.

The way an infection from eXPress Antivirus starts is that when an infected icon or link gets clicked on, you download a Trojan Downloader, such as Zlob or Keenval. This spyware program allows the eX Press Antivirus to bypass your security features and download on your computer.

Then, the eXPress Antivirus scanning window pops up and conducts an unsolicited scan of your computer. It tells you that your computer is horribly infected with viruses. It’s an unrealistic level of infection that it shows, and it’s just there to scare you. You probably don’t even have any viruses on your computer.

You can’t just ignore this program, either. Should you manage to close it, eXPress Antivirus is geared to restart at regular intervals, when you open your browser, and when you restart your computer. Also, the longer it’s on your computer, the more likely it is to damage it.

The goal eXPress Antivirus has is to make you pay them to “fix” your problem. It causes problems to make the situation more real. They will try to convince you that they’re the only ones who can fix your problem, which isn’t true. They won’t fix your problem, whereas a real antispyware program can.

The worst thing you can do is buy eXPress Antivirus. If you do, your problem goes from having a computer infection to having been ripped off. You may even find out that someone else is spending money on your account—this is a surefire way to commit identity theft.

If you see eXPress Antivirus, you must get a real antispyware program immediately and remove it from your system. It’s an annoyance, and it compromises the security and performance of your computer. It’s not worth keeping around.

If you have a laptop or desktop, the chances are that you have personal and necessary information stored on it. Every time you go online, protect yourself from spyware like IE Antivirus. The Internet has put the world at your fingertips. Computer technology makes possible the things we only dreamed of. At the same time, rogue anti-spyware programs like IE Antivirus manipulate tools that are created for ease and convenience to rob and steal from the end user.

Whether you are looking for a local Mom & Pop restaurant or need to shop the catalog of your favorite megastore, you don't have to go any further than your computer to find what you are looking for. Many of these programs claim that they can better serve you by tracking your surfing habits. From your favorite automobile pages to plainly obvious adult-content sites (don't forget peer to peer (P2P) or warez), stealth installs happen. As innocent as a tracking cookie or as hostile as a homepage hijack, adware, malware, and spyware can be found on just about any site. The trick is knowing how to stay away from harmful spyware like IE Antivirus.

Many rogue anti-spyware programs operate under previous names for as long as possible, but once unmasked, they change names and keep the same tactics. This family of spyware first originated from IE Defender. Then came AntiSpy-Pro, followed by Files-Secure. The newest addition includes IE Antivirus and Malware Bell.

IE Antivirus infects by way of Trojan Zlob or Vondu. Common signs of this infection include taking over your search engine queries to show several results leading to the spyware's website before you can find the actual information that you are seeking. The other more common mode of infection is to show security risks. This spyware authenticates its fake alerts by finding out what you named your computer and displaying it in the security risk warning.

If you inquire further, you will automatically be scanned without the program asking your permission. The results show a multitude of fake and exaggerated files intended to scare you into a purchase. Everything about the scan looks legitimate. The only thing questionable is the huge amount of spyware that it reports. If you decide to purchase, you will be directed to a website that includes everything you might want to know about an anti-spyware program. It includes a newsletter and a money-back guarantee. The only problem with that is the missing contact information...

Removal of IE Antivirus appears to be simple at first. Be very careful, because these files can be tricky—both tricky to find and tricky to remove. Many files will not be removable once you find them. You will have to set your computer to delete them the next time you start it up. One wrong move could mean permanent damage to your registry, leading to a complete wipe of your hard drive and a reinstallation of Windows.

For this reason, your best bet is to find a reputable anti-spyware program that will remove it and protect you in the future.