You know, this is getting tiresome. These last few months we’ve seen several respectable security programs and some non-respectable take the route into including toolbars with their products. We’ve seen Lavasoft in discussions with Ask.com, Webroot’s SpySweeper including a toolbar and then ZoneLabs doing the same aswell (although some are not the full toolbar, but still pre-checked).

Is this a true sign of ethics going out the window and money being their main priority? Some argue this is the case.

Let’s take the latest application to follow this route - AVG/Grisoft. Once a leading company, and in many eyes it still is, AVG 8.0 comes bundled with Yahoo Search Bar. Although that is not a bad toolbar compared to the Ask.com toolbars, it raises the question as I have stated above …

“Is this is a true sign of ethics going out of the window and money being their main priority?“.

I remember when we blogged about CCleaner getting Yahoo on board. And as helpers, we have gotten around that by adding a simple sentance in our canned speeches. However, this time it is different.

When installing AVG 8.0 it doesn’t tell you that it’s a Yahoo Toolbar thingy, but more like an AVG Security Toolbar . Eh? Just take a look at Corrine’s blog post about this at Security Garden for screenshots.

And that’s not all. Reports suggest the toolbar is installed even when the option to include the toolbar is UN-checked. Discussions about have been popping up left, right and center.

I hope Grisoft resolve this as if they do not, we will certainly not be recommending this application as we do here. It’s just not right! Air your views about this in our forum. They are very much welcome.

(Thanks to Corrine for the tip-off)

It’s been a long time since I last blogged about something useful. I’ve just been snowed under with several projects and training. However I wanted to pause all of that to introduce to you a new product out there in the security world. One I have had the pleasure to test and see grow.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware

What is Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware or in a shorter term, MBAM? Well:

“Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware. We compiled a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications on the market today cannot.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they even start. The Realtime Protection Module uses our advanced heuristic scanning technology which monitors your system to keep it safe and secure. In addition, we have implemented a threats center which will allow you to keep up to date with the latest malware threats.”

… according to Malwarebytes.org who have produced it. So that gives you a pretty good feel for it I hope.

From testing it myself, when it was in the early stage to now, there is a fast improvement. From creating other products, all of the experience gained has certainly been put into use for this application.

A few points I like to raise is the speed of the scans, be it a quick or full scan. It certainly has been programmed correctly this way. Some applications out there who work in a similar fashion have always been bloated and take too long to scan. MBAM doesn’t.

MBAM also includes FileASSASSIN, which is an application that can delete locked malware files on your system. It uses advanced programming techniques to unload modules, close remote handles, and terminate processes to remove the file. However use this with caution as deleting critical system files may cause system errors. We would always suggest to see advice in support forums.

It has all the features like an in-built updater, log files list (useful to have and post on support forums). Along with a quarantine and general settings area. But is all of this just another application that we already have out there? Well yes, but then also no. Yes because generally everyone wants to create one and no because this application is like no other. It is unique in almost every sense. It was designed to be that way.

It’s fast and simple to use, but effective. And a good enough asset to have in removing malware from a system. But note that this alone will not delete every malware out there. By no means can it be like this as the speed of malware that is created is frightening.

Having tested this until it became public a few weeks ago, I can see a bright future for this application, because the main author and the other individuals who contribute, dedicate their time to help others. Probably all in their own time and for free. That alone is beneficial in the success of this program. It has dedicated individuals making it be better and better for the consumer. And be there to beat malware from your system. I can also see this application replacing one or two of the recommended commercial applications we use to remove certain types of malware.

Have you tested this? Want to put your point across about there being another anti-malware application? Then let us know! We strive to put any input you make forward to the author.

Links:- MalwareBytes’ Anti Malware Product Page 

That’s right folks, AOL® Active Virus Shield is no more.

If you remember I posted a review of Active Virus Shield just over a year ago. Now a year later it’s gone. It actuallty went a few weeks ago and this is the first time I’ve manged to inform you guys about it.

They will now be offering McAfee® Virus Scan Plus-Special edition from AOL.

I won’t be holding a review of this one due to lack of time. However if you think the new one is good or bad, tell us. We’d like to know.

Not long ago we reported that a program named CyberDefender came with adverts in it’s paid version. Steven Burns from Ur I.T. Mate Group was the first to report this.

Steven also captured a video about this using a licensed CyberDefender (it’s a paid version provided by CyberDefender for testing). With Steven’s permission you can view the video below;

Direct link to the Video —>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VwygRK9y-4

As you can see, adverts clearly appear. Which in affect isn’t a big issue aslong as this is clearly stated for current & potential new customers of this program. If it isn’t, then I’m afraid better practices need to be carried out to ensure the safety of potential new customers.

First safety, then the money!

Why not join us about this and debate it in our forum.

Coverage: Digg.com

Bill Pytolvany announced WinPatrol 2007, Build 3 today with the following feature additions and bug fixes:

• Added new “Open As…” option to Delay Startup program options
• Fixed bug moving Startup Folder programs to Delayed Start.
• Programs will now start as expected.
• NEW Setup/Uninstall program. Much smaller and prevents multiple Add/Remove entries.
• Fixed bug when using “Confirm Exit…” option.
• Fixed bug adding Programs/Services to “Detected” registry when file no longer exists.

Get WinPatrol.

For help with WinPatrol or feature questions, please visit Security Cadets WinPatrol Support Forum.

One of our Visiting Experts first found out about CyberDefender due to a contest at CastleCops celebrating their 5th anniversary.

One of the first things that made our VE suspicious about it however, is that the “free” version contains adverts. Not surprisingly, quite a few of us began questioning the fact it was permitted. Read all about it.

read more | digg story | discuss in our forum

 Media Coverage:

• Donna’s SecurityFlash

Oh yes. This neat little program will celebrate it’s 10th year this year and now has a new version.

“I’m pleased to announce the release of another new and improved WinPatrol. This year WinPatrol will celebrate its 10th anniversary of helping users understand what is happening inside their computer.” - Says Bill Pytlovany

A program I have certainly been using for years. And suspect in years to come. The version has many new ‘things‘. One being a ‘Delayed Start‘. This helps make your system start up faster! The new version will also remain compatible with Windows 95 through to Windows Vista.

Enough about me giving this program some well deserved publicity. To keep in touch with all the latest updates for WinPatrol visit our Software Updates forum. Download this tool from WinPatrol.

And if that didn’t get you going. Make sure you stay tuned for some great things come may/april between us and winpatrol. All I can say it’s a big one!

If you remember I tested Ewido 4.0 in beta mode. Now after several months they have changed the name of it.

Whilst installing it there is no differance. Just the name and a slight colour change from orange to blue. I hope they keep up the great work.

I like Ewido and I hope the name change does not change the hard work that was already done in making this one of the top tools. Discuss this in our forum.