How to Detect Microsoft Spyware

If you own a PC, you may have an inherent fear of it becoming infected with spyware. MSAntiSpyware 2009 is one of the latest forms of spyware programs that masquerade as helpful spyware removal tools. The Microsoft Spyware tricks you into downloading the malware by making you think it will help protect your computer from viruses and spyware. The Microsoft spyware also gets delivered to users' computers through Trjoan viruses, such as Zlob, which attach themselves to multimedia files such as music, videos, and movies found on the Internet. Regardless of how it happened, knowing that your computer has been infected by Microsoft focused spyware applications is the first challenge when trying to keep your computer virus and spyware free.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Analyze the frequency with which you see pop-up advertisements on your computer. If the number of advertisements has significantly increased, the computer may be infected with some form of spyware. Another indicator of infection is if the advertisements are adult-orientated to include pornography. If your spyware program is labeled MS AntiSpyware 2009, the source is the anti-spyware program itself. If not, your computer may have another variant of spyware that attacks through Microsoft products.

2. Evaluate your overall computer setup and configuration. A common indication that a computer is infected with spyware is unwanted changes to the default home page. If the default page has been changed or if you attempt to change the default page and it reverts to one you did not pick, the computer may be infected with MS spyware.

3. Check your web browser for toolbars you have not installed. Many times Microsoft spyware installs extraneous toolbars to a browser to force you into using a rogue company's product or to aid in stealing your personal information.

4. Analyze your computer's speed. Most Microsoft spyware applications start a number of computer processes and significantly slow the speed of your computer. Many times, the MS AntiSpware 2009 malware makes your computer almost unusable.

5. Download and install a anti-virus or anti-spyware application such as SpyHunter (see Resources). Once installed, run a complete scan of your computer to verify the presence of Microsoft Spyware by opening the SpyHunter application and selecting the "Scan" button. If the computer is infected, follow the anti-virus program's directions to remove the spyware from your computer.

Resources

• Spyhunter Malware Scanner Download Page
• Spyhunter Home Page
• Ghacks Combatting Spyware Tutorial