More on the Web

General
Online tests and malware scans
  • Test your firewall and other defenses online. That's a good way to see if you are really protected against hackers, viruses and worms.
  • There are several good services that will scan your computer while you're online. You don't need to install or update full programs to use these services.
Comprehensive security sites
  • Sunbelt Spyware Research Center: Spyware has become the most prevalent and dangerous malware. Don't be put off by the title -- this website has comprehensive, well-written information about spyware prevention.
  • Security at Home: Microsoft's up to date security site for home users.
  • Eric Howes' Privacy & Security Page: A virtual "mother lode" of privacy and security information.
  • All-Internet-Security.com has comprehensive coverage of security software.
  • Anti-Spyware Guide: This page at firewallguide.com offers links to articles, reviews, vendors and resources to help you fight spyware.
  • Secunia: Virus information, virus data, virus alerts, product vulnerabilities, virus statistics,...
  • Stay Safe Online: Comprehensive website on security.
  • UK Security Online: Excellent coverage of Internet threats and the defenses. The writing is clear and straightforward. Has a enterprise perspective, but most of the content applies to home systems as well.
  • DOZLENG.com: An extensive site devoted to many aspects of online security.
  • Wilders Security Forums is a good place to get answers to security and security software questions.
Malware info: viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans, et al.
  • PestPatrol: Search for information on a vast number of specific spyware, Trojan and other pests.
  • PC Pitstop: Top 25 spyware and adware threats
  • Spyware-Guide.com: extensive coverage of spyware threats.
  • Anti-Spy.com: Comprehensive list of files and Windows processes that will answer most questions about strange things running on your computer.
  • SpywareInfo.com/: Comprehensive and up-to-date spyware site. Get help with spyware removal there too.
  • Webroot (Spy Sweeper): Very useful spyware infection and spyware definition pages.
  • CNet.com: Overview of spyware and Trojans.
  • Symantec (Norton): Information on viruses, Trojan horses, worms, macros and other vulnerabilities and exploits.
  • Trend Micro: The latest information on viruses, worms and hoaxes.
  • Spybot Search and Destroy (the website): List of software that carries spyware, as well as some that is free of spyware.
  • DOXdesk: Information on spyware, anti-spyware programs, etc.
  • "A blueprint for removing any and all malicious software from an infected Windows computer... The intended audience for this are computer nerds..."
Hackers and firewalls
  • "Keep Hackers Out", at PC Magazine, is a comprehensive yet easy to read article about intrusion and firewalls. Look for the "Print" logo there if you want to read the article all in one piece.
  • Home PC Firewall Guide: Reviews of firewalls.
Reviews of security software
  • When I run across good reviews of security software I add them to my Security Software notebook (select from thumbnails on the right).
  • AV-Comparatives.org updates their independent reviews of anti-virus programs twice a year.
  • West Coast Labs "certifies antimalware programs on a vendor by vendor basis. They have product test results for some of them.
  • You'll find my specific recommendations for protective software at my "Install a Firewall" and "Anti-Malware" pages.
  • Most anti-spy and anti-malware review sites are not objective. Many are nothing more than fronts for products that do more harm than good. The review sources below seem to be objective and fairly consistent with each other.
  • pcAntivirusReviews.com is one of a handful of review sites that look authoritative to me. Their reviews are factual, detailed, and backed up with data. Their conclusions generally agree with the other few sources that I trust. They should give you an excellent basis for selecting security software.
  • AV-Test.org: a project of the Business-Information-Workgroup at the Institute of Technical and Business Information Systems in Germany.
  • I maintain an index of security program reviews that I update when I find new ones.
Rogue virus and spyware removal programs

Unexpected warnings that your computer is infected with a large number of viruses or spyware are usually linked to bogus programs that offer to clean it all up for you. They are one of the biggest Internet scams.

"In all our discussion of Trojans, downloaders, malicious spam and more than 700 rogues, it’s easy to forget that a lot of folks out there using the Internet simply can’t tell the difference between a rogue and a legitimate anti-malware application. They become the victims of scareware. They pay $49.98 for software that doesn’t do anything but pop up frightening warnings. To boot, they may have their credit card information stolen."
The Sunbelt Software article that this quote was taken from links to a good report [PDF] on what this threat is all about. The report links to West Coast Labs, where you can search for legitimate programs by vendor name. You'll need a PDF reader to view the report, and I recommend PDF-XChange Viewer if you don't have one already.
Spyware and malware defense and removal