Spyware, adware, and other malware can be very difficult to detect and remove. Our top picks are easy to use and very effective at removing all but the nastiest malware (which can be removed by following detailed guides posted on community forums). We recommend downloading at least two of these anti-spyware tools to keep your system protected.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
Why it’s best: Highly recommended anti-malware tool that is fast and effective. This free app has a clean, simple interface and does an excellent job finding and removing malware without giving false positives. You can scan multiple drives or individual files and FileAssassin is included for removing locked files. Real-time protection and scheduled updates and scans require the paid version, but the free version will suffice for most users.
Manufacturer Description: Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start.
Spybot – Search & Destroy
Why it’s a best pick: Fast scanning tool that quickly and efficiently finds and removes most adware, spyware, and malware. It also includes other useful features such as Immunization, which protects you against threats before they reach your system. Spybot delivers some false positives, but is a great tool that should be downloaded to compliment other security applications.
Manufacturer Description: Spybot – Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer…read full description
Manufacturer Description: Spybot – Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven’t intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been “hijacked” (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don’t see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there’s no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.
Trend Micro HijackThis
HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive–areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.
As a result, false positives are imminent, and unless you’re sure about what you’re doing, you always should consult with knowledgeable folks before deleting anything.
SUPERAntiSpyware
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition is 100% Free and will detect and remove thousands of Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, KeyLoggers, Dialers, Hi-Jackers, and Worms. SUPERAntiSpyware features many unique and powerful technologies and removes spyware threats that other applications fail to remove.
Ad-Aware 2008
With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2008 can clean your system easily, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.
Ad-Aware 2008 includes an improved threat detection, enhanced rootkit removal system, faster updates, Lavasoft ThreatWork to submit suspicious files for analysis, and is now compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista.
