MySpace, new spyware technologies, and reliance on free anti-spyware tools cited as primary causes
Leading anti-spyware software creator, Webroot, reports that spyware infection levels are again at the highest levels since 2004, when the internet security scourge was at its peak.
According to our tests and user feedback, 2005 was a much better year for internet surfers. The number of new spyware infections was declining and innovation in spyware was relatively stagnant. January of 2006 marked a turnaround in this trend with the introduction of new dangerous threats such as SpyAxe, SpywareStrike, and Spy Sheriff. These spyware programs were difficult to remove and encouraged users to purchase bogus remedies, resulting in perhaps millions of dollars in fraudulent sales.
Webroot claims that PC infections are now at 89% (they were at 90% in 2004). The new infections can be attributed to dangerous websites (including MySpace - a leading source of spyware infections), new spyware technologies, and spyware distribution through email scams.
The report predictably states that an increasing reliance on free anti-spyware tools is leaving internet surfers vulnerable. While we advise people to remain skeptical of claims such as these made by commercial companies (even reputable companies like Webroot), we have found that the free programs tend to perform rather poorly in comparison with commercial products. This is due to the simple fact that commercial companies can afford better and larger research departments.
+++i don’t really agree with the above since i’ve been using some freeware spyware products for years as well as some commercial ones also+++