The list below depicts the spyware threats most frequently identified by Webroot's Spy Audit, a free spyware scanner tool.
Webroot's dedicated team of expert spyware researchers compiled the threat background and additional spyware information provided.
Spy Sweeper, Webroot's anti-spyware software, can detect and remove all of these spyware threats:
Name: CoolWebSearch (CWS)
Description: CoolWebSearch may hijack any of the following: Web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings. Recent variants of CoolWebSearch install using malicious HTML applications or security flaws, such as exploits in the HTML Help format and Microsoft Java Virtual machines.
Name: Gator (GAIN)
Description: Gator is an adware program that may display banner advertisements based on user Web surfing habits. Gator is usually bundled with numerous free software programs, including the popular file-sharing program Kazaa.
Name: 180search Assistant
Description: 180search Assistant is an adware program that delivers targeted pop-up advertisements to a user's computer. Whenever a key word is entered into a search engine or a targeted Web site is visited, 180search Assistant opens a separate browser window displaying an advertiser's Web page that is related to the key word or site.
Name: ISTbar/AUpdate
Description: ISTbar is a toolbar used for searching pornographic web sites that may display pornographic pop-ups and hijack user homepages and Internet searches.
Name: Transponder (vx2)
Description: Transponder is an IE Browser Helper Object that monitors requested web pages and data entered into online forms, then delivers targeted advertisements.
Name: Internet Optimizer
Description: Internet Optimizer hijacks error pages and redirects them to its own controlling server at
Description: BlazeFind may hijack any of the following: Web searches, home page, and other Internet Explorer settings. BlazeFind may redirect Web searches through its own search engine and change default home pages to
Name: Hot as Hell (one of the worst!)
Description: Hot as Hell is a dialer program which dials toll numbers in order to access paid pornographic Web sites. Hot as Hell may disconnect a user's computer from a local Internet provider and reconnect the user to the Internet using an expensive toll or international phone number. It spies on the user, and it may accrue significant long distance phone charges. It may run in the background, hiding its presence. It often times does not even ask permission; it simply seizes the user's line and makes credit card calls to p*rn sites, based on information it has accumulated such as credit card numbers, for instance during overnight hours.
Name: Advance Keylogger
Description: Advanced Keylogger has the ability to monitor keystrokes and take screenshots.
Name: TIBS Dialer
Description: TIBS Dialer is a dialer that may hijack a user's modem and dial toll numbers that access paid, pornographic Web sites.
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