Parts Defender

Parts Defender

 

Are you seeing some new “anti-spyware” on your PC or laptop, called XP Defender (or Advanced XP Defender)? It's not the latest anti-virus or provided by Windows (which is just called Windows Defender). It's actually a malicious piece of rogue anti-spyware that's not out to help you at all.

How is it installed? Through Zlob Trojan, Vundo Trojan, and browser security loopholes. It may be bundled with other software--usually also malicious. It will download itself if you visit AdvancedXPDefender.com, so you definitely don't need to go there!

What will it do? It will do a variety of things. First off, it will give you any number of irritating, resource-eating pop-ups.

More insidiously, it will “scan” your computer and give you misleading results. It will show false positives, saying that you have spyware and malware that you don't, while simultaneously ignoring many real viruses, adware, etc.

Why does it do this? Like other forms of fake and rogue anti-spyware, XP Defender tries to convince you that your system is absolutely infested with all types of malware. It does this so that it can sell you an expensive license to the “full” version of its product.

And just like any rogue anti-spyware, you shouldn't go in for it. In fact, you should never buy the “licensed” version to any software that installed itself without your permission. If you ever have anyone install any anti-virus, anti-spyware, or anti-adware programs on your computer, make sure they leave a text file of just exactly what they installed.

Anything that installed itself and then expects you to buy it is just bad news for you, your computer, and your bank account. There's a reason it is called rogue anti-spyware!

XP Defender is a resource-eater. All the effort it takes to show you annoying pop-ups and false security reports eats up your system resources. It harasses you with things you don't need, while making it more difficult to do the things you need to do.

Finally, XP Defender will take your money. It's been mentioned in passing, but needs to be stated straight-out. The program will try to get you to buy a rather expensive license to the “full” version. How much good will this full version do you? You're welcome to try it and see, if you want--but by now, you probably know what to expect from software that installed itself without your permission.

How can I get rid of it? Using the standard Windows uninstall isn't likely to help. Even if it does work, programs like this are notorious for re-installing themselves. Not to mention, an uninstall won't stop this kind of program from floating all over the world wide web, just waiting to find new host computers.

The best way to protect against this kind of program is to have good anti-spyware that updates its definitions regularly. Once you've removed any malicious software, make sure you have a good firewall, are careful what you download, and run anti-virus checks on a regular and frequent basis.

 

 

 

About the Author:

Carl runs a site devoted to helping you rid your computer from all sorts of spyware and malware at http://www.spyzooka.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Xp Defender is not Your Friend

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