 SpySpotter
SpySpotter reviewSpySpotter is the infamous corrupt anti-spyware program that uses ineffective malware detection technique and produces false positives.We have tested this spyware remover on absolutely clean computer that was never infected with spyware, trojans, viruses or any other malicious parasites. However, SpySpotter managed to detect 3 malicious files related to 2 different parasites - the VNC remote administration tool and the KeyLogPro keylogger. Further analysis revealed that all the files SpySpotter found were actually associated with fully legitimate software installed to the test system. The files C:\WINDOWS\system32\zip.exe and C:\Documents and Settings\[Current User]\Desktop\L2m\l2mfix\zip.exe belong to l2mfix, a fix/uninstaller for the Look2Me parasite. l2mfix is a legitimate, harmless utility that removes widely spread variants of the Look2Me threat. Another detected file - C:\Documents and Settings\[Current User]\Desktop\setup.ini is a part of the installation package of Fotonija Juodos Avys 2004, a commercial Lithuanian spell checker for Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign programs. As you can see, none of the files detected by SpySpotter were actually associated with any parasites. This proves that the corrupt spyware remover uses false positives. See the first two screenshots provided below. We have also tested SpySpotter on badly infected computer compromised with different parasites including some widely spread risks such as SpyFalcon and Surf SideKick. SpySpotter did not produce any false positives this time. However, it did not detect any objects of SpyFalcon or Surf SideKick. All the threats the program managed to find were tracking web browser cookies and SaveU SaveNow, well-known and relatively old adware. This shows that SpySpotter is definitely unable to provide reliable protection against the latest infections. Take a look on the next two screenshots provided below. SpySpotter incorrectly identifies well-known parasites. Our tests revealed that the program recognizes a few objects of the SaveU SaveNow adware as BargainBuddy and unkown worm. It must be noted that the latter threats have nothing in common with SaveU SaveNow. See this screenshot. SpySpotter has been promoted through aggressive and deceptive advertisements. Moreover, it was often installed by malicious parasites without user knowledge and consent. Some versions of this program bundle some unsolicited programs including hijackers and undesirable web browser plugins such as Oemji Toolbar. The free version refuses to remove any malware it finds. It asks the user to register and purchase the full product. The official web site is www.spyspotter.com. We DO NOT recommend purchasing and using this product! Discuss SpySpotter in spyware removal Forum  SpySpotter uses false positives The program does not detect some widely spread parasites Recently, we have received a letter from Oemtec, Ltd., makers of SpySpotter. In this letter Oemtec states that the 2-Spyware.com project is posting false information regarding the SpySpotter product. The letter also says that SpySpotter does not produce false positives. Cease and Desist Dear 2-spyware.com, Oemtec requests that you cease and desist purchasing the name "SpySpotter" in search marketing programs and cease posting false information on your website regarding the SpySpotter product. Your website, http://www.2-spyware.com, is posting erroneous information regarding the SpySpotter product. Additionally, you are purchasing the keyword "SpySpotter" and advertising false information on Google. Contrary to your accusations, the SpySpotter program does not produce false positives. The malicious intent and lack of authenticity of your accusations is apparent by simply searching your own website. For example, you state that SpySpotter wrongly identifies update.exe as a potential spyware program. Nevertheless, you own website states, "update.exe is an executable file that starts a malicious process, launches certain parasite components or runs a destructive payload. . . .You are highly advised to scan the system, delete executable update.exe and terminate all the processes it started." The spyware world is ever changing and, as demonstrated on your own site, spyware programs have manipulated otherwise benign executable. Thus, your statements regarding SpySpotter's detection of update.exe and other files are maliciously crafted to deceive customers of the SpySpotter program. Such actions by you directly interfere with SpySpotter's business relationships and place you at risk of numerous legal actions. Furthermore, your purchasing of keywords in direct competition with SpySpotter evidences your malicious intent to profit off of these false claims. Oemtec has documented your actions and in the next seven days will be sending this information to its outside attorneys to discuss appropriate legal actions. Oemtec reserves all rights. Sincerely, Oemtec Legal Team legal@oemtec.com The 2-Spyware.com research team would like to answer to this letter publicly. First of all, it must be said that the 2-Spyware.com IS NOT posting any erroneous information regarding the SpySpotter product. The review of this spyware remover is provided above. It clearly shows that SpySpotter produces false positives identifying safe files of harmless, legitimate software as malicious parasites (a keylogger and a remote administration tool). The statement regarding the update.exe file is related to the 2-Spyware.com review of the prior SpySpotter version. This review contained the following information: We have tested free version of SpySpotter on clean computer. Full system scan was performed. The application has found 6 critical objects related to various adware and spyware. However, some entries were false and others actually were related to safe legitimate software that couldn't possess any threat. For instance, objects that SpySpotter has detected as Real Spy Monitor were essential components of Windows Scripting Host, which is a part of Microsoft Windows OS. Executable updreg.exe related to Creative sound card drivers was detected as spyware. File update.exe, which is a part of legitimate Spybot - Search & Destroy antispyware, was shown as unknown adware. n-Case didn't exist in the named directory, which was empty. Screenshot provided below proves that SpySpotter uses false positives. The review was supplemented with this screenshot. It proves the fact of false positives. As for the issue with the 2-Spyware.com description of update.exe, it must be noted that the text was taken out of context. For an obvious reason, Oemtec did not post the description’s fragment, which says that update.exe can be a fully legitimate part of installed software: Please note that the update.exe file actually may be a fully legitimate part of the operating system or legitimate software. Often parasites use files with unsuspicious names, but malicious functionality. You should always carefully check the file before deleting it. It may not be related with malware, but can be required by your essential programs to work properly. This means that some files in the 2-Spyware.com database are not necessary malicious. The user should read the descriptions of the parasites the file is related to before taking any actions. Such descriptions show where the malicious file is located, and which files are installed with it. If there are no additional files, or file’s location differs, than most probably the file is not a part of any parasites. Furthermore, we do not see any deceits in the description of update.exe file. This file is actually used by some parasites. However, it is often a part of legitimate software. In the previous review of SpySpotter you can see that the program has identified the update.exe file located in the installation folder of Spybot – Search & Destroy. The latter application is one of the most popular and effective spyware removers. Oemtec, saying that SpySpotter does not produce false positives, makes a deceptive statement, which can be expanded unambiguously: the Spybot – Search & Destroy spyware remover, Creative sound card drivers, Windows Scripting Host, a part of the Windows operating system, are malicious pieces of software that use harmful files. Of course, it is not true. It is not 2-Spyware.com deceiving users, but makers of SpySpotter try denying self-evident facts. Another interesting fact that speaks not in favor of SpySpotter, is that the spyware remover is identified as a threat by popular anti-spyware products (PC Tools Spyware Doctor, Spybot – Search & Destroy) and reputable security experts (Eric L. Howes, SpywareGuide). Just take a look on the screenshots (Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2) and the following web pages: SpySpotter description on SpywareGuide The Spyware Warrior List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites In the end of the letter Oemtec threatens the 2-Spyware.com project that the company will take legal actions against us. As it was said above, we do not see our fault in the case of SpySpotter. This spyware remover is a corrupt product, which was promoted through aggressive and deceptive advertisements. In our opinion, it is SpySpotter’s vendor that must be held responsible, not the 2-Spyware.com staff. We will NOT cease and desist until SpySpotter will be improved and issues with false positives will be satisfactorily resolved. As for today, we can only advise our users not to purchase and use this rogue product. SpySpotter spyware remover was carefully tested by 2-spyware.com research center. The review is the result of our test. If you know additional information about SpySpotter spyware remover or information given on the page seems inacurate please send us the note. -- Information added: 30/03/05 Information updated: 21/06/08
Attention: If you
know or you have a website or page about SpySpotter, feel free
to add a link to this list: add
url |
(2/100)|
more resources |
Post Comment:
Attention: Use this form only if you have additional information about SpySpotter software, additional resources or behavior. By clicking "post comment" button you agree not to post any copyrighted, unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, profane, hateful, racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable material of any kind.
Users comment about SpySpotter:
1. by Guest. 2008-06-21 03:06:01
From what I know spy spotter is a spyware . DO NOT DOWNLOAD SPYSPOTTER!!!!
2. by Guest. 2007-06-08 09:06:19
i used to work for the company and I can say is that they are very flaky and deceptive. Buyer beware...do not purchase, do not click on their ads.
3. by Guest. 2007-01-07 22:01:48
i downloaded spyspotter over 9 months ago now and it only detected around 9 spyware and adware programs per weekly scan. AVG on the other hand found over 150 per scan. I also found that spyspotter was a form of spyware itself. IT IS CRAP
4. by Guest. 2006-07-25 17:07:41
If you have billing or customer support questions you can go here for help:
http://www.spyspotter.com/billing.php
5. by Guest. 2006-07-20 23:07:17
Please cancel SpySpotter as unable to Block and causes inability to read messages.
6. by Guest. 2006-06-25 13:06:13
I have recently received my credit card statement from Capital One and even though my new Dell computer has not got downloaded Spyspotter software installed they have debited 29.95 US Dollars from my account because 12 months ago I paid the same amount to download it to my old Time computer. I do not know an e-mail address or phone number to contact them! Be warned this an unlawful company
7. by Guest. 2006-06-01 16:06:56
jai acheter votre anti verus au montant de 34.53 taxe incluse sur ma carte visa et je nai pas de services le montant a été prélever le 28 avril 2006 au nom de yves mandeville mon adresse internet est mandevilleyves@hotmail.com mon téléphone a la maison est 514 955 4209 et mon cellulaire est 514 241 3973 jaimerais avoir les services que jai payer s v p me donner des nouvelles le plus vite possible envoyer sur mon i mail afin que je linstale sur mon ordinateur merci a lavance yves mandeville
8. by Guest. 2006-05-21 08:05:59
I foolishly went for the free scan. Spyspotter now tries to blackmail me into buying the product by using these pop ups that hi-jacks the RAM of my computer. I have tried Norton utilities but with no avail. I suggest the fraudsters behind Spyspotter should be locked-up
9. by Guest. 2006-05-16 22:05:48
After being deceived about SpySpotter being a free download I foolishly downloaded it. When I reached the part that then said to fill out the particulars for purchasing it I did not want it. Now I keep getting this rediculuous screen popping up all the time in the way of my work. I have never had this problem with any other program that I have downloaded.
10. by Guest. 2006-05-03 03:05:16
The SptSpotter tht i did NOT sign up for is permanently on my screen! how do i get rid of it & prevent it from happening again? HELP SOS....Gracie456
11. by Guest. 2006-04-25 18:04:35
i also did not sign up to this and they took money out of my account. is there any resolution?
12. by Guest. 2006-04-23 10:04:43
i did not sign up to this and they still take money out of my account and i dont see how
13. by Guest. 2006-04-14 11:04:11
How do I get rid of spyspotter?
14. by Guest. 2006-03-26 20:03:58
THEY KEEP TAKEING OUT OF MY ACOUNT AND HOW DO I STOP THEM?WD8DXY@BEX.COM....bob
15. by Guest. 2006-02-25 12:02:07
I now have this spy spotter and my computer takes ages to do anything now it refuses to take away the errors and i have so many pop ups now!! How do we get rid of this!!! I didnt sign up yet it wont leave and i didn t pay but i cant get rid of it!!!????
16. by Guest. 2006-02-17 10:02:27
I now have spy spotter keep gitting pop ups from new free host google whips put my home oage makes me mad as hell.
17. by Guest. 2006-02-05 18:02:55
i have just done the download and paid the price of 29.95 dollars then i found that nothing else would initialize etc. i have not got the actual address to email them for a refund.i read this webpage after i actually confirmed the payment and found everything else froze etc, it told me it had found 537 errors that ntl netguard hadnt found(i am on ntl broadband)
if you have the correct email address for them i would be grateful to TRY for a refund. this will teach me not to be so trusting. my email address is vicky.harrison3@ntlworld.com
thanks
i have put a block on my card too that i used!!!
18. by Guest. 2006-01-27 22:01:49
I downloaded the free Spyspotter. Within a short time a ad came on my computer and wanted me to take the paid version. I am a pensioner with no credit card to purchase with so I could not purchase if I had the desire to do so. Which I did not. Now its in my system and will not let go. You cannot delete it from program files. Also Cntr, Alt, Delete does not work on this. Any one got answers? Russ kokopeli@vip.net
Recommended software:
Spyware Doctor
(91/100)
(91/100)Spyware Doctor is a very powerful, but yet highly user-friendly spyware remover, made by PC Tools, reputable computer security experts. This product provides effective and easy-to-manage...
Malwarebytes Anti Malware
(89/100)
(89/100)There are loads of malware removers on the net today and most of them are lightweight applications, which usually means they’re fast and don’t have many features. One such...
Spy Sweeper
(85/100)
(85/100)Spy Sweeper is one of the most powerful and effective spyware removers available today. This Webroot Software's product uses unique, patent-pending parasite detection and removal...
Windows Defender
(80/100)
(80/100)Windows Defender is a free anti-spyware program made by the leading software company to add native spyware protection to its most popular product - the Microsoft Windows operating...
SUPERAntiSpyware
(75/100)
(75/100)SUPERAntiSpyware is a powerful, highly effective spyware remover introducing advanced parasite detection and removal features along with reliable real-time protection. The program is not...
Newest software reviews:
Spyware Cease 12/02/09
Ad Aware Pro 13/01/09
VIPRE Antivirus and Antispyware 01/08/08
Malwarebytes Anti Malware 26/02/08
SpyCrush 08/02/07
Ad Aware Pro 13/01/09
VIPRE Antivirus and Antispyware 01/08/08
Malwarebytes Anti Malware 26/02/08
SpyCrush 08/02/07
Related articles:
