Spyware Cleaner from Secure Computer under the microscope!

[mitch]

http://news.com.com/Washington+state+sues+spyware+maker/2100-7348_3-6031108.html?tag=nefd.top

The Redmond, Wash.-based software maker and Attorney General Rob McKenna have filed a pair of lawsuits against Secure Computer and its principals, charging them with violating the Washington Computer Spyware Act and three other laws. The suits were filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Secure Computer allegedly used deceptive links on search engine Google's Web site, in pop-up advertising and in spam e-mail for Spyware Cleaner to imply that the software came from or was endorsed by Microsoft, McKenna said. Additionally, the company is accused of using a Windows feature to pop up warnings on users' PCs, telling them their system had been compromised, he said.

The messages urged the users to run a spyware scan. "The program...falsely claims that a computer is infected with spyware," McKenna said. The PC users were subsequently advised to buy Spyware Cleaner for $49.95 to remove the malicious software, he said--but the product did not do what it promised.

"Not only does the program fail to clean a computer of spyware, it actually will change a computer's settings that leave it susceptible to future attacks from other spyware and related programs," McKenna said.

[winchester73]

A good reminder that it is wise to check this link before using/purchasing an anti-spyware application:  http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Imagine my surprise to see Spyware Cleaner on it.   :D

[Corrine]

Yeah, Winchester, I'm sure you were absolutely flabergasted.  :lol: