There are a large number of fake anti-spyware programs active on the Internet. Typically, widely-distributed Web banner ads falsely warn users that their computers have been infected with malware, enticing them to download the rogue software. Once installed, the software uses human engineering and false positives to manipulate the user into purchasing the software. These programs do not actually remove spyware — or worse, may add more.
The following is a partial list of known rogue software. Often the same software is distributed under several names.
Advanced Cleaner[4]
AlfaCleaner[5]
AntiSpyCheck 2.1[6]
AntiSpyStorm[7]
AntiSpyware 2009[8]
AntiSpywareExpert[9]
AntiSpywareMaster[10]
AntiSpywareSuite[11]
AntiSpyware Shield[12]
Antivermins[13]
Antivirgear[14]
Antivirus 2008[15]
Antivirus 2009[16]
Antivirus 2010 (also known as Anti-virus-1)[17],[18]
Antivirus 360[19]
Antivirus Pro 2009[20]
AntiVirus Gold [21]
Antivirus Master[22]
Antivirus XP 2008 [23]
Avatod Antispyware 8.0 [24]
Awola[25]
Brave Sentry[26]
BestsellerAntivirus[27]
Cleanator[28]
ContraVirus[29]
Doctor Antivirus[30]
Doctor Antivirus 2008[31]
DriveCleaner [32]
EasySpywareCleaner[33]
Errorsafe[34]
GreenAV2009[35]
IE Antivirus (aka IE Antivirus 3.2)[36]
IEDefender[37]
InfeStop[38]
Internet Antivirus (aka Internet Antivirus Pro, distributed by plus4scan.com)[39]
KVMSecure[40]
MacSweeper[41]
MalwareCrush[42]
MalwareCore[43]
MalwareAlarm[44]
Malware Bell (a.k.a. Malware Bell 3.2)[45]
Malware Defender (not to be confused with the HIPS firewall of the same name)[46]
MS Antivirus[47]
MS AntiSpyware 2009[48]
MaxAntiSpy[49]
Netcom3 Cleaner[50]
PCSecureSystem [51]
PC Antispy[52]
PC Clean Pro [53]
PC Privacy Cleaner[54]
PC SpeedScan Pro (distributed by FinallyFast.com, Rogueness is questionable)
PestTrap [55]
PerfectCleaner[56]
Perfect Defender 2009[57]
PersonalAntiSpy Free[58]
PAL Spyware Remover[59]
PCPrivacy Tools[60]
PC Antispyware[61]
PSGuard[62]
Rapid AntiVirus[63]
Real AntiVirus[64]
Registry Great[65]
Safety Alerter 2006
SaliarAR[66]
SecurePCCleaner[67]
Security Toolbar 7.1[68]
Smart Antivirus 2009[69]
SpyAxe [70]
Spy Away[71]
SpyCrush[72]
Spydawn[73]
SpyGuarder[74]
SpyHeal (a.k.a SpyHeals & VirusHeal)[75]
SpyMarshal[76]
Spylocked [77]
SpySheriff[78]
SpySpotter[79]
SpywareBot (Spybot - Search & Destroy knockoff)[80]
Spyware Cleaner[81]
SpywareGuard 2008[82]
Spyware Protect 2009[83]
Spyware Quake [84]
SpywareSheriff (often confused with SpySheriff)[85]
Spyware Stormer[86]
Spyware Striker Pro (distributed by FinallyFast.com)[87]
Spyware Protect 2009[88]
Super Ad Blocker
SpywareStrike[89]
SpyRid[90]
SpyWiper[91]
System Antivirus 2008[92]
System Live Protect [93]
SystemDoctor[94]
System Security[95]
Total Secure 2009[96]
TrustedAntivirus[97]
TheSpyBot (Spybot - Search & Destroy knockoff)[98]
UltimateCleaner[99]
VirusHeat[100]
VirusIsolator[101]
Virus Locker[102]
VirusProtectPro[103]
VirusRemover2008[104]
VirusRemover2009[105]
VirusMelt[106]
VirusRanger[107]
Virus Response Lab 2009[108]
VirusTrigger[109]
Vista Antivirus 2008[110]
WinAntiVirus Pro 2006[111]
WinDefender (not to be confused with the legitimate Windows Defender)[112]
WinFixer[113]
WinHound[114]
WinSpywareProtect[115]
WinWeb Security 2008 [116]
WorldAntiSpy[117]
XP Antivirus[118]
XP AntiSpyware 2009[119]
XP-Shield[120]
Zinaps AntiSpyware 2008[121]
Winpc Defender [122]
Spyware Protect 2009 [123]
Winpc Antivirus [124]
Personal Antivirus [125]
