250 Zemana AntiLogger License Giveaway At MalwareTips.com

Regular readers may remember, that I thoroughly tested Zemana AntiLogger a year or so ago. Subsequently, through the generosity of Zemana we were able to offer two thousands plus, free licenses to readers.

During the testing period I ran a series of Anti-Keylogger Tests, including tests for web cam penetration. All test methods were defeated by Zemana AntiLogger.

A quick recap of Zemana AntiLogger’s capabilities.

Secure your Internet banking and financial transactions

Protect information in emails and Instant Messages

Protect keystrokes from spyware

Protect all screen images

Webcam Logger protection

System Defense

No need to download latest virus signatures

No need to know or detect the malware’s signature

No need to wait for updates from a virus lab

No need to scan files

Proactively looks for suspicious activity

Catches not just the usual suspects, but also sophisticated “zero day” malware

Prevents theft of data via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL)

Does not slow down your PC

Easy to download, install and use

Future-proof

This application, which is arguably the best Antikeylogger application on the market, is not freeware, but you may download a 15 day trial version at: Zemana

Better yet, take a run over to MalwareTips.com, read the article carefully, and follow the instructions to obtain a new 12 month license.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Zemana AntiLogger Provides Protection Against Web Cam Hacks

The wired world has it’s fair share of weird and semi-weird people, but none more weird, it seems to me, than those who spy on others through web cam hacks.

Just in the last two days, we’ve included the following stories in the Tech Thoughts Daily Net News column.

Hacker arrested for spying on schoolgirls via their own webcams.

PC consultant pleads not guilty to malware ‘sextortion’ plot.

If you Google “web cam hacks”, you’ll be astonished by the number of returned links – including links to “how-to videos”. I’m a firm believer in the free exchange of information, but even my high level of tolerance is pushed to the extreme when I see this.

Thankfully, this is an issue that I don’t have to contend with – not that I can imagine someone being interested in hacking my web cam. I rarely run around naked – I save that for special occasions.  🙂

Since I use a Webcam extensively for communicating though, I need reassurance that my cam cannot be hacked – that I will not become a victim of the truly weird creepy crawlies, who fly beneath the Internet radar.

I use only one machine that’s equipped with a web cam, and that cam is protected from intrusion by Zemana AntiLogger, which offers outstanding active Webcam protection.

Regular readers may remember, that I thoroughly tested Zemana AntiLogger earlier this year. Subsequently, through the generosity of Zemana we were able to offer thousands of free licenses to readers.

During the testing period I ran a series of Anti-Keylogger Tests, including tests for web cam penetration. All test methods were defeated by Zemana AntiLogger.

The screen capture below shows the Anti-Web Cam module inside Zemana AntiLogger.

A quick recap of Zemana AntiLogger’s capabilities.

Secure your Internet banking and financial transactions

Protect information in emails and Instant Messages

Protect keystrokes from spyware

Protect all screen images

Webcam Logger protection

System Defense

No need to download latest virus signatures

No need to know or detect the malware’s signature

No need to wait for updates from a virus lab

No need to scan files

Proactively looks for suspicious activity

Catches not just the usual suspects, but also sophisticated “zero day” malware

Prevents theft of data via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL)

Does not slow down your PC

Easy to download, install and use

Future-proof

To read the full review of this powerful application, “Zemana AntiLogger – An Ounce of Prevention”, go here.

If keylogger protection is a concern, particularly if you, or someone in your family runs a web cam, you should consider adding this application to your security toolbox.

This application is not freeware, but you may download a 15 day trial version at: Zemana

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Zemana AntiLogger License Giveaway at Softpedia

Software site Softpedia is offering a free license for Zemana’s  AntiLogger which we have previously reviewed here.

Because Keyloggers, are a particularly sinister type of malware, that, amongst other tasks, monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard, are often executed as part of a rootkit, or a remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse, they can be extremely difficult to detect, and remove.

All the signposts point to 2010 being a banner year for cyber-criminals. Being prepared and being aware, while not a panacea, will continue to be a key element in mitigating risk exposure. Adding Zemana AntiLogger to your layered defenses, will have positive impact on your ability to manage your risk exposure.

To get your free copy of Zemana AntiLogger go to: Softpedia

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Free Licenses for Zemana AntiLogger – Continues One More Day

In a continuation of this latest giveaway, we have streamlined the process for downloading a licensed version of Zemana AntiLogger. Simply click on the link at the bottom of this page, and you will be provided with a free license instantly.

This giveaway will end February 1, 2010, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (North America). This is a one day extension of the original offer, courtesy of Zemana. This is a firm time limit. After this time no free licenses will be available.

If you have any problems installing the free license, or issues with the software, please contact Zemana support directly for assistance. You’ll find them to be fast, efficient, and courteous.

System requirements: Windows Vista, XP and Windows 7. (32 bit only)

First: Download Zemana AntiLogger from here. If you have a problem with this link, use this link.

Next: Download your free license from: Zemana – (you’ll receive your free license immediately). The license must be activated by the end of the day, February 1, 2010.

All the signposts point to 2010 being a banner year for cyber-criminals. Being prepared and being aware, while not a panacea, will continue to be a key element in mitigating risk exposure. Adding Zemana AntiLogger to your layered defenses, will have positive impact on your ability to manage your risk exposure.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Free Licenses for Zemana AntiLogger – 3 Days Only

Last week, we ran a highly successful free license giveaway, for Zemana AntiLogger. The response from readers was overwhelming, and as a result, Zemana Software has agreed, once again, to provide free licenses for Zemana AntiLogger (retail value $34.00 U.S. each), in support of Tech Thoughts “Stay Safe on the Internet Campaign”.

In this latest giveaway, we have streamlined the process for downloading a licensed version of Zemana AntiLogger. Simply click on the link at the end of this review, and you will be provided with a free license instantly. This giveaway will end February 1, 2010, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (North America). This is a one day extension of the original offer, courtesy of Zemana.

Hundreds of readers missed out on the last offer since we simply ran out of licenses – if you missed out; this is your opportunity to get your license direct.

Update: January 31, 2010 @ 10:30 EST – Zemana’s license server may have intermittent problems in issuing a license.Cyber crimininals have launched a denial of service attack against Zemana, which included 100,00o requests per second from a network of bots. Zemana has hardened its defenses as a result, so we don’t expect this issue to continue. We apologize for the inconvenience. All license requests will be honored by Zemana.

For more information on this attack, please read our just posted article – Zemana AntiLogger Server Attacked by Bots.

If you have any problems installing the free license, or issues with the software, please contact Zemana support directly for assistance. You’ll find them to be fast, efficient, and courteous.

Here’s a graphic of the landing page (be sure to click on the link at the end of this article to get to this page).

Despite the best efforts by anti-malware developers to meet new threats head-on, cybercriminals will respond, as they always have, by generating even more diverse threats to evade detection and elimination. So, button up your overcoat and get your rain gear ready; 2010 is going to be the stormiest malware year to date!

After reading the following review of Zemana AntiLogger, I’m sure you’ll agree, this is an application that will increase your sense of safety as you surf the Internet.

Zemana AntiLogger – An Ounce of Prevention

We’ve previously discussed Keylogger malware here, and how to employ an ounce of prevention by using highly regarded SnoopFree Privacy Shield, a free application, which unfortunately, is compatible with Windows XP only.

Because Keyloggers, are a particularly sinister type of malware, that, amongst other tasks, monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard, are often executed as part of a rootkit, or a remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse, they can be extremely difficult to detect, and remove.

While it’s true, that many good quality malware and spyware detection tools should capture Keyloggers, and a properly configured Firewall should prevent all authorized connections, the reality is – this is definitely NOT always the case. Keyloggers in fact, can disable Firewalls, and anti-malware tools.

Since my personal home machines now run on Windows 7, I can no longer protect against Keyloggers using SnoopFree Privacy Shield, so I had to find an alternative. Unfortunately, I could not find a freeware substitute application. However, I did find a competitively priced application, Zemana AntiLogger, following a reader’s recommendation, which I’ve been testing for just under 30 days.

I was immediately impressed by this application, particularly the system defense function. The application intercepted proposed changes to system files NOT picked up by other security applications on my system.

Since I use a Webcam extensively for communicating, I was more than happy to see the active Webcam protection offered by Zemana AntiLogger, which was immediately apparent.

Test Screens:

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by my launching an anonymous proxy application which by design, injects code into my primary Browser. By checking an appropriate check box I established a rule, permitting this action in future.

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by my updating both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes definition databases which, in each case, will make changes to system files. Simply checking a check box establishes a rule, which will permit this action in future.

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by a screen capture utility I was in the process of using. If this had been an illegal activity. I would of course, have received the same warning. Again, simply checking a check box establishes a rule, which will permit this action, by this utility, in future.

Part of the testing procedure in testing the ability of Zemana AntiLogger to block Keyloggers, included the use of Anti-Keylogger Leak Tester, which tests for 7 different keylogging attacks. All attacks were easily defeated by Zemana AntiLogger.

Fast facts:

Secure your Internet banking and financial transactions

Protect information in emails and Instant Messages

Protect keystrokes from spyware

Protect all screen images

Webcam Logger protection

System Defense

No need to download latest virus signatures

No need to know or detect the malware’s signature

No need to wait for updates from a virus lab

No need to scan files

Proactively looks for suspicious activity

Catches not just the usual suspects, but also sophisticated “zero day” malware

Prevents theft of data via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL)

Does not slow down your PC

Easy to download, install and use

Future-proof

System requirements: Windows Vista, XP and Windows 7.

First: Download Zemana AntiLogger from here. If you have a problem with this link, use this link.

Next: Download your free license from: Zemana – (you’ll receive your free license immediately). The license must be activated by the end of the day, February 1, 2010.

All the signposts point to 2010 being a banner year for cyber-criminals. Being prepared and being aware, while not a panacea, will continue to be a key element in mitigating risk exposure. Adding Zemana AntiLogger to your layered defenses, will have positive impact on your ability to manage your risk exposure.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Zemana AntiLogger – 1,000 Free Licenses to Give Away

We have changed the process for the free licenses giveaway of Zemana AntiLogger – the original offer was subscribed within the first few hours. We have arranged with Zemana to giveaway additional licenses, so please read “Free Licenses for Zemana AntiLogger – 3 Days Only“, on this site to get your free license immediately.

The malware business is a serious and sophisticated, opportunity driven business, run by very serious people. How serious? Listen to what Sergei Shevchenko, Senior Malware Analyst at PC Tools, predicted in a guest article published here just a short while ago, detailing his views on the 2010 malware landscape.

“When the initial “accumulation” phase of the rogue security software businesses comes to completion, we might expect cybercriminals to start using their budgets for establishing call centers, support lines, virtual offices, registering off-shore companies, and even launching advertising campaigns.

Attacks will also be designed to exploit vulnerable systems and users by evading the latest detection systems and why behavior-based software is so integral to comprehensive protection. It recognizes that a threat is present and works to neutralize it”.

Now, how serious is that – call centers, support lines, virtual offices, advertising campaigns?

Despite the best efforts by anti-malware developers to meet new threats head-on, cybercriminals will respond, as they always have, by generating even more diverse threats to evade detection and elimination. So, button up your overcoat and get your rain gear ready; 2010 is going to be the stormiest malware year to date!

Gap management:

We know that gaps exist in the protection capabilities of even the most sophisticated security applications, and we know that we need to close these gaps by structuring our defenses in a layered (or stacked), strategy. See – Layered Computer Security – What Is It? Why Use It? on this site.

As part of that layered strategy, I’m more convinced than ever that an anti –keylogger is a much needed security application.

Zemana AntiLogger – An Ounce of Prevention

We’ve previously discussed Keylogger malware here, and how to employ an ounce of prevention by using highly regarded SnoopFree Privacy Shield, a free application, which unfortunately, is compatible with Windows XP only.

Because Keyloggers, are a particularly sinister type of malware, that, amongst other tasks, monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard, are often executed as part of a rootkit, or a remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse, they can be extremely difficult to detect, and remove.

While it’s true, that many good quality malware and spyware detection tools should capture Keyloggers, and a properly configured Firewall should prevent all authorized connections, the reality is – this is definitely NOT always the case. Keyloggers in fact, can disable Firewalls, and anti-malware tools.

Since my personal home machines now run on Windows 7, I can no longer protect against Keyloggers using SnoopFree Privacy Shield, so I had to find an alternative. Unfortunately, I could not find a freeware substitute application. However, I did find a competitively priced application, Zemana AntiLogger, following a reader’s recommendation, which I’ve been testing for just under 30 days.

I was immediately impressed by this application, particularly the system defense function. The application intercepted proposed changes to system files NOT picked up by other security applications on my system.

Since I use a Webcam extensively for communicating, I was more than happy to see the active Webcam protection offered by Zemana AntiLogger, which was immediately apparent.

Test Screens:

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by my launching an anonymous proxy application which by design, injects code into my primary Browser. By checking an appropriate check box I established a rule, permitting this action in future.

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by my updating both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes definition databases which, in each case, will make changes to system files. Simply checking a check box establishes a rule, which will permit this action in future.

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by a screen capture utility I was in the process of using. If this had been an illegal activity. I would of course, have received the same warning. Again, simply checking a check box establishes a rule, which will permit this action, by this utility, in future.

Part of the testing procedure in testing the ability of Zemana AntiLogger to block Keyloggers, included the use of Anti-Keylogger Leak Tester, which tests for 7 different keylogging attacks. All attacks were easily defeated by Zemana AntiLogger.

Fast facts:

Secure your Internet banking and financial transactions

Protect information in emails and Instant Messages

Protect keystrokes from spyware

Protect all screen images

Webcam Logger protection

System Defense

No need to download latest virus signatures

No need to know or detect the malware’s signature

No need to wait for updates from a virus lab

No need to scan files

Proactively looks for suspicious activity

Catches not just the usual suspects, but also sophisticated “zero day” malware

Prevents theft of data via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL)

Does not slow down your PC

Easy to download, install and use

Future-proof

System requirements: Windows Vista, XP and 7 compatible.

Download a 15 day trial version at: Zemana

All the signposts point to 2010 being a banner year for cyber-criminals. Being prepared and being aware, while not a panacea, will continue to be a key element in mitigating risk exposure. Adding Zemana AntiLogger to your layered defenses, will have positive impact on your ability to manage your risk exposure.

Thank you, to all those who participated in this release – I found many of your comments, regarding this superb application, very encouraging.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Zemana AntiLogger – An Ounce of Prevention

Benjamin Franklin could have been talking about the Internet, and malware, when he reportedly said – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Curing a malware infection caused by today’s sophisticated malware is much more difficult than it has ever been, and I’m convinced, that removing the malware we’re going to have to contend with in 2010, will be incrementally harder still.

Even today, malware tends to write itself into multiple parts of the operating system, and in many cases it can hide its files, registry entries, running process and services, making the infection virtually impossible to find, and remove, without causing operating system damage.

In the coming year, an average computer user who has to deal with even more complex malware infections, will be left with little choice other than having the infected machine worked on by a certified computer technician, who will have the tools, and the competency, to determine if the infection can be removed without causing system damage.

We’ve previously discussed Keylogger malware here, and how to employ an ounce of prevention by using highly regarded SnoopFree Privacy Shield, a free application, which unfortunately, is compatible with Windows XP only.

Because Keyloggers, a particularly sinister type of malware, that monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard, are often executed as part of a rootkit, or a remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse, they can be extremely difficult to detect, and remove.

While it’s true, that many good quality malware and spyware detection tools should capture Keyloggers, and a properly configured Firewall should prevent all authorized connections, the reality is – this is NOT always the case. Keyloggers in fact, can disable Firewalls and anti-malware tools.

Since my personal home machines now run on Windows 7, I can no longer protect against Keyloggers using SnoopFree Privacy Shield, so I had to find an alternative. Unfortunately, I could not find a freeware substitute application. However, I did find a competitively priced application, Zemana AntiLogger, following a reader’s recommendation, which I’ve been testing for a week or so.

I was immediately impressed by this application, particularly the system defense function. The application intercepted proposed changes to system files NOT picked up by other security applications on my system including WinPatrol, which really surprised me!

Since I use a Webcam extensively for communicating, I was more than happy to see the active Webcam protection offered by Zemana AntiLogger, which was immediately apparent.

Test Screens:

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by my launching an anonymous proxy application which by design, injects code into my primary Browser. By checking an appropriate check box I established a rule, permitting this action in future.

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by my updating both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes definition databases which, in each case, will make changes to system files. Simply checking a check box establishes a rule, which will permit this action in future.

This is an example of a Zemana warning, triggered by a screen capture utility I was in the process of using. If this had been an illegal activity. I would of course, have received the same warning. Again, simply checking a check box establishes a rule, which will permit this action, by this utility, in future.

Fast facts:

Secure your Internet banking and financial transactions

Protect information in emails and Instant Messages

Protect keystrokes from spyware

Protect all screen images

Webcam Logger protection

System Defense

No need to download latest virus signatures

No need to know or detect the malware’s signature

No need to wait for updates from a virus lab

No need to scan files

Proactively looks for suspicious activity

Catches not just the usual suspects, but also sophisticated “zero day” malware

Prevents theft of data via secure connections (HTTPS / SSL)

Does not slow down your PC

Easy to download, install and use

Future-proof

System requirements: Windows Vista, XP and 7 compatible

All the signposts point to 2010 being a banner year for cyber-criminals. Being prepared and being aware, while not a panacea, will continue to be a key element in mitigating risk exposure.

If keylogger protection, and maintaining your privacy is a concern, you might consider adding this application to your security toolbox.

This application is not freeware, but you may download a 15 day trial version at: Zemana

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

SnoopFree Privacy Shield – Free Keylogger Protection

Keylogger malware, delivered by Trojans, and often incorporating rootkit technology, seems to be on the increase lately; much of it focusing on stealing victims’ banking credentials, including passwords. MMORPG (online multiplayer games), appear to be particular targets; especially WOW (World of Warcraft).

This type of malware is designed to remain undetected, and to be as stealthy as possible so that it can get on with its designated task, which most often results in identity theft and the compromising of the victim’s financial data.

Keyloggers are one of the most sinister types of malware; the type of malware that I pay particular attention to, and make a special effort to guard against.

A software keylogger, or system monitor, is a small program (not always malware, I should point out), that monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard.

This type of application does not necessarily require physical access to the user’s computer. It can be downloaded by someone who wants to monitor activity on a particular computer, or it can be downloaded unwittingly, as malware and executed as part of a rootkit, or a remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse.

Keyloggers are not restricted to software applications however, and are available as a connected hardware device designed for legitimate purposes.

From Wikipedia:

Hardware keyloggers are used for keystroke logging by means of a hardware circuit that is attached somewhere in between the computer keyboards and the computer, typically inline with the keyboard’s cable connector.

More stealthy implementations can be installed or built into standard keyboards, so that there’s no device visible on the external cable. Both types logs all keyboard activity to their internal memory, which can subsequently be accessed, for example, by typing in a secret key sequence.

A hardware keylogger has an advantage over a software solution; because it is not dependent on installation on the target computer’s operating system, it will not interfere with any program running on the target machine and also cannot be detected by any software. However its physical presence may be detected, for example if it’s installed outside the case as an inline device between the computer and the keyboard. Some of these implementations have the ability to be controlled and monitored remotely by means of a wireless communication standard.

A malware keylogger typically consists of two files: a dynamic link library (DLL) file (which does all the recording) and an executable file (.EXE) that installs the DLL file and triggers it to work. The keylogger program records each keystroke and uploads the information over the Internet.

Luckily, there are remedies for this type of malware threat.

SnoopFree Privacy Shield is a free powerful application that guards your keyboard, screen, and open windows from all such spy software. It makes it virtually impossible for any spy program to work on your computer since SnoopFree Privacy Shield’s protection works against spy software in real time.

I have been using this application for quite some time on my Windows XP machine, (unfortunately it only works on XP), and I have been amazed at the number of programs that have requested access to my keyboard and screen, particularly programs that I was in the process of installing.

Since I test a lot of applications on this particular machine, I see this type of program behavior frequently. Unless there are valid reasons for this type of access, I don’t allow it. Surprisingly, in most cases the application installs correctly. Curious!

If you’re serious about keylogger protection and maintaining your privacy, then you should consider adding this free application to your security toolbox. If you need more convincing, take a look at the “comments” page on CNET.

System Requirements: Unfortunately, this application works on Windows XP only.

Download at: Download.com

If anyone knows of a similar free application that works on Vista and above, I would appreciate you letting me know

If you enjoyed this article, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Stop Keyloggers in Their Tracks – Download Snoop Free Privacy Shield

Keep your computer activities private – stop keyloggers and system monitors.

Back in the days of less powerful systems, when 256 Meg of RAM and a Pentium 3 running at 665 MHz was considered the height of computing power, system slow down, or a slow Internet experience, was suggestive of a malware infection.

Today, the most dangerous and most finely crafted malware, will not generally impact your system resources in such a way as to cause noticeable slow down. This type of malware is designed to remain undetected and to be as stealthy as possible, so that it can get on with its designated task, which most often results in identity theft and the compromising of your financial data.

One of the most sinister malware of this type, one I have always made sure to guard against, is the keylogger.

A software keylogger, or system monitor, is a small program (not always malware) that monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard. A keylogger application does not necessarily require physical access to the user’s computer. It can be downloaded  by someone who wants to monitor activity on a particular computer, or it can be downloaded unwittingly as spyware and executed as part of a rootkit, or a remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse.

Keyloggers are not restricted to software applications however, and are available as a connected hardware device.

From Wikipedia:

Hardware keyloggers are used for keystroke logging by means of a hardware circuit that is attached somewhere in between the computer keyboards and the computer, typically inline with the keyboard’s cable connector.

More stealthy implementations can be installed or built into standard keyboards, so that there’s no device visible on the external cable. Both types logs all keyboard activity to their internal memory, which can subsequently be accessed, for example, by typing in a secret key sequence.

A hardware keylogger has an advantage over a software solution; because it is not dependent on installation on the target computer’s operating system, it will not interfere with any program running on the target machine and also cannot be detected by any software. However its physical presence may be detected, for example if it’s installed outside the case as an inline device between the computer and the keyboard. Some of these implementations have the ability to be controlled and monitored remotely by means of a wireless communication standard.

A malware keylogger typically consists of two files: a dynamic link library (DLL) file (which does all the recording) and an executable file (.EXE) that installs the DLL file and triggers it to work. The keylogger program records each keystroke and uploads the information over the Internet.

Luckily, there is a remedy for this type of malware threat.

SnoopFree Privacy Shield is a powerful application that guards your keyboard, screen and open windows from all such spy software. It makes it  virtually impossible for any spy program to work on your computer since SnoopFree Privacy Shield’s  unique protection works against spy software in real time.

I have been using this application for quite some time on my Windows XP machines, and I have been amazed at the number of programs that have requested access to my keyboard and screen, particularly programs that I was in the process of installing.

Since I test a lot of applications, I see this type of program behavior frequently. Unless there are valid reasons for this type of access, I don’t allow it. Surprisingly, in most cases the application installs correctly. Curious!

If you’re serious about privacy, then this free application is a must have addition to your security toolbox.

System Requirements: Unfortunately, this application works on Windows XP only.

Download at: Download.com

Are You Being Tracked? – Get Snoop Free Privacy Shield

With the more powerful computing systems many of us have today it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to tell if a computer is infected with malware, based on system slow down alone. Back in the days of less powerful systems, when 128 Meg of RAM and a Pentium 3 running at 665 MHz was considered the height of computing power, system slow down or a slow Internet experience, was suggestive of a malware infection.

Today, the most dangerous and most finely crafted malware, will not generally impact your system resources in such a way as to cause noticeable slow down. This type of malware is designed to remain undetected and to be as stealthy as possible, so that it can get on with its designated task, which most often results in identity theft and the compromising of your financial data.

One of the most insidious of this type of malware, one I have always made sure to guard against, is the keylogger.

A keylogger, or system monitor, is a small program (not always malware) that monitors every keystroke a user types on a computer’s keyboard. A keylogger program does not require physical access to the user’s computer. It can be downloaded on purpose by someone who wants to monitor activity on a particular computer, or it can be downloaded unwittingly as spyware and executed as part of a rootkit or remote administration (RAT) Trojan horse.

A malware keylogger typically consists of two files: a dynamic link library (DLL) file (which does all the recording) and an executable file (.EXE) that installs the DLL file and triggers it to work. The keylogger program records each keystroke and uploads the information over the Internet.

Luckily, there is a remedy for this type of malware threat.

SnoopFree Privacy Shield is a powerful application that guards your keyboard, screen and open windows from all spy software. It makes it  virtually impossible for any spy program to work on your computer; since SnoopFree Privacy Shield’s  unique protection works against spy software in real time.

I have been using this application for quite some time, and I have been amazed at the number of programs that have requested access to my keyboard and screen, particularly programs that I was in the process of installing. Since I test a lot of applications, I see this type of program behavior frequently. Unless there are valid reasons for this type of access, I don’t allow it. Surprisingly, in most cases the application installs correctly. Curious!

If you’re serious about privacy, then this free application is a must have addition to your security toolbox.

Download at:   SnoopFree Privacy Shield