Currently there are several hundred applications purporting to be anti-spyware applications. Unfortunately only a handful of these applications are actually backed by security vendors that provide quality service. The vast majority of these applications are deceptive in varying degrees. The applications at the high end of the deception spectrum are actually Trojan anti-spyware (spyware or malware disguised as anti-spyware), Rogue anti-spyware (as defined here) entice or goad customers into purchasing products for spyware removal based on a variety of techniques including falsely identifying trusted or good files as spyware, alarming or ambiguous language, or other general obfuscation techniques. At the low end of the spectrum are Suspect anti-spyware applications whose performance may be called into question based on detection and removal efficacy, false identification of non-spyware components, vendor history, reputation, or visibility, or other factors that call the value of these applications into question.

Web sites that serve as spyware hosts have varying levels of complexity and malice. In the increasingly frenetic world of modern Internet surfing, avoiding deceptive or downright virulent sites has become one of the cornerstones of keeping a clean system. The IPs and domains listed here are ones you should be particularly wary about. The items have been harvested recently, and the list will continually be updated. Look for expanded details on the domains and IPs, hosted spyware applications, methods of infection and information on the software publishers here soon.

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