Fighting Malware – Neat Security Tools for the Security Conscious

Malware and unwanted software go hand-in-hand with the Internet.  As technology has advanced so have the techniques to gain access to your computer, network and money. With Adware, crapware, DoS, pharming, malware, ransomware, trojans and much more we can’t be far off filling the A-Z of glossary of cybercrime definitions. However, if you are a little security conscious here are a few tools that may be able to help you.

Unchecky

Do you have software on your computer but don’t remember installing it or are you a click-happy person that selects the checkboxes without reading?  If the answer is yes then Unchecky is the tool for you. Unchecky automatically un-checks unwanted and unrelated 3rd party offers when you install the software. Once installed it automatically runs and updates in the background so you can say goodbye to all those unnecessary toolbars.

Compatible with Windows XP and above

ADW Cleaner

ADW Cleaner is a small piece of software that searches for and deletes Adware, Toolbars, Browser Hijackers and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP).

Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 in 32 & 64 bits

SpyShelter Free Anti-Keylogger

SpyShelter Free Anti-Keylogger protects, monitors and encrypts your keystrokes, clipboard entries, guards your registry, RAM and processes so that malicious code cannot be injected to take control of your PC. The integrated keystroke driver the encryption scrambles any text so that if you were to allow malicious applications to run on your system they would only receive random, meaningless text.

Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 in 32 & 64 bits

Spyware Blaster

Spyware Blaster offers a different approach by simply blocking the bad boys from gaining access in the first place. It’s prevents the installation of ActiveX based spyware, potentially unwanted software, dangerous websites and tracking cookies. Unlike traditional software Spyware Blaster doesn’t need to run in the background, using vital system resources.  All you need to do is update it once a week for the free version or upgrade to the auto-update version for $14.95 a year.

Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 in 32 & 64 bits

Emsisoft Emergency Kit

The Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a collection of programs that will scan for Viruses, Malware, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Dialers, keyloggers and other malicious programs. Its portability ensures that you can pop it on a USB stick or run it directly without having to install it on your PC.

Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 in 32 & 64 bits

RogueKiller

RogueKiller is comparable to most security products on the market with its anti-rootkit module, classic signature-based analysis and generic detections (heuristics). It is, however, very aggressive with its deep scan so chances are it can find threats that other tools cannot. Regularly updated, Rogue Killer offers a licensed version for $17 a year which offers automatic updates, customization and an admin tool.

Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 in 32 & 64 bits

Ransomware Tools

Growing in popularity, Ransomware is when malicious software hijacks your computer and prevents you from using it until you have paid a ransom. Even if you pay the ransom you are not guaranteed to get access to your computer nor trust that the hackers don’t empty your bank account.

There are 2 common types of ransomware.

Screen/keyboard locking prevents you from using your computer and file encryption which can and will destroy all of your files.

Screen Unlocker Tools

Trend Micro Ransomware Screen Unlocker Tool

File Decryption Tools

Kaspersky has a range of ransomware decryption tools to target popular viruses.

Conclusion

If you are on a budget or just taking your security a little more serious, then installing/running some of these tools can prevent malware, viruses and the devastating effect they can have! Just remember to keep your programs updated and make sure that you are running the latest up-to-date version of your OS. Do you have a favourite security tool or have you ever used any of the above? Please feel free to share your stories.