When you browse the internet you might have met with sites which claim to scan your PC for spyware/worms for free. Some “scan” your PC even without asking you and produce a report that your PC is severely infected and you need to take action immediately. That action is to click on a link which, they claim, will correct the problems on your PC. Some sites even provide “free” anti-spyware software.

Most of these “Anti-spyware” software are in fact rogue applications which are in reality spyware themselves

One example of such application is given below:

“Awola is a rogue anti-spyware application that is often downloaded and installed without user knowledge or consent. Awola is often downloaded and installed by a Trojan called Zlob . Once installed, Awola will display a fake security message similar to a Windows notification pops up saying your PC is infected with malware. Awola's warning message is used to lure you into purchasing, downloading and installing their program to remove the imaginary spyware.”

The above excerpt is taken from : http://www.spywareremove.com/removeAwola.html

I thought to inform all windows users about this problem ( because I myself have seen 2 cases which I had to solve and also I have receive mails informing such problem)

Please note that you should install only well known and tested anti-spyware programs like spyware-terminator (available on the cc ftp site and also recommended)

Currently the best free anti-spyware available are Spyware Terminator (updated version available from http://www.iitk.ac.in/cc/windows/ftp -search for “terminator”) and windows defender available from Microsoft site. I personally have found Spyware Terminator much better than Windows Defender but opinions may vary.

Summary: You must have one of the above 2 anti-spyware products and should not fall into the trap of downloading and installing just another “free” anti-spyware product.