Spybot Search and Destroy Definitions Updated on June 17, 2009
If you use Spybot Search and Destroy to protect your computer against spyware and malware, it is time again to run your manual updates. Malware writers are constantly modifying their programs to evade detection, so anti-malware vendors have to issue regular updates to keep up with the bad guys. New definitions and false positive fixes for Spybot Search and Destroy are usually released every Wednesday. This week's updates were released on schedule on June 17, 2009, as listed below. Some new fake security programs, new Virtumonde Trojans and new or modified bots and rootkits were added to the latest definitions.
Updating Spybot Search and Destroy
Before you update Spybot Search and Destroy make sure you have the latest official version. Older versions are no longer supported and will cause you a lot of grief when you immunize and scan for problems. Only download Spybot S&D from the official website, at: spybot.info, or from its alternate domain: Safer-Networking.org. Fake versions with similar names will rip you off for payment to remove threats, whereas the real Spybot S&D is free (donations gladly accepted).
In case you are new to Spybot S&D, there are two ways to update the program and malware definitions. The preferred method (For Windows PCs) is to go to Start > (All) Programs > Spybot - Search & Destroy > Update Spybot - S&D. The independent update box will open. Leave the default options as is, unless you need all languages or want beta definitions, and click on "Search." Another box will open with "mirror" locations around the world where you can download updates. Select a location nearest to you from the list and click on "Continue." Make sure all updates are checked, then click on "Download." If all definitions are verified as being correct the check marks will disappear from the check boxes and be replaced with green arrow graphics. However, sometimes one or more mirror locations have not updated all of the definitions and you will get a red X for those definitions. Click on Go Back, select a different mirror, and try again. I have consistent success using Giganet or the Safer-Networking servers. When all updates have succeeded, click on "Exit."
Download links and more instructions about using Spybot Search and Destroy are in my article titled "How to use Spybot Search & Destroy to fight malware".
The description of the latest definition updates and false positive fixes are in my extended comments below.
Additions to malware definitions made on June 17, 2009:
Keyloggers
+ InvisibleKeyLogger97
Malware (Includes rogue or fake anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and fake registry cleaners and fake security alerts, plus other nasty programs)
+ AdDestination
+ Fraud.AntivirusDoktor
+ Fraud.AntivirusPlus
+ Fraud.MalwareDefender2009
+ Fraud.MSAntispyware2009
+ Fraud.PCCenter
+ Fraud.PersonalAntivirus
+ Fraud.ProAntispyware2009
+ Fraud.Sysguard
+ Fraud.SystemGuard2009
+ MalwareProtector2008
PUPS (Possibly UnPopular Software or Potentially Unwanted Program)
+ DAEMONToolsPro.Crack
Trojans (Trojans come to you disguised as something useful, or as a missing codec required to view a spammed video, but, like the Trojan Horse of antiquity, they hold dangerous contents that cause great harm! Many of these Trojans are Botnet infections, backdoors and Rootkits.)
+ Virtumonde.sci
+ Virtumonde.sdn
+ Win32.Agent.jjv
+ Win32.FraudLoad.ie
+ Win32.Hidrag.a
+ Win32.Rbot.gen
+ Win32.TDSS.pe
+ Win32.TDSS.rtk
+ Win32.VB.mqz
+ Win32.ZBot
Total: 1433053 fingerprints in 490325 rules for 4696 products.
False positive detections reported or fixed this week:
No false positives were reported since last week. This means that the Spybot S&D detections are becoming much more accurate! Just be sure you are always using the most recent version of the program.
As mentioned earlier, links and more instructions about using the program, or reporting suspected false positives, are found in my article titled How to use Spybot Search & Destroy to fight malware.
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