Antispyware Updates
November 18, 2009
SpywareQuake is the latest rogue antispyware threat to hit the net. Like all rogue antispyware, SpywareQuake is a fake antispyware program that aims to either take your money, or steal your identity.

But SpywareQuake is a bit more dangerous than previously thought...read more

CounterSpy V2 is a fairly good antispyware program able to tackle some heavy spyware and virus infestations. We only ranked this third on our list this year because of a few frustrating experiences. One is the difficult install sequence. Like most other antispyware applications, CounterSpy V2 has a difficult time destroying entrenched spyware/viruses on your PC. The reason is, most spyware is very tough and actually has defenses against spyware-removal software. This makes it hard for antispyware software such as CounterSpy V2 to get installed in the first place.

For the most part, CounterSpy V2 was able to scan and tackle all forms of spyware, viruses, and malware. You should only experience installation problems if you have a serious spyware infestation that simply doesn't want to die.


Editor's Overview

• Heavy-duty antispyware protection
• Light on CPU memory
• Real-time protection at the kernel level
• Hybrid anti-spyware/anti-virus technology (called VIPRE)
• Deep-rooted malware is destroyed at boot time, before Windows loads
• Regular definition updates
• Over 3,000,000 threat definitions

As mentioned above, the biggest hurdle for CounterSpy V2 is the initial install. Once/if this is accomplished, CounterSpy V2 starts to really shine. In testing, CounterSpy V2 was able to prevent a large percentage of incoming attacks. Even spyware that tried to fool CounterSpy V2 by changing its name or its attack method was easily defeated.



Overall, CounterSpy V2 does best upon a clean system. Some obvious spyware was missed upon scanning, but this was a rare case in an otherwise good performance.


Features

• Antispyware protection
• Antivirus protection
• FirstScan on-boot scanner.
• Real-time active protection
• Kernel level protection
• Smaller memory footprint
• Faster definition downloads

CounterSpy V2 Also does well at identifying valid PC programs vs spyware programs. Many antispyware applications have trouble distinguishing between the two, but CounterSpy V2 was able to easily distinguish the good from the bad thanks in part to CounterSpy V2's extensive whitelist database. This is an important feature which prevents CounterSpy V2 from accidentally classifying a normal PC program as malware.



A nice bonus feature included in this years CounterSpy is the browser identity protection. Basically, CounterSpy V2 cleans browser history with potentially sensitive data before deletion. This makes double-sure sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers aren't left for spyware to detect.




System requirements

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
• At least an IBM Compatible 300MHZ Computer with at least 128MB of RAM
• Windows Vista (32 & 64 bit)
• Windows XP (32 bit)
• Windows Server 2003 (SP1+, 32 & 64 bit)
• Windows 2000 Professional SP3+ (server is not supported)
• At least 250MB of available free space on your hard drive
• CDROM if you are having the CD shipped to you (not necessary for online download option.)
• Internet access with at least 56Kbps connection if you plan on participating ThreatNet.

Support

Offers FAQ pages, knowledge base, email and phone support


Conclusion

CounterSpy is cheaper than most, and overall a decent bargain. It's good at protecting a clean system, but has a few frustrations when doing the initial clean up. The browser protection and antivirus inclusion are a nice touch to round out an otherwise good-to-average antispyware solution.