BrightFort Blog

Avira’s “Scare Tactics” and SpywareBlaster

Javacool — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:35:40 +0000

Question: Can I use Avira and SpywareBlaster together? Answer: Yes. SpywareBlaster is built to be compatible with other security tools, including Avira, as part of a multi-layered approach to security. Avira’s warning that SpywareBlaster is “incompatible” with Avira and must be uninstalled is incorrect and misleading. Ignore the warning, and continue using SpywareBlaster without issues. [...]

SpywareBlaster 4.5

Javacool — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:27:40 +0000

We’re happy to announce the release of SpywareBlaster 4.5. Prevent the installation of spyware, adware, browser hijackers, malware, and other potentially unwanted software with SpywareBlaster’s multi-layered protection. SpywareBlaster can help keep your system secure, without interfering with the “good side” of the web. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in [...]

OSX/OpinionSpy Free Detection + Removal Tool

Javacool — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:38:34 +0000

Background: If you build it, they will come… unfortunately. A Mac-specific piece of spyware was uncovered this week. Called “OSX/OpinionSpy” or “PremierOpinions”, the spyware is bundled with some free Mac downloads; particularly “free screensavers”. Affected installers are actively being distributed from both 7art-screensavers . com (*do not visit*) and a few popular Mac download sites. [...]

SpywareBlaster 4.3

Javacool — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:07:19 +0000

We’re happy to announce the release of SpywareBlaster 4.3. Prevent the installation of spyware, adware, browser hijackers, malware, and other potentially unwanted software with SpywareBlaster’s multi-layered protection. SpywareBlaster can help keep your system secure, without interfering with the “good side” of the web. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in [...]

Windows 7 (and 64-bit) support

Javacool — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:17:32 +0000

We’re happy to report that the current versions of SpywareBlaster (4.2) and EULAlyzer (2.0) have been fully tested with the final version of Windows 7, 32-bit & 64-bit. They both passed our suite of compatibility tests, and we’re not aware of any issues. For those running Windows 7: just install and enjoy!

SpywareBlaster 4.2

Javacool — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:20:43 +0000

We’re happy to announce the release of SpywareBlaster 4.2. Prevent the installation of spyware, adware, browser hijackers, malware, and other potentially unwanted software with SpywareBlaster’s multi-layered protection. SpywareBlaster can help keep your system secure, without interfering with the “good side” of the web. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in [...]

CLSID List surpasses 60,000 entries

Javacool — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:14:10 +0000

This weekend, the CLSID List (now hosted over at SystemLookup) surpassed 60,000 entries. The CLSID List was originally started by Tony Klein as the BHO List, to catalog good and bad Internet Explorer Browser Helper Objects (BHOs). Over the years and across many different homes, it has expanded in scope to cover Toolbars, URLSearchHooks, and [...]

Installer doghouse – how not to display a EULA

Javacool — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:15:31 +0000

For better or for worse, EULAs (those licenses with which you often have to agree to install software) are here to stay. But the ways installers display them to the user differ wildly. Since part of the purpose behind our EULAlyzer program is to help keep users informed about what they’re agreeing to, we thought [...]

Google glitch – “This site may harm your computer.”

Javacool — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:48:21 +0000

Earlier today, Google experienced a rather significant glitch: All search results showed the “This site may harm your computer.” warning. Normally this warning does a decent job of highlighting common, major sources of malware (and other unwanted things). Google reasonably disables potentially harmful links, and redirects to an intermediary page that (a) provides more information, [...]

EULAlyzer 2.0

Javacool — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:42:10 +0000

We’re happy to announce the release of EULAlyzer 2.0. Many bad or potentially unwanted pieces of software like to bury what they plan on doing in their license agreements. And, truth be told, most people simply don’t take the time to fully read the license agreements for programs they install. So the bad guys get [...]