Types of Adware: SpyTrooper

SpyTrooper is one of the most recent computer threats roaming the internet.  This program is considered as malicious software and categorized as adware.  It is particularly difficult to remove SpyTrooper without investing money into computer technicians or advanced security software.  The program comes with no uninstall functions and inserts keys into the registry, meaning it must be manually removed from there. 

Detecting the SpywareTrooper infection is fairly easy.  One of the most telling signs is when the desktop wallpaper of your computer displays a warning message stating that your computer is infected with spyware.  When this occurs, you are typically unable to restore the original desktop screen.  You may also be overwhelmed with pop-up windows warning about various threats and products that will eradicate them.  Clicking on one of these windows redirects you to the SpywareTrooper website where they offer to run a free scan of your computer.  Even when shutting the computer down and restarting it, this activity will persist. 

The main intent of the SpyTrooper adware is to convince you that your computer is infected with spyware.  It tries to persuade you that the only solution for curing it is to purchase a full version of the SpyTrooper software.  If you choose to accept the offer, this program may install other potentially harmful programs on your system. 

It may be sometime before you realize that SpyTrooper is the actual infection.  Some of the best anti-spyware software is unable to remove this threat because the process is always running, stopping other processes from operating and ultimately preventing the installation of a security solution.  SpyTrooper is very persistent and even runs when the computer is rebooted and run in Safe Mode. 

SpyTrooper can be easily installed without your consent.  Like most adware, it is typically bundled and downloaded with freeware and shareware products.  It has been known to be automatically distributed when viewing adult web sites or those compromised with malware.  When this occurs, it makes it's way into your system by exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or web browser.  In rare cases, SpyTrooper has come bundled with Trojan applications, automatically downloading itself when clicking on a particular file or program. 

How to Avoid it

Security experts have stated that the only way to uninstall SpyTrooper is to dig deep within the registry and manually remove it, a task that is not recommended.  When the infection becomes that severe, you stand the chance of having to wipe the system clean and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows, losing any critical data that was not backed up. 

As with several forms of malware, the best protection against SpyTrooper is prevention.  Below we have provided a few essential tips to keep you safe from this stubborn infection:

Browse the Web with Caution: The internet is larger than you can imagine.  Surfing around it is like sailing unchartered waters.  You can visit what appears to be an innocent website all while malicious programs are being downloaded to your system. 

Download from the Web with Caution: SpyTrooper and other adware programs are often downloaded with legitimate programs you actually need.  Be sure to read the fine print regarding any software you intend to download.

Implement Security Software: A quality anti-malware solution is a must these days.  This type of program will scan your computer in search of viruses, worms and sneaky spyware.  If threats are found they can be automatically contained and completely removed.  Some will even warn you about a malicious website perform granting access, preventing applications like SpyTrooper from being installed. 

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Identity theft comes in many forms.

A person\92s identity can be 'borrowed' for the purpose of creating fictional credit cards or a person\92s entire identity can be usurped to the point where they can have difficulty proving that they really are who they claim to be.

Up to 18% of identity theft victims take as long as four years to realize that their identity has been stolen.

There are many ways to protect your personal identity and many steps you can take to prevent your identity from being stolen:

*Never give out unnecessary personal information
*Never provide bank details or social security numbers over the Internet
*Always remain aware of who is standing behind you when you type in your personal credit codes at ATM machines and at supermarket checkout swipe machines.