Are you infected with spyware? Chances are that you have spyware lurking on your computer, whether you realize it or not. The question is, what type of spyware is it and how concerned do you really need to be? That's where our Spyware Knowledge Database comes into play. You can search our comprehensive database for virtually every type of spyware that has ever hit the Web. Our database will provide you with detailed information on each type of spyware infection you run into, including information on symptoms, removal instructions, methods of prevention and recommended removal tools.

Our AntiSpyware team actively researches new spyware threats on a daily basis, analyzes spyware definitions, and updates the spyware database regularly. Every day of the week, 365 days a year, we are working to make sure you have access to critical information on the latest spyware threats.

Our comprehensive Spyware Knowledge Database organizes all spyware threats alphabetically so you can easily scroll and find information on the threats that have infiltrated your PC. For detailed spyware information, visit our Spyware Knowledge Database or...

Scroll down and take a quick look at the top spyware threats of the day and get detailed instructions for their removal.

Today's Top Spyware Threat (Removal Instructions Available)

Banbra

Category: Spyware

Banbra is a Trojan Horse that facilitates spying on a victim's browsing and banking habits. The Trojan is often called Infostealer Branbra or PWS (Pass Word Steal) Branbra because it installs a Browser Helper Object on the resident Internet Browser and monitors all of a user's web habits. When Branbra recognizes specific keywords typed on the screen, it initiates a key logging application that records keystrokes that will be later communicated to some remote hacker. Additionally, Branbra is a browser hijacker. It alters the registry entry determining homepage and changes it to either a portal site that leads to more spyware, or to a phishing site. These web pages are designed to look just like well-known, trusted pages. Unwitting victims type in sensitive information and the BHO either reroutes them to a hazardous page and steals the information. There are several variants of Branbra, made so by having different filenames for their primary components. Additionally, the Spyware Trojan Bancos (so named for being adept at stealing banking passwords) is considered to be a variant of Branbra and vice versa.

More Banbra Details »

How to Get Rid of Banbra?

There are several ways to detect and remove this parasite from your computer. The method that is right for you will be largely determined by your computer skills and your own comfort level. Evaluate the removal methods below and choose the option that best suits your needs.

Learn How to Remove Banbra
(Manual Removal Instructions)

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What Types of Malware and Spyware are Lurking on the Web?

There are literally millions of spyware and malware threats prowling the Internet, and all of them fall into one of a few spyware categories. Each and every spyware and malware application can be placed into a specific spyware or malware group. These are the most common...

Adware - It's important to understand that not all adware is spyware. Some adware is just plain annoying. Other adware, however, can actually track your Internet activity. It logs this information and then displays ads that are targeted to your Web browsing habits. Because of this, some adware applications step over the line and become spyware threats.

Tracking Cookies - Internet cookies used to only be considered helpful. They are small, non-executable, files that let a certain website remember your computer. This is convenient when you're logging into an email account or doing some online shopping. Tracking cookies, on the other hand, actually track your browsing activity as you move from site to site across the Web, recording information like which websites you visit and for how long. With this information, the tracking cookie creates a "profile" of your Internet activity. This profile is then shared (or sold) across multiple websites and even with unrelated third parties.

Hijackers - This one is just what it sounds like. When a hijacker infects your PC, the application "hijacks" your Internet browser, taking you to websites you never asked to go to. If these websites are malicious in nature, they can put you at risk for contracting further spyware or malware.

Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) - Not all browser helper objects pose a threat. Some, however, aren't so innocent. Some BHOs spy on your computer activity, install adware onto your PC, and hijack your Internet searches. To make matters worse, these applications can install themselves without your permission or knowledge, and getting rid of them may require advanced anti-spyware technology.

Dialers - Dialers can be a computer user's worst nightmare. These malware applications use your dial-up modem to call expensive pay-per-minute phone numbers. When you get a bill (sometimes for thousands of dollars) you simply don't understand what has happened. It's not the phone company's fault - it's because your PC wasn't protected from this serious malware threat. Since the calls were indeed made from your phone line, you might end up being responsible for the charges.

Keyloggers - Keyloggers are one of the most dangerous threats to privacy on the Web. When a keylogger infects your PC it records each and every keystroke you type on the keyboard. The information is logged and sent to a remote third party. This person then has access to any senstive data you might have typed: your account numbers, user IDs, passwords, even names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Remote Administration Tools (RATs) - Remote administration tools, also known as RATs, are programs that allow a person to control your computer from a remote location. These programs are used by network administrators for legitimate purposes, but they are also used by hackers with intentions that are anything but innocent. With remote access, a hacker can literally control a computer as if he or she were sitting in front of it.

Backdoor Applications - These malware applications are some of the most prevalent means of gaining access to a computer over the Web. By silenly opening certain ports and disabling normal security measures, these programs open a virtual "backdoor" that allows a hacker to access the computer without the user being any the wiser. Once the backdoor is in place, the hacker can access your files, steal your information, or download additional malware onto your computer. The hacker can and even corrupt your hard drive, deleting and destroying data.

Data Miners - These spyware threats infect your PC and then begin collecting information about the contents of your computer, your Internet activities and other personal information. This data is then sent to a remote third party via your Internet connection.

Downloaders - When a downloader infects your PC it uses your Internet connection to download additional software onto the hard drive. It's like a scout that goes on ahead and, once the coast is clear, pulls in other programs that can do more damage. Since a downloader will download whatever its writer tells it to, it can install (and sometimes execute) all types of files with potentially devistating effects, including viruses, worms, dialers, keyloggers or other spyware and malware applications.

Firewall Killers - These malicious programs target your firewall and take it down. When this happens, more malware and spyware are able to infect your PC.

Flooders - These applications use your computer to attack networks with denial of service (also known as DoS) attacks. Your computer (and others) are used to flood websites with traffic, eventually bringing the website or network server down. These kinds of attacks are illegal, and even though you may not even be aware of it, if the attack involves your PC you become legally culpable.

Rogue Anti-Spyware - Rogue anti-spyware programs try to pass themselves off as legitimate anti-spyware utilities. However, when you scan your computer with these so-called anti-spyware products, the software creates fake lists of spyware infections. These lists are meant to scare you into purchasing the "full version" of the software, which likely doesn't offer any anti-spyware protection at all.

Spyware Characteristics

Wondering if a computer application is spyware or not? There are some telltale signs to look for. Here are some of the most common spyware characteristics.

Remember - if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck and looks like a duck... Well, you get the point.

Spyware Tips

Want to keep your computer safe from the spyware and malware threats infesting the Web? There are certain steps you can take to thwart spyware attacks and stop hackers dead in their tracks.

Because Spyware Hurts All of Us

When it comes to spyware, you can't take the "it doesn't apply to me" approach, because it does. It applies to each and every person who connects to the Web. Join forces with Remover.org and fight the good fight against spyware and its perpetrators. Please, use these tools and resources as well as our information on Phishing Scams, Anti-Spyware Tools and our Free Spyware Scanner. Together, we can keep each and every computer safe from spyware and malware attacks.