Spy Eraser 2

Spy Eraser is a spyware detection and removal software. It incorporates advanced and sophisticated scanning technologies, which allow it to detect threats before they affect your computer. However, you can still use the program to scan your computer for spyware and malware anytime you want.

I guess this is not the place to emphasize the fact that any spyware detection utility can give false positives. It happened to me, as the program detected a keylogger that I previously installed on my computer. Spy Eraser allowed me to keep my keylogger so no harm was done, even though it was detected as a severe threat.

Among other interesting features, I would like to mention that Spy Eraser is able to schedule scans of a computer, keep logs of its activity and quarantine unwanted items. It uses a special quarantine folder, for disabling threats and at the same time allowing the user to restore any accidentally deleted files or registry keys.

Even though it's disabled during the evaluation period, the program also features a live scanner called Live Guard. This scanner should be able to detect memory resident spyware, as well as programs that try to execute themselves on boot. It can monitor Internet Explorer's menu extensions, the Windows Hosts file, as well as illegitimate changes that can be made in Windows Appinit DLLs. Each scan component can be deactivated individually, but your system won't be protected against a set of threats anymore.

Pluses: I think the fact that the publisher (Uniblue Systems Ltd.) is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner speaks by itself. Spy Eraser has a great set of features available through a great-looking user interface. The user can even enforce security restrictions that block access to certain Windows components like the Registry Editor, the Control Panel, the Task Manager and others. It's also possible to block user defined executables.

Drawbacks / flaws: I tried to install a toolbar for Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. Even though Spy Eraser detected the change, it wasn't able to block it. I also tried modifying my Windows Hosts file and nothing happened. This makes me believe that Spy Eraser should only be used for detecting spyware, and not for erasing or blocking it.

In conclusion: Every day, there's an interesting competition between security solution developers and marketers. Spy Eraser needs to improve its Live Guard in order to join the top.

version reviewed: 2