suspected bug in msas

[Guest]

My Trend Micro detected a spyware threat, Adware_BHOT_HispaVista. I have
cleaned my system. But, what worry's me, is that my Microsoft Beta 1 Anti
Spyware didn't deyect it. Untill I can learn why msas didn't detect it, I have
fully enabled my Trend Micro Anti Spyware. Can anyone give me imformation
on this threat and why msas overlooked it?

 

[Dave M]

HispaVista is a tracking cookie, MSAS Beta1 does not detect or remove any
cookies.

http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/browse.aspx?let=H&cat=Tracking Cookie
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/pest.aspx?id=453077897

 

[Guest]

Thanks, I understand now. I didn't know it was a cookie. Beta 1 doesn't handle
cookies. Thank you for your responce

 

[Guest]

Do you think it would be a good idea if beta 2 did handle cookies ? It is
a spyware threat ?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

That can be a matter of opinion and has been the subject of debates.

Internet Explorer already controls cookies very well depending on your
settings.
I do not consider cookies a problem.
I see cookies as mostly hype by the anti spyware makers so they can say how
much they found.
If all that is found on your computer are cookies, regardless the quantity,
your computer is clean.

 

[Dave M]

I think you should be concerned about third party, multi-site tracking cookies
like HispaVista from a privacy standpoint.

I'm not sure MSAS is the best application to remove them though. I think I'd
rather use a product from a smaller independent company that's not facing the
same commercial pressure as Ms is in dealing with this sensitive subject.
CCleaner has customizable cookie removal (keep what you'd like), is also free,
and can be run at startup if you wish. Take a look at it. I'm sure there are
a bunch of other good freeware ones as well, like AdAware. SpySweeper (paid)
that I use does remove tracking cookies automatically on the fly, but there's
not much control over cookies otherwise.

I set my 3rd party cookies off in IE, and force prompted approval of most all
other cookies, which can be a moderate pain. I like to know what's coming to me
though, and why does PCworld need to place any cookies on my machine... answer
is they don't. I'll choose my own articles and advertising to read, thank you
very much... lol

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your input, It was just a thought

 

[Guest]

i have a licenced copy of trend micro anti-spyware, which does handle cookies

 

[Dave M]

Bob's your Uncle, then...
http://www.word-detective.com/back-f.html

 

[Guest]

Great artical, but you lost me. What did it have to do with me or this
disscusion?

 

[Dave M]

Bob's your Uncle = No Problem, you've got it already with Trend.

 

[Guest]

OK,I agree with you on that. Thanks for you reply

 

[Guest]

OK, I've never heard that expression before. I know now, I'm all set. The
next time someone say's bob's your uncle, I will know what the are talking
about

 

[Guest]

Great site, Dave. And that's no malarkey!

Bob's your Uncle, then...
http://www.word-detective.com/back-f.html

 

[Dave M]

Hey Conner;

How's the updates going?

Yeah, the funny thing about that UK expression is it's common there but half
don't know what it means, and virtually nobody in the US does. Anyway, I think
the nepotism bit is hilarious.