SpySheriff

"SpywareBot" redirects here. Not to be confused with Spybot – Search & Destroy.
SpySheriff
Technical name
  • SpySheriff Variant
    • Adware.SpySheriff (Symantec)
    • Rogue:W32/SpySheriff(F-Secure)
    • Adware/SpySheriff.[Letter](Fortiguard)[1]
    • Adware-SpySheriff(McAfee)
    • ADW_SPYSHERIFF.[Letter] (Trend Micro)
    • DOWNLOADER_SPYSHERIFF (Trend Micro)
    • FREELOADER_SPYSHERIFF (Trend Micro)
  • BraveSentry Variant
    • Rogue:W32/BraveSentry (F-Secure)[2]
    • VBS_SENTRY.[Letter] (Trend Micro)
    • ADW_BRAVESEN.[Letter] (Trend Micro)
  • Pest Trap Variant
SpySheriff interface
Alias
  • SpyDawn Variant
  • Alpha Cleaner Variant
  • SpyBouncer Variant
    • Trojan:Win32/Spybouncer (Microsoft)
TypeMalware
SubtypeRogue Software
AuthorsInnovagest 2000
Technical details
PlatformWindows
Discontinued2008
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SpySheriff[a] (also known as BraveSentry 2.0 among other names) is a malware that disguises itself as anti-spyware software. It attempts to mislead the user with false security alerts, threatening them into buying the program.[4] Like other rogue antiviruses, after producing a list of false threats, it prompts the user to pay to remove them. The software is particularly difficult to remove,[5][self-published source] since it nests its components in System Restore folders, and also blocks some system management tools. However, SpySheriff can be removed by an experienced user, antivirus software, or by using a rescue disk.

  1. ^ "Fortiguard". 2005-09-21. Archived from the original on 2022-08-19. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  2. ^ "Rogue:W32/BraveSentry Description". F-Secure Labs. Archived from the original on 2023-05-21. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  3. ^ "SpyDawn - Adware and PUAs". sophos.com. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  4. ^ "Spyware tunnels in on Winamp flaw". Joris Evers, CNET News.com, February 6, 2006. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  5. ^ "Top 10 rogue anti-spyware". Suze Turner, ZDNet, December 19, 2005. Archived from the original on 19 January 2006. Retrieved 2009-11-01.


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