"The people who write this stuff are gaining sophistication in their
coding practices as they attempt to evade detection and removal," said
Stiennon.  "These 10 are the most insidious programs in terms of prevalence
and effect."

    The 10 most significant emerging spyware and adware threats based on
detection as well as potential impact:

     PurityScan - PurityScan frequently displays pop-up advertisements onto
     your computer whenever you are online.  It induces you to install it by
     claiming to find and delete pornographic images.

     n-CASE (msbb.exe) - n-CASE is an adware program that delivers targeted
     pop-up advertisements to your computer.  This program is usually bundled
     with freeware applications.

     Gator (GAIN) - is an adware program that has the ability to display
     banner advertisements based on your Web surfing habits.  Gator is usually
     bundled with numerous free software programs, including the popular
     file-sharing program Kazaa.

     CoolWebSearch (CWS) - CoolWebSearch has the ability to hijack your Web
     searches, home page, and Internet Explorer settings.  Recent variants of
     CoolWebSearch install using malicious HTML applications or security
     flaws, such as exploits in the HTML Help format and Microsoft Java
     Virtual machines.

     Transponder (vx2) - Transponder is an IE Browser Helper Object that
     monitors requested web pages and data entered into online forms, then
     delivers targeted advertisements.

     ISTbar/AUpdate - ISTbar is a toolbar used for searching pornographic web
     sites that has been reported to display pornographic pop-ups and to
     hijack your homepage and Internet searches.

     KeenValue - KeenValue is an adware program that collects personal
     information and delivers advertisements to your computer.

     Internet Optimizer - Internet Optimizer hijacks error pages and redirects
     them to its own controlling server at http://www.internet-optimizer.com.

     Perfect Keylogger - Perfect Keylogger is a monitoring tool that records
     all visited web sites, keystrokes and mouse clicks.  For example, it can
     log passwords, account numbers and other sensitive information.  It is
     usually installed manually.

     TIBS Dialer - TIBS Dialer is a dialer program that hijacks your modem and
     dials toll numbers, usually to access pornographic "pay" Web sites.

     "It's our goal to inform Internet users of the ramifications of having
potentially unwanted programs on their systems," said Stiennon.  "It is their
choice to keep or remove these programs based on the information available to
them.  We're making sure they have that information so they are making
knowledgeable decisions."
    Webroot recommends consumers and businesses alike take several precautions
to combat these problematic applications.  For increased security, install
Microsoft security patches, avoid using freeware, and disable downloads via
ActiveX in Internet Explorer.
    Additionally, install an anti-spyware software program for desktop
defense, such as Webroot Spy Sweeper for consumers with individual computers
or Spy Sweeper Enterprise for businesses running on network architecture.

    About Webroot
    Webroot Software, a privately held company based in Boulder, Colorado,
creates innovative privacy, protection and performance products and services
for consumers and businesses around the world.  The company's suite of high
quality, easy-to-use software solutions protect sensitive information on home
PCs and corporate networks from the most dangerous security threats on the
Internet today.  Webroot products consistently receive top ratings and
recommendations by respected third-party media and product reviewers.  Found
on the shelves of leading retailers around the world, including Best Buy,
CompUSA, Circuit City, Fry's, Staples and MicroCenter, Webroot products are
also available at http://www.webroot.com.  To find out more about Webroot, call
1-800-870-8102.