Spyware Detail

Summary

ErrorGuard will detect registry entries by vendors like Computer Associates, Symantec, Kasperky and Microsoft. It users into thinking that the objects have to be removed because they are "critical" in nature. ErrorGuard takes the look and feel of Windows (using almost identical system tray icons and user interface as Windows Security Center). ErrorGuard installs itself through dubious channels, often being linked through spyware and adware programs. The installation process is not clear enough. Once installation begins, the user is not given control of the setup process. Upon installation ErrorGuard executes and cannot be readily closed by the clearly visible red X. Trying to close the application is recursive. On reboot ErrorGuard runs and opens a window warning the user of critical errors.

Category

Adware:  Software that displays pop-up/pop-under advertisements when the primary user interface is not visible, or which do not appear to be associated with the product.



Reasons For Retention

Installs without providing explicit opt-out option from any site or other application. ErrorGuard installation process is not clear enough. Often users are linked to http://errorguard.com by a flurry of ads shown by spyware and adware programs. One ad in particular, delivered by spyware is titled 'WARNING You may have critical errors on your PC.' The ad cannot be closed by clicking the clearly visible 'Cancel' button, but instead are taken to http://www.errorguard.com/. This page only adds to the users confusion by telling them '47 System Errors Found.' Once installation begins, the user is not given control of the setup process and the program executes without prompting the user.

Displays popup/popunder ads that cannot be closed by clicking a clearly visible close button. Upon installation, ErrorGuard executes and cannot be readily closed by clicking the clearly visible red X. Attempts to close the application is recursive-if the user tries clicking the red X in the upper right corner, another popup window opens. When the user clicks the red X in the upper right of this window, they are back to the same situation as when they started the process. The application stays open.

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