Grisoft enters anti-spyware market

Security software company Grisoft has launched an anti-spyware program that can detect and block malicious software, even if it is not a recognised threat.

Ewido anti-spyware allows potential spyware programs to run, as long as they don't make changes to a computer. If malicious behaviour is detected, the software is stopped.

The company has a dedicated team to create updates when spyware is found. It claims these updates will be made available within 20 minutes of it discovering new spyware.

Removing spyware is a simple process if a user hasn't rebooted their PC since infection. There are manual tools available from Grisoft's website if a reboot has taken place.

Telephone support is available in the UK at non-premium rates for more difficult situations. This support is available during office hours from Monday to Friday, however email support is available at all times.

Despite the level of protection, Grisoft claims that the strain put on a user's PC is very low and that there will be no noticeable effect on performance.

The ability to test spyware safely will be available in the forthcoming Internet Explorer 7 when it is released with Windows Vista. However, Windows XP users will not enjoy this benefit.

Grisoft confirmed that Ewido anti-spyware will work on Windows XP, 2000 and NT. At present it will run as a separate program from AVG Anti-Virus, though there are plans to integrate the two at some point in the future.

A single user subscription for Ewido anti-spyware and updates costs £22. Buying both AVG Anti-Virus and Ewido together costs £33.