Problems with Spyware

[14k]

Everytime I do a spyware scan it picks up a handful of tracking cookies. I realise they are not supposed to be so serious, but why do they keep reappearing!? I use the "anti-spyware" scan as part of the zone alarm pro security package and Spybot on an ad hoc basis to check for such things. I'll do a full scan, then remove the findings - then literally a scan done 20 mins later they'll be picked up again!?

I used to think it was MS Outlook, as junk e-mail that is viewed/previewed might be a way in, but I've now disabled the automatic downloading of picture content in the body of e-mails which someone suggested I do. I've also not opened MS Outlook for a few sessions, but it made no difference.

What's going on, how is this happening? I run NOD32 in conjunction with the above

 

[cubby1223]

Don't worry about it, you'll always get "tracking cookies". Pretty much every website that uses ad services, probably Anandtech included, uses tracking cookies.

 

[Schadenfroh]

1. Use the immunize feature of Spybot
2. Install SpywareBlaster
3. Use IE SpyAd
4. Consider blocking them using HOSTS file alterations

 

[Sid59]

if you wanna get anal ...

just get cookiewall or cookieculler and make rules for every single cookie / site you visit.

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
4. Consider blocking them using HOSTS file alterations

Originally posted by: Sid59
if you wanna get anal ...

just get cookiewall or cookieculler and make rules for every single cookie / site you visit.

At one point I tried out both of these solutions, and they are such a PITA that it's just not worth the effort, IMO. That's kinda why I now just say "screw it" and don't worry about tracking cookies.

 

[14k]

But I just don't understand how they reappear so quickly and easily when normally I have to go into my firewall cookie control settings to alter and allow the type of cookie needed for certain sites (ie. airline bookings)

I use Firefox, btw. And the tracker cookies detected always seem to be Internet Explorer ones (whether that refers to Internet Explorer, the Browser I don't know) If I don't use IE, then what's going on!?