Comments on: Trend Micro acquires HijackThis antispyware tool

Updated version of HijackThis and a new Trend Micro safe-browsing tool are due next week.

[C_G_K]

Will this remain free?

The story doesn't say anything about whether the program will remain free to use. My guess is no. Any info on potential price/license terms would be nice.

[gerald_309]

Re: Will this remain free?

If you read it again you will see that Trend Micro does offer free. I am an experienced user with Trend Micro Antispyware which is best, and to stop those arguements just download the top ten trialwares - it even beat industry leader Webroot. Anyway, the HiJackThis is by the same person who invented the original CWShredder utility which is the only known softare to remove the CoolWebSearch Toolbar and all it's variants. This threat (CWS Toolbar) is the only threat in the world with it's own software created to remove it - which is the testamnet to the software author (who also created HiJackThis). The original CWShredder was aquired by Trend Micro and remains free from them as the stand alone utility anyone can download and use for life. It is also instituted into trend Micro Antispyware. No doubt this is the same route that the original HiJackThis utility is going - but as mentioned in the story here, is being improved as the software (HJT) author has mentioned he was unable to do for over a year due to time constraints. The improvements no doubt will bring HiJackThis up to speed with the more advanced Emsisoft.com freeware a-squared Hi-Jack Free utility. Do note that most "fix buttons" are NOT removing adware and spyware installations in full or BHO toolbars. You need know that these malware applications are not just an Active X entry in the Windows Registry but almost as many (and sometimes more) files and registry entries as valid software. Usually the "fix it" button only deletes the Active X control registry key thus disabling the application. If so, this can lead to complete unstability of Internet Explorer due to any additional files or mainly registry keys and other entries. Another danger is the left over files being picked up by cyber criminals who develope the dreaded Rootkits threats which can use this slopiness by these people to re-use the "sleeper" orphans and re-install several combined threats turning the computer into an instant "zombie pc" adding it to a "zombie network" and all while you sleep. These are also called malware "botnets" - zombie networks. No doubt Trend Micro will add defintions to the "Fix This" button because of these flaws. In other words, simply unregistering some system32 file does not get rid of spyware - which other inferior products like Spybot may preach. You must have a clean uninstall for personal and computer safety - period.
Webmaster/bluecollarpc.net

[freemarket--2008]

Re: Will this remain free?

I have used Trend Micro's free online scan a number of times and it seems fairly effective.

I suspect they will allow non-business users free access to the Hi-Jack This program or fold it into their scanning program.

They seem to get most of their revenue from serving business customers.

[Jim Hubbard]

Great software down the pisser......

Not that I blame them (I'd proably sell out too if enough cash flowed my way) but it is a sad day to see yet another great piece of software gobbled up by corporate greed.