Don't Download from Defenza.com
A read sent us the following question: Is Defenza.com's anti-spyware tool rogue?
The short answer is yes.
First off, Googling "defenza.com" with McAfee Site Adviser yielded results flagged with a red X and a warning to "use with caution." According to the Site Adviser report, "When we visited this site, we found that it may be affiliated with other ''red' sites." The other red site in question is cashengines.com, of which McAfee said: "When we visited this site, we found that it funds and facilitates the creation of numerous identical web sites, which charge fees for products available elsewhere for free."
The site itself constituted a second red flag, since it contained no privacy policy, an unacceptable omission for a site selling software downloads. Third red flag: Although the the site says it's based in Montreal, a quick check via WHOIS revealed that it's registered to one Stephane Dadoun of Market Engines in Sliema, Malta, and is hosted in Russia.
Also, the fake CNET Download.com button on the homepage (Download.com doesn't recommend Defenze) didn't exactly inspire our trust.
Third Red flag, numerous negative reviews from Internet security sites, including:
EmsiI Software—Defenza is a rogue security program that shows false Warning messages. It also shows misleading scan Results. It can also install through Trojan exploits.
2-Spyware.com—We DO NOT recommend purchasing and using this product.
BleepingComputer.com—This Add or Remove Programs entry corresponds to a program that is either malware, installs malware, or is bundled with malware.
Finally, you can also read an illuminating thread about Defenza.com on our sister site, BadwareBusters.org.