CashBar: Altering Your Search Results

Several internet users are familiar with terms such as cookies, interactive content, file sharing, freeware and shareware.  What many more of them do not realize is that some of these files, web pages and programs often contain components and malicious codes that enable your personal information to be secretly collected and sent elsewhere.  Online marketing companies want to track your surfing habits to proposition you with advertisements regarding their products and services - internet criminals want to steal your passwords and credit card information - hackers want to create "backdoors" on your system to compromise and attack other machines.  In one form or another, these exploits are sure to come your way. 

Spyware is a deceptive program that can expose your computer to all the instances mentioned above.  In general, it refers to any software or technology that aids in process of collecting information about an individual or organization without their knowledge or consent.  It may be installed onto your computer because of vulnerabilities created by a virus or in conjunction with another program.  While some types of spyware are harmless, many of them are complex and quite dangerous, the case with a program known as CashBar. 

What is CashBar?    

CashBar is spyware that masquerades as an adware program which primarily functions by displaying advertisements on your computer.  However, because of it's design as a BHO (browser helper object), CashBar often hijacks a user's web browser and takes control of the default search engine.  Your search results are typically modified, prompting results that originate from advertisements paid to the CashBar creator.  When installed, this type of program prevents you from changing the search engine and tends to slow down the performance of your computer. 

CashBar has been categorized as a high risk threat, meaning it can easily infect your system.  This program is far more than friendly adware and should be considered dangerous malware.  Aside from hacking web browsers, CashBar has keylogging ability which enables it to log keystrokes and record snapshots of your screen.  Unlike many types of adware that actually present themselves, CashBar uses a stealth installation, making it very difficult to detect and remove.  This spyware has also been known to act as Trojan horse by secretly installing other forms of malware. 

Removing CashBar

Regardless of the impact, the original intent of spyware is not to harm your computer.  In many instances, it is actually installed with your consent upon downloading other software.  Spyware is often bundled with well known programs who disclose it's presence in the EULA (End-User License Agreement) you are required to oblige.  Much of this software is easily removed without the use of special software.   

Unfortunately, the CashBar program is so complex that it renders even some of the best anti-virus software completely useless.  The fact is this - spyware is not a virus, therefor several virus scanners are not designed to detect them.  The best way to get rid your computer of malicious software such as the CashBar program is to scan the system with a tool specifically designed to fight spyware.