DesktopScam does it, and so do Virtumonde, SpySheriff, Trojan.Smitfraud, DollarRevenue and StartPage.TimesSquare. Ironically, security software is found among the advertisements that spyware programs push onto a compromised desktop or via the browser of an infected machine. And it is nothing more than cheap blackmail using threats and a diluvial volume of pop-ups and advertisements.

DesktopScam amounted to 1.50% of all the spyware reports in September 2006, according to Sunbelt Software via CounterSpy. "DesktopScam is used to trick the affected user into purchasing certain security applications. DesktopScam will display false warnings that the computer is infected and uses a fake Windows update globe to trick the user into thinking that Microsoft Windows is reporting a spyware infection. Clicking on this notification directs the user to a pre-defined website to order malware removal software," revealed Sunbelt.

Zlob.Media-Codec and Virtumonde have rounded up the second and third positions with 1.36% and 0.90% presence into the spyware reports. Zango.SearchAssistant came in fourth with 0.78% and SpySheriff is close in fifth position with 0.76%. Command Service, Trojan.Smitfraud, Trojan.WinlogonHook.Delf.A, Dollar Revenue and StartPage.TimesSquare are the rest of the top ten.