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Description:
Gigatech Superbar is a downloaded 'helper' addition for Internet Explorer and installs directly on your web browser.
How do you get it?
The Gigatech Superbar program is provided by Gigatech Software a software company in San Diego California. It is usually downloaded when bundled with file sharing programs distributed by Blue Haven Media. It can also make its way onto your computer through ActiveX drive by downloading or through direct download off the company site.
Details:
The Superbar Toolbar is a 'Browser Helper Object' meaning that it will load whenever Internet Explorer starts, shares its memory and performs actions in any available windows. It can also detect events, create windows to display additional information on a viewed page, monitor messages and actions. Some variants of SuperBar also create random ID numbers in a process that starts up with Windows to avoid detection.
SuperBar boasts a number of helpful additions to your computer such as filling in forms, remembering passwords and 'search enhancement'. Apparently search enhancement means that additional listings will appear disguised to look like actual results from search engines. These 'enhanced' listings are from the Greasy Cow website. A quick 'who is' reveals some interesting information:
Registrant:
GTS
310 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.,
suite 107-325
San Marcos, California
92078 United States
Registered through: GoDaddy.com
Domain Name: GREASYCOW.COM
Created on: 22-Jan-02
Expires on: 22-Jan-05
Last Updated on: 22-Jan-04
Administrative Contact:
Software, Gigatech superbar_bizdev@hotmail.com
GTS
310 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.,
suite 107-325
San Marcos, California
92078 United States
760-744-5217
Fax --
Technical Contact:
Software, Gigatech superbar_bizdev@hotmail.com
GTS
310 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.,
suite 107-325
San Marcos, California
92078
United States
760-744-5217
Fax --
Domain servers in listed order: SERVER1.GIGATECHSOFTWARE.COM SERVER2.GIGATECHSOFTWARE.COM
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Surprised? I know I wasn't. Technically it isn't illegal to divert unsuspecting visitors to your own site after offering them 'enhanced search results' so who am I to point fingers?
How does it Violate
Privacy?
At this point, Superbar hasn't been known to violate privacy.
Are there any known
security issues?
Gigatech states in their TOS that the Superbar program ".. can even remember various credit card details you provide so you don't have to go find a credit card each time each time you want to order something." They mention that this data is encrypted and secure, then continue further on in the policy to state:
"SuperBar" DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES REGARDING THE SECURITY, RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS, AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICES. ... Gigatech Software" DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE "SuperBar" PROGRAM(S), THE "Gigatech Software" SERVERS, OR E-MAIL SENT FROM "Gigatech Software" ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS."
Ok.. hmmm... I also found this:
"SuperBar" automatically communicates over the Internet with SuperBar's servers to check for updates to the Software. ..You acknowledge that "Gigatech Software" may, at their sole discretion and for any purpose, provide updates, automatic or otherwise, to the "SuperBar" Program(s) (including but not limited to the advertising or other value-added software and technology."
Not exactly promising for a program that is supposed to be secure!
Stability problems:
None know at this time.
Terminating Superbar :
Superbar can be removed either through the Add/Remove program in Windows or by the uninstaller offered for download from the Gigatech site.
Using Add/Remove Programs:
- Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel.
- Select Add or Remove Programs
- Click on Uninstall Superbar, select "Remove" and follow any further instructions.
Download and run the Superbar removal utility.
Pest Patrol and Adware are also known to remove Superbar.
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