Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Rob8urcakes on January 08, 2009, 07:22:44 PM
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Hi Guys,
I notice from a forum Search for ad.yieldmanager a few Users have problems banishing forever this persistent beastie from their computer, and would ask if we should expect avast! Home to deal with this particular tracking cookie (and any others folks may have foisted on them)?
Many public sites such as Yahoo! and the Yahoo! Instant Messenger (YIM) utilise ad.yieldmanager which can be effectively blocked using an ad-blocker or the NoScript add-on in FireFox, but once the cookie is installed it keeps returning even after being removed (by eg SuperAntiSpyware) and being blocked in the browser because use of YIM ensures the cookie returns to spy on your every move.
Is avast! Home a program that deals with removal and blocking of such tracking cookies via browser and an Instant Messenger?
If so,
precisely how (in true idio-proof terms) do we configure it to do so please?
If not, then I sincerely apologise for wasting your time.
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:) Hi :
A while back I became aware that Yahoo uses a "web beacon", which is what
you MAY be talking about !? Yahoo provides a way to "Opt-out", which I used
at that time by clicking on their "Privacy Policy" and going through various
screens until I reached the "Web Beacon(s)" and selecting the "Opt-Out"
Option .
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Don't yet know if it'll work but I've now opted-out of Yahoo's web beacons - thanks Spirit.
UK folks can opt-out by clicking on the link about 3/4 down this page (via the redirect)
http://rdrct.com/http://info.yahoo.com/privacy/uk/yahoo/webbeacons/
There's also two UK opt-out's for web beacons and for "off network targeting" at the very bottom of this page
http://rdrct.com/http://info.yahoo.com/privacy/uk/yahoo/cookies/
I've also clicked to opt-out of their "off network targeting" - I'll let you guys know later whether or not this works.
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I use MVPS Hosts (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) which includes (blocks) the many variations of ad.yieldmanager, and other tracking cookies and malware. I've also added some of my own entries to it. You can also block unwanted cookies in your browser, but using a Hosts file is easier and more inclusive.
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If you use firefox, then you can add the NoScript add-on, which has an option to block web bugs. NoScript Options, Advanced tab, Untrusted tab, Forbid Web Bugs, no need to opt out and very helpful for those web bugs you know nothing about.
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Don't yet know if it'll work but I've now opted-out of Yahoo's web beacons - thanks Spirit.
UK folks can opt-out by clicking on the link about 3/4 down this page (via the redirect)
http://rdrct.com/http://info.yahoo.com/privacy/uk/yahoo/webbeacons/
There's also two UK opt-out's for web beacons and for "off network targeting" at the very bottom of this page
http://rdrct.com/http://info.yahoo.com/privacy/uk/yahoo/cookies/
I've also clicked to opt-out of their "off network targeting" - I'll let you guys know later whether or not this works.
So far it hasn't worked Spirit. After doing both opt-outs, I ran cCleaner to remove the offending cookies, leaving the basic yahoo.com cookie in place to remember my settings. Then re-booted. Went back to Yahoo Mail in FireFox and all was well, but after opening YIM the dreaded ad.yieldmanager has popped back up. So sad. If it's still the same by this tomorrow, I'll try John's idea ....
I use MVPS Hosts (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm) which includes (blocks) the many variations of ad.yieldmanager, and other tracking cookies and malware. I've also added some of my own entries to it. You can also block unwanted cookies in your browser, but using a Hosts file is easier and more inclusive.
Also, with regard to David,
If you use firefox, then you can add the NoScript add-on, which has an option to block web bugs. NoScript Options, Advanced tab, Untrusted tab, Forbid Web Bugs, no need to opt out and very helpful for those web bugs you know nothing about.
as soon as I read your Post I ticked the box to Forbid Web Bugs even though I'm pretty sure I was already being protected from this tracking cookie latching on via FF. It's bound to give other or additional protection, so thanks for that David :)
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You're welcome, you should also in firefox deny third party cookies, e.g. those not for the site you are using, they are more commonly considered tracking cookies.
The thing with web bugs if you tried to block by domain it is a constantly moving target that you are shooting at, so the NoScript web bug saves constantly updating these domains.
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:) Hi :
Rather than use a specialized "Hosts File", I prefer to use the FREE
SpywareBlaster from www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html which
includes protection from unwanted cookies . There is a "Tutorial" on this
program at www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial49.html .
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... you should also in firefox deny third party cookies, e.g. those not for the site you are using, they are more commonly considered tracking cookies.
The thing with web bugs if you tried to block by domain it is a constantly moving target that you are shooting at, so the NoScript web bug saves constantly updating these domains.
I had a look at the FF Tools > Options > Privacy tab > and am pleased to confirm "Accept third-party cookies" was already unchecked my friend (makes a pleasant change to discover I actually had some of these damned settings right ;D )
On the NoScript thingummy, I've only been using that delightful program for about a month or so, but am too much of a dummy to know how to properly set the various options so had left it as it came.
I forgot to ask you if there's anything I should look out for that would ordinarily be safe and OK had Web Bugs not been checked/ticked?
@ Spirit and John please (or anyone else who'd like to shed light on this)
I looked at both SpywareBlaster and MVPS and it seems they provide protection via the browser only, whereas I'm certain I already have full protection by implementing FireFox's Privacy Options in conjunction with NoScript and a neat wee add-on called FlashBlock. I also have AdBlock Plus installed to kill any other nasties.
So, despite having opted-out yesterday of Yahoo web beacons and off network targeting (which I today checked were still disabled), I'm also fairly certain the path used by ad.yieldmanager to persistently return is via Yahoo Instant Messenger (YIM) and none of the above (including SpywareBlaster and MVPS) seem able to protect me via YIM which is why I asked in my OP if anything can be done via avast! Home. Or am I still being a dummy and one of them does protect from the YIM path?
I'm also thinking of making a complaint to Yahoo Customer Services because their opt-outs don't seem to cover YIM, but previous contact with them on other issues has been less than helpful.
What do you think guys? Can avast! Home (or something else) block ad.yieldmanager placement via YIM?
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Generally the default settings for NoScript are fine, there are some people that want to go a step further in tweaking it, but that can really have an impact on your browsing if you tweak within an inch of its life, only when it dies do you know you have gone too far, not good.
NoScript negates the need for FlashBlock as it also blocks flash unless you allow it, e.g. click on the NoScript flash blocked icon.
For me CookieSafe is a good add-on, unlike NoScript is doesn't block automatically, but what it does is only allow session cookies, e.g. they are only valid for that session so no long term tracking is possible. For some sites like the avast forum or sites you have to log-on to, they store your user info on the cookie so you need to allow them.
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I looked at both SpywareBlaster and MVPS and it seems they provide protection via the browser only...
A Hosts file works with any app that accesses the internet, not only browsers. I use SpywareBlaster also because of the malicious ActiveX and websites it blocks in IE. However, it does little for Firefox except block some tracking cookies.
From the MVPS link above:
Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local (your) machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists.
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I've again checked if YIM is still placing the yieldmanager beastie and can confirm it is - so much for Yahoo's privacy policy and their alleged opt-outs mentioned above.
So, I've now applied Jahn's (sorry for calling you John earlier) suggestion and have implemented MVPS Hosts. Will confirm later if this has worked.
Meantime, all contributors to this Thread receive my uncondintional thanks and appreciation for being here. You guys are simply the best.
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You're welcome, glad I could help.
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I looked at both SpywareBlaster and MVPS and it seems they provide protection via the browser only...
A Hosts file works with any app that accesses the internet, not only browsers. I use SpywareBlaster also because of the malicious ActiveX and websites it blocks in IE. However, it does little for Firefox except block some tracking cookies.
From the MVPS link above:
Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local (your) machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists.
So, I've now applied Jahn's (sorry for calling you John earlier) suggestion and have implemented MVPS Hosts. Will confirm later if this has worked.
So far so good :thumbsup: The beastie seems to be gone even after using YIM, and if it stays away you have my eternal gratitude and respect Jahn :worshippy:
One thing though Jahn, does the MVPS list limit some websites' functionality? And if so, is there a quick on/off toggle for the Hosts feature?
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Also you might check out the utility HostsXpert. You can add/delete entries in the hosts file. It is recommended that DNS be turned off in services. It has been reported some machines are a little slower with DNS turned on. I might say I noticed no difference in speed here. Hosts file block third party ad servers such as ad.doubleclick. Inline ads delivered by the web site such as google.com are not blocked. Further, to speed up loading of your browser, Use edexter a tiny http server. It fills in the blank space where the third party ad would be with a red dash. It has been reported that some web browsers such as opera will wait a long time for the third party ad to try to load. Edexter takes care of this.
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Also you might check out the utility HostsXpert. You can add/delete entries in the hosts file. It is recommended that DNS be turned off in services. It has been reported some machines are a little slower with DNS turned on.
In some machines, it just loop (svchost.exe from DNS service)... It happens with HostManager also.
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You're very welcome. The important thing is you're seemingly making some progress with this.
So, I've now applied Jahn's (sorry for calling you John earlier) suggestion and have implemented MVPS Hosts. Will confirm later if this has worked.
So far so good :thumbsup: The beastie seems to be gone even after using YIM, and if it stays away you have my eternal gratitude and respect Jahn :worshippy:
One thing though Jahn, does the MVPS list limit some websites' functionality? And if so, is there a quick on/off toggle for the Hosts feature?
Yes, it can. I use RenHosts (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm#Rename) to temporarily disable/rename the hosts file while troubleshooting a web page. But use caution! There's a reason that site is blocked by MVPS Hosts, and it should be further investigated. I use the Firefox add-ons Finjan Secure Browsing, McAfee SiteAdvisor, and WOT (Web of Trust, you will need to register a free account to use it) for checking out websites. Once installed, a Google or Yahoo search will contain the ratings from each of these site rating companies. I believe some members here use Scandoo in addition to, or instead of the ones I've mentioned. Another handy add-on to have is Dr. Web Link Checker. You can right-click a link and Dr. Web Antivirus will scan it in real time and report it's findings.
Additionally, a hosts file is a simple text file which can be opened and edited with Notepad. Again, be careful, and understand what you are doing.
Info and downloads:
http://securebrowsing.finjan.com/
http://www.siteadvisor.com/
http://www.mywot.com/
http://www.scandoo.com/
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/938
If you're experiencing a slow-down on all websites, darth makes a valid point about disabling the DNS Client service in Windows. BTW, all of this information is contained in my original link to MVPS.
Editors Note: in most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine. This only occurs in W2000/XP/Vista. Windows 98 and ME are not affected.
To resolve this issue (manually) open the "Services Editor"
* Start | Run (type) "services.msc" (no quotes)
* Scroll down to "DNS Client", Right-click and select: Properties
* Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
* Select: Manual, or Disabled (recommended) click Apply/Ok and restart.
Let us know how you come along...
John... er... Jahn ;D
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... I use RenHosts (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm#Rename) to temporarily disable/rename the hosts file while troubleshooting a web page. But use caution!
... darth makes a valid point about disabling the DNS Client service in Windows.
Had already disabled the DNS Client - thanks guys.
And now also got the RenHosts.bat and it seems to work too, though untried on any site so far (and I had to remove the .txt from the d/l).
But I've mucked up my Firefox about:config trying to set the browser.xul.error_pages.enabled to false because the context menu didn't show me the Modify option. So I ended up creating a new line (which I can't delete) called "false user set string" and the entry in the Value column is blank, but I'm hoping it wont actually do anything as it's just gobbledygook.
It's strange I can't modify the browser.xul.error_pages.enabled to false :o
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OK guys, I can confirm the pesky ad.yieldmanager is indeed gone, banished from my precious for ever more - thanks so much, and wooohoooooooooo. *Rob dances around the room like an errant child on unneeded anti-depressants.
I just need to tie up a few loose ends such as that in the Post above and the following please.
Also you might check out the utility HostsXpert. You can add/delete entries in the hosts file. It is recommended that DNS be turned off in services. It has been reported some machines are a little slower with DNS turned on.
In some machines, it just loop (svchost.exe from DNS service)... It happens with HostManager also.
I've also just found that I already have HostsXpert but had forgotten about it as I didn't really understand what it was for.
@ Tech - what is it that loops exactly? And how is that resolved and/or avoided Tech?
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Both ebay and Yahoo lie about ad yieldmanager. They both use adyieldmanager / rightmedia.com.
When I contacted eBay about adyieldmanager they said they were not responsible for the warnings from spywaredoctor alerting me about ad yieldmanager.
This is a LIE just place your cursor on some of the advertisements from Yahoo or eBay and notice the bottom panel of your screen, you will see it say's ad.yieldmanager on the bottom left of your screen on certain advertisements.
I tried writing rightmedia.com to opt opt of their cookie. I also went to the yahoo web beacon page to opt out, but this only works for a little while.
I wish I could write the cuss words I have for ebay and yahoo.
>:(