Does anyone here know how to block spyware?...... especially OpenCandy

I just imaged a new drive on my PC. I downloaded a lot of the tools that I have been using for years.... VLC player, MPC-HC, Media Info, handbrake, imgburn, stream transport, etc. etc. Most of this stuff is freeware/shareware type stuff.

To my surprise, there is a new form of spyware which seems be running rampant everywhere called "OpenCandy." It installs itself on your computer without your knowledge..... sometimes it even comes embedded into software without any mention that it is there.

Of course, this p1sses me off to no end.

I have no problem with software developers including extraware as long as they are open about it. For example, virtually everyone now offers to install some sort of special toolbar in your browser. It is up to you to make a conscious decision if you want it or not.

I have removed OpenCandy from my computer multiple times already by using MalwareBytes. However, I am looking for a way to take this a step further. How can I stop OpenCandy from ever even installing on my computer in the first place?

I saw the comments below....... I am not knowledgeable enough in this area, so can someone please educate me on whether or not this will work......or if you have any other recommendations that you can make about what can be done.

Thanks,

TC

Controversial Advertising Program Now Being Embedded in More Software

There are 2 things one should do to install a OpenCandy program.

1. Block OpenCandy servers in the windows host file.

You do not want OpenCandy to spy on you.

Click on your start button, go to programs, accessories, right click on notepad and run as administrator.

Click on file, open.
Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
type *.* and click on host

Add this to the host file

127.0.0.1 tracking.opencandy.com.s3.amazonaws.com
127.0.0.1 media.opencandy.com
127.0.0.1 cdn.opencandy.com
127.0.0.1 tracking.opencandy.com
127.0.0.1 api.opencandy.com

And click save.

2. Now go to the command line and enter:

"ProgamName /NOCANDY"

The program will now install with no chance of installing third party software & no chance of spying on you by communicating with the OpenCandy servers.

I have Malwarebytes Premium (real-time) and have it set to treat PUPs as malware.
It has auto blocked and quarantined OpenCandy in installers for me.

this was suggested to me by GREGROCKER, I bet its gonaa solve your problem
SUPERantispyware

The main thing you can do is watch your installs like a hawk so that nothing sneaks in hidden in tricky checkbox choices or the License Agreement of freeware or other programs or apps.

If something gets in and is listed in your Control Panel>Programs or your browsers' Add-Ons under Extensions or Search, uninstall it in both places and run a full MBAM and SuperAntiSpyware scan. Decline their trial when you first install but later if you get regularly infected I would buy MBAM's Real Time protection at $29 for life, which will block all such infection.

From what I've found, some installers are installing OpenCandy BEFORE any installation Window is displayed.
So, there is no chance to opt-out BEFORE the installation begins.
That's what I'm seeing, as MBAM quarantines the file before the I see any Window...
I've seen this recently with Foxit Reader, ImgBurn, and CDBurnerXP.
With ImgBurn, MBAM quarantined the installation file, so ImgBurn did not install.
With the other two, the OpenCandy file was quarantined, and the installation proceeded.