Private domain registrations only aid harmful spyware software which presents considerable risk, claims SaferSurf.com.

The spyware lab at SaferSurf.com, yesterday revealed that Ezula.com (AdWare.Ezula), an Adware developer, is distributing harmful spyware software.

In the case of Ezula, investigation was difficult since Network Solutions, an ICANN accredited registrar and a provider of web services, is offering a 'private registration' service that protects the identity of a domain owner. An inquiry with the Department of Corporations also revealed that the company, allegedly based in California according to Ezula, is not registered under Ezula Inc. or Kabanga Corp. in California.

According to the company, the spyware offered on Ezula.com's website slows down the PC as well as the Internet connection. Ezula spyware installs two files: hwclock searches the Windows Registry for passwords that are stored by Internet Explorer, and wmiapi ensures that a user doesn't notice anything. The regedit and taskmgr processes, in addition to various new registry entries, are terminated and make it impossible to change those entries. At the same time, Ezula is offering software to repair the damage that has been done: DASH Bug Free is supposed to erase undesired registry entries, DASH PC Cleaner is supposed to eliminate the computer's history and DASH Connect is supposed to accelerate the Internet connection.

"The distribution of harmful software is only made easier by the use of private domain registrations," said René Holzer, CEO of Nutzwerk, the inventor of SaferSurf.com. "A real time data filter protects our users from spyware like Ezula. For the unprotected user, however, Ezula presents a considerable risk."