CastleCops was a volunteer security community focused on making the Internet a safer place. All services to the public were free, including malware

Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming that is designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, or gain unauthorized access to system resources, or that otherwise exhibits abusive behavior...

 and rootkit

Rootkit

A rootkit is software that enables continued privileged access to a computer while actively hiding its presence from administrators by subverting standard operating system functionality or other applications...

 cleanup of infected computers, malware and phish

Phishing

Phishing is a way of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT...

investigations and terminations, and searchable database lists of malware and file hashes. It was targeted by spammers throughout its existence, but fought back using legal means to defeat them.

History

Education and collaborative information sharing were among CastleCops (formerly known as Computer Cops before the name change in 2005) highest priorities. They had been achieved by training the volunteer staff in their anti-malware, phishing, and rootkit academies and through additional services including CastleCops forums, news, reviews, and continuing education.

CastleCops consistently worked with industry experts and law enforcement to reach their ultimate goal in securing a safe and smart computing experience for everyone online. CastleCops reached its five year anniversary in February 2007 with accolades from well-known computer security industry pundits and players.

On December 24, 2008, the CastleCops Website announces that "All things come to an end" and that Castlecops has ceased to exist, for an as yet undetermined reason. Possibly due to the founder taking on a job with Microsoft.

Malware databases

The CastleCops "malware databases", well known in security circles, had already been moved to Systemlookup.com before the demise of the site.

External links

• CastleCops home page
• CastleCops shuts up shop — Sad demise of volunteer security community.