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This article which you are about to read has been written in an attempt to help with the fight against the spyware threat. I have tried to answer some of the questions you might have on this subject and hopefully together we can beat this monster. Spyware is one of the fastest growing internet threats. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, it infects more than 9 out of 10 of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti virus software without the users knowledge. Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the systems performance while gathering your personal information. Fortunately, unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self replicate. Where does it come from? Typically, spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the users knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer. Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware authors personal use or to sell to a third party. Beware of many P2P file sharing programs. They are notorious for downloads that posses spyware programs. The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print. Some agreements may provide special opt out boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download. Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations. The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove deceptive. For example, a pop up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult. Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the Web browser or other software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program. What can spyware programs do? Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user, others can become downright aggressive in nature. Spyware can: 1. Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes. 2. Scan files located on your hard drive. 3. Snoop through applications on our desktop. 4. Install other spyware programs into your computer. 5. Read your cookies. 6. Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information. 7. Change the default settings on your home page web browser. 8. Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate. 9. Cause your computer to run slower. 10. Deliver annoying pop up advertisements. 11. Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliates settings. 12. Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove. Now before you read any further let me just say that at the end of this article I will be suggesting some ways that you can increase your knowledge of this subject, and, knowledge being power, this will aid you in your fight against this menace. Now having said that, let us continue. Spyware Examples Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware writers use. CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through holes found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch. This spyware nuisance displays pop up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites. Internet Optimizer likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up. 180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they have altered. HuntBar (aka WinTools) or is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. It is a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware. These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing behavior, and display advertisements. How can I prevent spyware? There are a couple things you can do to prevent this from infecting your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti spyware program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasofts Ad Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti spyware software as part of an anti virus package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti spyware programs can combat the menace by providing real time protection, scanning, and removal. Let me finish by saying that there is lots and lots of information out there on this subject. Your local bookstore and your local library has a host of articles and information, and there are a number of very helpful Blogs on this subject and then last, but not least, the internet has a lot to say on this matter.
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