Tech Primer

Spyware

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a software installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge. It gathers information about the user for later retrieval by the person controlling the spyware. It can be broken down into two different categories—surveillance and advertising spyware. Surveillance software includes key loggers, screen capture devices, and Trojans. Advertising spyware is a software that is installed alongside other software or via Active X controls, often without the user’s knowledge, or without full disclosure of the fact that it will be used for gathering personal information and displaying ads based on the same. Advertising spyware logs information about the user, possibly including passwords, e-mail addresses, Web browsing history, online buying habits, the computer’s hardware and software configuration, the name, age, sex, etc of the user. As with spam, advertising spyware uses computing resources, making the user pay for operating it. It then makes use of the user’s bandwidth to connect to the Internet and upload whatever personal information it has gathered, and to download advertisements, which it will present to the user, either by way of pop-up windows, or with the ad banners of ad-supported software. All this can be considered theft in the cases of advertising spyware that installs without disclosure.

Where does spyware come from?

Spyware comes bundled with some other piece of software that you install on your machine. Sometimes, depending on the integrity of the company, you will be given a choice as to whether or not you want the spyware to be loaded. However, many companies do not inform you of spyware that comes bundled with their software. If you delete the spyware, the program you originally installed may stop working. A PC can get infected with spyware just by visiting a Web page or from downloading files. These files are often not detected by virus protection software, since spyware is not considered to be a virus.

Why is spyware bad?

For one, it hogs system resources such as memory and hard disk space. It can also compromise network privacy, providing outsiders with information about your computing habits. If a spyware program installs a keylogger, it can capture keystrokes and send them to a third party. This can expose passwords to thieves. Some spyware consist of Trojans that let somebody else log into your computer remotely and use it for their own purposes to send spam or launch malicious attacks on other computers on the Internet, making it look like you are at fault.

How does spyware exploit user information?

The spyware problem is similar to the cookie problem—both invade privacy. Spyware is a program that runs on the computer and tracks the habits, and tailors these patterns for advertisements. Spyware can also do some nasty things to ensure that it keeps running and influencing what you see.

How does spyware install itself on a computer?

Common tactics for surreptitious installation include rolling up advertising programs into ‘free’ shareware program downloads, and once the spyware is installed it can download advertisements 24 hours a day and overlay them on Web sites and programs. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware from being installed, but the best strategy is to discriminate between downloading and installing software.

Can spyware send tracked information to other people?

Some forms of spyware monitor a target’s Web usage or even general computer use and sends this information back to the spyware program’s authors. To fight this kind of problem, a spyware removal tool is helpful, as is a firewall that monitors outgoing connections from your computer. Other forms of spyware take over parts of Web browsing interface, forcing you to use their own search engines, where they can track your browsing habits and send pop-up advertisements to you at will.

The biggest concern regarding spyware is that these programs are poorly written or designed. Many people first realise that their computer is running spyware when it slows down or stops responding especially when undertaking certain tasks such as browsing Web sites or retrieving e-mail. In addition, poorly-written spyware can often cause computer to function incorrectly even after it has been removed.

How can you get rid of spyware?

Perform a search online for spyware removal programs. One should pick a program that one trusts and should not download anything unless it is safe.

Can spyware be deleted manually?

At times a spyware program is obvious. It adds itself to your menu bar and is found listed in your Add/Remove Program list in the Windows Control Panel. Sometimes, it is not as evident and you have to go diving into the registry and delete entries and also search for specific files on your hard drive and remove them.

What can be done to stop spyware?

Do not download programs by companies you are not familiar with. Be cautious with shareware and freeware. Do not download illegal pirated software. Set your browser security to High. The only problem with this is it may block access to some Web sites that you may want to see. Ultimately, your best bet is to get an anti-spyware program and scan your system regularly.

For more information please see www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/computer-threats/stop-spyware-faq.html