Spyware certainly has become a major problem on the internet today for both home and business computers. Originally, advertisers came up with the idea that by tracking a persons surfing habits, it would not only help advertisers immensely, but would also help consumers by showing them ads they were most interested in seeing.
What advertisers didn't count on at the time was that the majority of people found the idea of someone tracking their surfing habits offensive which subsequently pushed the idea underground - and behind closed doors. Instead of being up front with computer users about installing programs that would track surfing habits - less the scrupulous companies began to hide their tracking software in other programs such as file sharing clients ( napster ) and freeware software.
Realistically though, spyware that only tracks usage for advertising effectiveness is really only offensive in principle rather then an actual threat. But before long, spyware became the proverbial back door to a users computer - and the threat of data and identity theft.
Money is the very crux of spyware and adware industries. These pose several problems and are a security risk.
Adware is a program that displays advertisements on the computer whether you want them or not. They are not just connected to particular websites or free software but are programmed to start up whenever your computer is switched on.
Programs like Eudora mail client display advertisements in lieu of charging registration fees for use of software. It helps developers recover program development costs. Kazaa the file sharing application comes bundled with at least three ad-ware programs. Two of them serve ads to the desktop while another redirects the user's browser to a search engine with advertiser sponsored web results. Well known ones are: BroadcastPC; Comet Cursor; GeoWhere; Network Essentials, 123 Messenger, Direct Revenue, and so on.
Unfortunately, other guises of adware are spyware and malware.
Spyware is a program code that relays information about you and your work without your permission or knowledge. Some just "spy" on you conveying your Internet habits to marketing companies, while others are "thieves" they access credit card information as well as other sensitive files. In plain terms, it is malicious software that can intercept or take control of a computer's operation without user knowledge or consent. Termed as "malware" the redefinition of spyware, the programs can:
Steal personal information and the address book.
Flood the browser with pop-ups.
Spam the system.
Slow down programs and connection.
Hijack the browser and redirect the user to a "con" page.
Uses the computer as a server to broadcast porn.
Can cause a crash.
Spyware reaches a computer through innocent web pages, game demos, MP3 players, search tool bars, and other downloads like free software. It installs itself and leaves a mark on the windows registry. It can hog the computer resources such as memory and hard drive and cause a crash or lock up. Keystroke-logging spyware can steal passwords and credit card information for thieves.
To protect the files one has to:
Use anti adware and spyware programs. Examples: Spybot, Search & destroy, Pest Patrol, and Lavasoft's Adware.
Keep windows as well as Internet explorer up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.
Maintain the security level of the Internet Explorer at medium. Users must not lower the security level.
Use firewalls and web proxies to block access to web sites known to carry spyware.
Install layered protection.
Update the antivirus program. An up-to-date program will stop spyware as well as Trojans.
Install a startup monitor to protect your system.
Never accept "free" as being free---check out free software and downloads, there will be a hidden surprise or catch.
Never download software from warez sites. Pirated software is always distributed along with adware and spyware.
Use Spy checker to determine if the download has spyware. This can be accessed from the free computer securities pages
The best way to protect your computer from Spyware is to use a quality spyware detection and removal suite. Be careful though when choosing a spyware program as their are literally thousands of available titles on the internet - some of which actually contain spyware themselves !
Personally I like the Paretologic Spyware removal system that is easy to use and is self updating. You can download the program for free from their website located here.
