Spyware
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software designed with the malicious intent of taking partial control of, and generally disrupting, users interaction with a system. In other words, spyware can also be considered as a type of computer virus which creeps into your computer without your knowledge and taking control of certain function of your computer. The thing that differs spyware from viruses is spyware doesn’t usually self-replicate whereas virus will replicate by itself and then spread to other computers.
The financial incentive behind spyware creation and distribution usually comes at the expense of the infected user’s experience. Users are usually caught unaware that spyware packages have been installed, or that their private data is being intercepted by a third party. As a result, spyware causes breach of users’ privacy since it secretly monitors the user’s behavior without their knowledge. Once spyware programs have been installed on your computers, they start collecting personal information, redirect Web browsing and divert advertising revenue to the attackers. In addition to this invasion of privacy, spyware can also slow systems and networks by clogging memory and Internet traffic with unwanted processes.
How did my computer get infected with Spyware?
Most spyware is installed without users’ knowledge. Spyware deceives users, either by piggybacking on a piece of desirable software such as Kazaa, or by tricking them into installing it. Some “rogue” anti-spyware programs pretend as security software, while being spyware themselves.
The distributor of spyware usually presents the program as a useful utility-for instance as a “Web accelerator” or as a helpful software agent. Users download and install the software without immediately suspecting that it could cause harm. For example, Bonzi Buddy is a program bundled with spyware that is targeted at children.
Spyware can also come bundled with shareware or other downloadable software, as well as music CDs. The user downloads a program and installs it, and the installer additionally installs the spyware. Although the desirable software itself may do no harm, the bundled spyware does. In some cases, spyware authors have paid shareware authors to bundle spyware with their software. In other cases, spyware authors have repackaged desirable freeware with installers that add spyware.
Effects of Spyware on Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer
Within recent years, users of Microsoft Windows operating system and the Internet Explorer browser are more likely infected by spyware. Users of these products are more susceptible to spyware infection because of the seamless integration between the two products-features within Internet Explorer allow Internet applications to access vital parts of the Windows operating system. This link between the Internet browser and system components provides an opening for privacy-invasive, internet-based software to manipulate system settings and the user experience for its own benefit.
Active X is one of the features within Internet Explorer that spyware takes advantage of. While it is useful for creating an enhanced user experience, it is also dangerous because it allows websites and web-based applications the privileges to perform functions similar to stand-alone, executable applications. Often what will happen is up visiting a questionable site, and a pop-up will ask the user whether they trust the site and its contents. If the user is unsure, but accepts in order to proceed, a spyware package will be downloaded and automatically installed.
The Dangers of Spyware
Victims can be lured into accepting requests of spyware by means of disguised packages. Some will claim that the users system is out of date, or that they are missing out on a crucial feature, or even that they are being exposed to spyware. Computer user are enticed by these claims which are usually completely false, to accept their offer. Under these false pretenses, users’ Internet browsing activity, shopping habits, and even banking information are inadvertently monitored and tracked by spyware programs.
Marketing and advertising companies are paying top dollars for information on browsing behavior. So, while spyware victims suffer from sluggish systems and annoying adverts, attackers are making loads of money tracking, monitoring and selling their private information.
Spyware Protection
Proactive real-time spyware protection as well as on demand spyware scanning utility is two of the most recommended comprehensive a spyware protection software should have. Proactive real-time spyware protection runs in the background continuously monitoring for spyware and other malicious programs. When spyware or any other type of malware tries to download itself, real-time protection will detect and block the malicious program from installing. On demand spyware scanning refers to the ability to run a full spyware scan, detecting any spyware on the system that could potentially compromise PC privacy or performance.
Top Anti-Spyware protection software such as
PC Tools’ Spyware Doctor contains both of these features: real-time protection and on demand scanning. Don’t settle for other software which isn’t having both features!
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