The Home Computer User's Guide to Spyware

By: Richard Rogers

As with the computer virus, spyware can be broken down into a
number of different categories. Most users are familiar with the
term "adware" which refers to software which serves annoying
ads. There are however a number of other spyware variants you
should be aware of.

To begin with it is important to have a clear definition of
spyware. This will also help us understand why the term is
commonly used to encompass a number of different variants.
Spyware is a program, usually installed without your knowledge,
which records what you do on your computer and then shares it
with its creator.

The information which the spyware program collects can vary from
the websites you visit to log-in and passwords for your online
banking site. The sharing of your personal information with a
third party is why spyware in its purest form is labelled as a
malicious threat and clearly is a major privacy issue.

Adware is the second mostly commonly used term. Adware is
designed to display adverts relevant you, commonly based on your
surfing habits, to generate Pay-Per-Click advertising revenue or
sales through affiliate links. Adware is commonly bundled with
free software by developers instead of charging a price.

The malicious nature of adware can vary enormously. At one of
the scale, adverts are displayed in a non-intrusive manner in a
window within the free program you have downloaded. When the
program is not running, ads are not displayed. At the other end
of the scale, a user could find their desktop overwhelmed as the
adware program spews out multiple pop up ads in a very
aggressive manner. Whilst it may be possible to believe the
former is not transmitting personal data to a third party, it is
difficult to expect the later not to.

The adware issue is further complicated by marketing companies
who do not like their software being labelled "spyware." These
marketing companies generate millions of dollars of income often
via recognised brand name clients. So to avoid legal issue
security companies refer to this software as PUPs (potentially
unwanted programs).

Browser hijackers are another aggressive form of spyware. They
attack important browser settings like your default homepage
which your browser loads when you start the program. Hackers
direct you to sites which generate revenue for them like the
Russian website "Cool Web Search". Browser hijackers can also
insert sites into your bookmarks. They also can cause your
browser to crash and stop working completely and are typically
difficult to remove.

Key Loggers capture all your key strokes into a DLL file which
the creator retrieves. Software key loggers are often bundled
with a Trojan Virus which gives the creator access to your
computer.

Here are some tips and strategies to fight the different types
of spyware.

- Keep Windows XP and ALL your web browsers (including Internet
Explorer and FireFox) up to date with the latest patches.

- Install a reputable anti-spyware program like Webroot Spy
Sweeper or PC Tools Spyware Doctor. Run frequent scans and keep
the definitions up to date.

- Install a reputable anti-virus program like Norton Anti-Virus
or McAfee VirusScan. Run frequent scans and keep the definitions
up to date.

- Install a firewall which manages both inbound and outbound
connections. Top personal firewall software picks include Zone
Labs's Zone Alarm and Norton Personal Firewall. Alternatively
purchase a router with a hardware firewall.

- Avoid downloading free software programs including
screensavers and weather toolbars.

- Avoid know high spyware risk area on the internet including
illegal music sharing sites, Peer-to-Peer programs, free game
download sites and adult sites.

About the author:
Richard Rogers runs a number of computer-related sites offering
Spyware Remover and Anti Virus Software help.