What does Spyware do to your PC?

Spyware is gradually becoming a more serious problem to computer users. While they don’t have the potential to cause as many physical system problems as viruses, people need to take them seriously. Unlike viruses, you cannot spread spyware to someone else’s computer through e-mails. Spyware can come in through software that is downloaded or through pop-up ads.

Basically, spyware is downloaded to computers without the operator’s knowledge and then causes system problems. It’s just like a parasite on a plant or animal, it cause the host creature to lose strength. On the computer, it causes it to run slower, which is only the start of the problems.

Adware (pop-ups) is one form of spyware. Pop-ups are generally just an annoyance, but not all adware is considered spyware. If the user knows the ads are going to be there, then it’s not spyware, no matter how annoying they are. The problem comes with the ones that “piggybacked” with other programs. They can allow pop-ups to occur at anytime, even when you aren’t accessing the host site. They have been known to even include offensive images. These pop-ups are placed on your computer, taking up memory space.

Another form of spyware is tracking programs. Tracking programs send information back to the source of the spyware. Cookies are used to help keep track of where the user has been on the various sites. While some cookies are useful, many can cause more trouble than they are worth.

The most dangerous spyware problem is identity theft. As the spyware becomes more sophisticated, they are able to access not only passwords, but can get credit card numbers and other financial information. It is crucial to protect your computer against these attacks.

Many of the spyware programs, like Bonzai Buddy, appear as harmless programs. They are often included with shareware software and they vendor may even mention that the program is there to help defray the cost of the desired program. It is best to always check into any “bonus” programs that come with software. Other spyware programs actually disguise themselves as anti-spyware programs, or other helpful software.

If you’re not sure you have spyware, but if you notice any of the following problems on your computer, you probably do:

Increasing system crashes Pop-ups, even when you aren’t connected to the internet Unwanted toolbars on your browser Homepage is changed on your browser The system runs slower File missing errors (typically DLL files) Here are three excellent web resources to learn more about spyware:

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx

http://www.spywareguide.com/

About the Author

John Layton is the author of What Do You Really Want and can provide additional tips and advise at his websites http://www.antispywarehawk.info and http://www.yourmousepad.info he also publishes a daily blog at http://www.internetsighting.info

Written by mellow on February 23rd, 2007 with no comments.
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Anti Spyware

Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept a computer?s operation without the user?s consent or knowledge.

Anti-spyware programs offer real time protection, and scanning and removal. Real time protection functions similar to real time anti-virus protection. That is, the program monitors all incoming data by scanning all the files that the user tries to download from the Internet, and blocks the activity of components that represent spyware. Real time protection also blocks any unauthorized attempts made to install startup programs or to change the browser settings. The scanning and removal features offered by most anti-spyware programs are simple. The program scans the contents of the operating system files, Windows registry, and installed programs and removes any entry or file which tallies with those in the already existing list of identified spyware components.

Anti-spyware programs also require a frequently updated database of latest spyware components. Whenever a new spyware is released, the anti-spyware developers discover and evaluate them, and create ?definitions? or ?signatures? which help the anti-spyware programs to identify and remove the spyware. Hence, it is highly recommended to update the anti-spyware program frequently to ensure protection.

Major anti-virus firms including McAfee, Symantec, and Sophos have added anti-spyware features to their existing anti-virus products.

Anti-spyware programs of recognized companies are usually not available for free use; occasionally the manufacturers allow a free trial, enabling only certain features. Very often they only provide free scanning; the actual removal of the spyware is possible only with a registered version of the product. Because fake anti-spyware programs that are actually spyware exist, one should not be put off by the price of legitimate software and the protection it offers.

Written by mellow on February 23rd, 2007 with no comments.
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