Spyware

Spyware is a fairly new development in the realm of internet security.   Currently it only affects Windows operating systems.   Spyware (also called adware or malware) is software deployed by companies or individuals meant to do a number of things.   Often, they:

• Monitor your web site visits, and keep statistics which they report to their owner.
• Generate pop up advertisement windows.
• Redirect browser searches and homepages to a site of the author's choosing.

While most groups that deploy spyware programs purport their purpose as harmless and anonymous (meaning your identity is never associated with the statistics reported), the fact remains that spyware infections can and will cripple the usability of a system, and often the software is written so poorly that it causes system instability and serious malfunctions just by being installed.   Spyware is often installed along with free software downloaded from the internet.   Applications for music trading, small games, etc can all contain additional installers that place spyware on your system.   Unfortunately, this is absolutely legal and legitimate, if unethical.   You can also get spyware by visiting certain webpages.  This sort of spyware is often installed by an ActiveX control, and many unsuspecting users will allow the install by failing to read browser warning messages that ask for permission to install software.

You can often identify a machine infected with spyware easily.   Standard symptoms include:

• Frequent and multiple pop-up advertisement windows.
• Inability to visit certain web sites or access pages requiring you to log in.
• Severe increase in start up time, often taking several minutes for Windows to be usable.
• General reduction of computer performance, often accompanied by additional fan noise on laptops and increased sluggishness in launching and working with software.

These symptoms do not always indicate spyware infestations, but are commonly seen in machines suffering infections.

To avoid many spyware infestations and remove the rest you should have and use a spyware removal tool.   OSCR recommends a combination of AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy.

Additionally, many security prevention organizations now recommend finding an alternative program to Internet Explorer.   Mozilla Firefox is available for free and is highly recommended.   If you use an alternative browser it is important to ensure it receives software patches on a regular basis.