What is Spyware?
Spyware is a type of malicious software that is
installed on your
computer without your consent. It is usually a very small piece of
software that installs so quickly you don't even know it. Once
installed, it runs in the background undetected. The purpose of spyware
is to take partial control of your computer or to intercept data from
your computer. Spyware is created by unscrupulous developers who wish
to take something from you for their own purposes. What is taken
depends on the purpose of the spyware, and could be anything from
bandwidth to highly confidential personal information.
Some Examples of what Spyware Does
Some spyware takes control of your computer and
can turn it into a
"zombie" that is under the control of the programmer. Hijacked
computers are often placed into "zombie farms" that include hundreds
(or thousands) of other computers that are also under control of the
spyware owner. These zombies are often rented to spammers or hackers
who use these computers as mail relay agents or in targeted attacks
against other websites. Depending on the creator's intent, some spyware
is designed to capture and transmit personal information about you. As
you enter information into websites for example, an infected computer
might capture your keystrokes and transmit your social security number,
bank account numbers, pins, passwords, drivers license number, etc...
to an internet thief living across the world. He/she in turn may use
this information to steal money or your identity, or might sell the
information to other unscrupulous individuals who want it.
As you see, spyware can be very dangerous and it
is becoming as
prevalent as computer viruses. It is now a recommended computer
security practice to use anti-spyware software in conjunction with
anti-virus software on every computer that is connected to the internet.
Isn't Spyware a form of Computer Virus?
Not exactly. Spyware is similar to a computer
virus in that it exploits
computers for personal gain. It differs from a virus though, because it
does not replicate to other computers and usually is not designed to
destroy data. Anti virus software usually does not detect spyware
because it does not contain the characteristics of a virus.
Preventing and Removing Spyware
If not using anti spyware software, everyone who
uses the internet
should periodically run a spyware detector to make sure his/her
computer is clean. Most legitimate spyware remover software companies
offer a free trial version that will allow you to perform a spyware
scan. Companies such as spybot, webroot spy sweeper, spyware doctor,
spyware eliminator, pestpatrol and spyware assassin all provide a great
tool for detection and removal of spyware.
As with antivirus software, when you purchase
anti-spyware software you
are entitled to frequent spyware database updates. Regularly checking
for and installing these updates is critical to keeping spyware off
your computer. New spyware is introduced into the internet on a daily
basis and it is important to update your spyware detection software
with the latest spyware data definition files. Most good anti-spyware
software includes an auto update feature that makes downloading and
installing updates very easy.
About the Author
Debbie is an information technology professional and author of
Antivirus,
Firewall and Spyware Resources - an informative
website about computer security.
|
