Go To Index of Hoaxes

SPYWARE/ADWARE/MALWARE/HIJACKS

WHAT IS SPYWARE AND WHY IS IT SO DANGEROUS?

In 2004 and 2005, I have spent hours at different homes cleaning out the users computer, not from viruses, but from spyware.  The user contacted me because their computers and internet connections became slow and sometimes unusable.  All three had types of spyware that were not easy to detect and very difficult to get rid of. 

When you decide to go on the internet, you known that danger lurks from viruses, so you purchase anti-virus software.  There are a couple of free programs out there, but I've seen viruses get past them.  You also know that in order to keep safe, the anti-virus program needs to be updated at least on a weekly basis since new viruses come out daily. 

Spyware is now in that same category.  There are excellent free programs, but they only help AFTER the program is downloaded and possibly already causing problems.  It is highly suggested that everyone begin to consider purchasing anti-spyware programs that can monitor against downloaded these dangerous programs in the first place.  Further, they need to be kept current every week, just like anti-virus software. 

So, what is spyware in the first place? The following information is from Spyware Info:  Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without the user's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by whomever controls the spyware. 

Spyware has become a generic term that also encompasses adware, malware and many trojans.  Actual spyware is generally a program that looks to see what you are doing (like your web surfing habits), then "phones home."  You might think that isn't a problem until it's almost impossible for you to use your internet browser anymore because the program is taking up your resources in constantly sending information back to the source. It's also using up resources on your computer - CPU and RAM. In some cases, the spyware is looking for your email address, passwords, any personal information stored in the computer and information about the computer itself.  Not only is your bandwidth being used, you could lose important information that could be used in identity theft.  This is not just an annoyance, it's serious.  Further, it is possible for a hacker or spammer to simply use your computer through downloaded spyware to do hacking or to send massive amounts of spam. 

Adware is a program that creates pop-up ads on your computer or supports banner ads on websites.  These are quite often pornographic.  Adware is often bundled with popular downloads or is the main reason for some popular software like Gator.  Bonzai Buddy is loaded with many themes and wallpapers. Comet Cursor contains spyware that tracks web browsing. Some browser "helpers" are actually spyware. Some adware is very aggressive and actually adds a string to your browser to constantly send information back to the source.  Some of it adds software to your start up, slowing down your computer considerably. Some of it can hijack your browser.  This happened to a Truth Miners member as a result of downloading and using Kazaa (known spyware/malware music sharing program).

Malware:  This is defined as "malicious software, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse."  It can also drop program into your computer called backdoors.  These Trojans and backdoors can be used to hijack your computer, even to hijacking your mouse and keyboard.  Your computer can be used to hack other computers.  Viruses can be executed in your computer.  Worst of all, these things bury their activation process into different sections of the registry, making them very difficult to remove, even by many anti-spyware programs.  This makes it all the better that the program should never be downloaded in the first place. As stated above, you could end up with a trojan that allows someone else to use your computer to do nasty things.

Browser Hijacks: Your browser home page can be hijacked by a "malicious" website.  The home page would then only open to a porn page or page of ads.  Another type of hijacking concerns your modem.  A porn dialer can be installed on your computer without your knowledge.  It may come bundled in some kind of fun software, theme or screen saver.  If you are online when the dialer actually installs, it will cut your current modem connection and dial into a porn site in another country.  The billing will appear on your next phone bill and could be substantial.  This is less of a problem than it used to be since more and more people are converting to a form of broadband. 

How do computers end up with this spyware? 

(1) it is installed with free downloaded software.  The more fun the free program, the more likely it is that it is infected with some form of spyware.  In most cleaning cases I have encountered, people have allowed their grandchildren unfettered online access and the children have either viewed porn sites (more on that in a moment) or downloaded fun free grames.  In another case, someone I know loves cute screensavers and wallpapers and the spyware is contained in these free downloads.  The person refuses to stop and is constantly battling infection that causes other computing problems, including porn pop ups.

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

In one word - PROTECTION.  We already get software to protect against viruses.  That is not an option any longer.  Many are beginning to see that they need protection against spam.  Protection against spyware is really already as much of a must as an anti-virus program.  NOTE!!!! Don't buy or download just ANY anti-spyware program.  Some of them are spyware themselves and of no help.

(1) You can purchase anti-spyware programs that will protect you in real-time.  If you absolutely cannot purchase a program at this time and suspect that you may already have an infection, at least download a couple of the free programs.  Please be careful with purchasing programs.  Many are forms of spyware themselves.  They trick you into free downloads, then produce false results as an enticement to purchase.  Some will install spyware on your computer.  I suggest only the following programs.

Counter Spy: I have used this in tests and have been keeping up with its progress.  Very good.  This and Spy Sweeper are the best, but do require an annual fee.  If you can afford it, get it.  If not, the following programs are helpful, but only in cleaning up spyware that is already installed.

Ad-Aware:  Ad-Aware is one of the original anti-spyware programs.  The free version can only scan for problems after they've been installed,  but the paid version has a real-time scanner. 

Spybot Search and Destroy:  This program is free, but they do ask for a donation if you use it.  It has an "immunization" process, but this won't protect against all spyware. Still, it is a good product. 

Spyware Blaster  is a free program (again, they ask for a donation) that is supposed to "immunize" against the downloading of some spyware.  It didn't catch the one piece I got in a program (my firewall caught it though).  It includes immunization for users of Mozilla as well as Internet Explorer.

(2) Turn off Windows Messenger unless you are on a network.  This is not MSN Instant Messenger.  This program can be hijacked and you will start to get all sorts of pop-ups while using an instant messenger program.  Instructions for turning it off can be found at: http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/

(3)  Make sure that you have all security patches for Windows products.  If you are using Windows, go to Windows Update.  Be careful though of downloading WinXP SP2.  Make sure you have read all the documentation BEFORE doing this and you might need to turn off the XP firewall after downloading it (if you are running your own firewall). 

(54 Check your start-up for unnecessary components that run when the computer is started.  If your computer is running slow, this may be one of the culprits.  You can find a thorough list of each component and it's description at Pacman's Portal.  About halfway down the page you can download a full list of programs that may be in your start up. If you are a Windows user, you can then run msconfig (see their instructions) and eliminate unnecessary start ups. 

(5) Run a firewall.  Firewalls are set up to let you know when something on your computer is trying to connect to the outside or when someone from the outside is trying to connect to your computer.  Kerio,  Zone Alarm and Sygate are highly rated firewalls and both have free versions.  Both also have paid versions that can do more.  I have been reading some good things about the newest version of Norton's firewall as well.  If you are running Win XP, you can use the firewall that came with it.  It comes disabled by default, so you will have to manually enable it.  Instructions for this can be found in the Windows Help & Support section.

(6) Subscribe to Spyware Weekly newsletter to keep abreast of spyware issues and new software. 

If you are suspicious that a website or download may contain spyware, you can check on it at Spychecker.