Is somebody watching me?
Probably! Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats, infecting more than 90% of computers These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the user’s knowledge. Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the system’s performance while gathering your personal information. Unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.
The first and most common way for spyware to infiltrate a system is when the user inadvertently installs it. Spyware is often embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program and is unknowingly installed by the user himself. The user downloads a program to their computer, and once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author’s personal use or to sell to a third-party.
The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print. Some agreements may provide special “opt-out” boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.
Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations. The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove deceptive. For example, a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult.
Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the Web browser or other software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system, and probably the first thing you might want to do is to invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. Sometimes, it may be necessary to back up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of the operating system, in order to remove the spyware program. It might even be helpful to take a look at A+ training programs, which are available online or on cds, to become more familiar with the removal of spyware.
