Spyware is any program that secretly collects user information through the user’s Internet connection without the user’s knowledge. This program may be hidden as a component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. The spyware then transmits the information to another person. This information is used for many reasons. Some spyware is used strictly for the collection of marketing data, the collection and transmission of that information to another person. Spyware can be legitimately installed to monitor security or the workplace, and it can be installed to maliciously breach the integrity of your computer.
Personal information is secretly recorded through many techniques, including logging keystrokes, recording Internet web browsing activity, and scanning documents on a computer’s hard drive. The purposes range from criminal (theft of passwords and financial information) to the collection of market research for targeted advertising.
The spread of spyware has led to the development of anti-spyware programs. Its products remove or disable existing spyware on the computer and prevent the installation of any new programs. However, several companies have added a form of spyware to their products. These are not considered malware (or malicious software), but are still monitored for advertising purposes. They are still spyware and it is debatable whether this is a legitimate use of adware/spyware and malware, as the user is often unaware that these programs have been installed. The user is then not aware of the violation of his privacy. These programs still use your computer’s resources without your permission.
The first recorded use of spyware was on October 16, 1995 in a Usenet post that mocked Microsoft’s business model. Hardware for theft purposes was first considered. In 2000, it was the term used in a press release for a personal firewall. Since then, spyware has acquired its current definition. In 2001, Steve Gibson of Gibson Research realized that adware had been installed on his system that was stealing personal information. He determined that the source was adware and developed the first anti-spyware program, OptOut.
Many anti-spyware programs have been written since then. According to a 2005 study by AOL and others, 61% of the computers of surveyed users had some form of spyware. 92% of users surveyed with spyware reported that they were unaware of its presence and 91% reported that they had not given permission for the program to be installed. In 2006 it was discovered that spyware had become one of the worst security threats to computer systems running Microsoft Windows operating systems. In an estimate based on customer information, 9 out of 10 computers connected to the Internet are infected. Windows Internet Explorer is the main browser attacked because it is the most used program and allows spyware access to important parts of the operating system.
In a few cases, a worm or virus will deliver spyware. Some attackers used the Spybot worm to install spyware that put pornographic pop-up windows on the infected system’s screen. The program may also come bundled with shareware or other downloadable programs, as well as music CDs. Initially installed software may not cause harm, but spyware does. In some cases, spyware authors have paid shareware developers to include them with their software. In other cases, developers have repackaged freeware with installers to add spyware.
Another way to distribute spyware is to trick the user by modifying security features designed to prevent unwanted downloads. Internet Explorer has a user section where you must click a link to download to prevent websites from initiating an unauthorized download. Then a popup window may appear like a standard Windows dialog box. The box asks “Would you like to optimize your Internet access?” This box contains buttons that ask yes or no. Whichever you choose, the download will begin placing spyware on your computer.
Some spyware writers infect a system through security holes in the web browser or other software. When you browse a web page controlled by the spyware author, the page may contain code that attacks the browser, forcing the download and installation of the software. The creator of the spyware knows the security systems, spyware blockers, and firewall programs available to us. They continually search for new methods to attack your computer. Software programs are written as a means of income for the author.
Continually check your computer for spyware and adware. A spyware-free computer runs faster and connects you to the Internet faster than an infected computer. Some computers can become so invaded by these software programs that they malfunction and people resort to bringing their computer in for repair. Sometimes the computer looks like it has a virus, when in fact it is clogged with spyware. The worst case scenario is having your system fully restored to reverse the problem. The best way to stay spyware free is to stay up to date on your virus, spyware, adware and malware definitions, have an antivirus, anti-spyware. firewall program on your computer. Run security programs daily and stay alert for symptoms. The Internet is meant to be used and enjoyed despite potential problems.
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