The best way to protect your computer
from a virus is by installing virus
protection (anti virus) software. This
software scans your machine (usually
when you start it up), locates and
removes any viruses that are found.
It is important to upgrade your virus
protection software regularly as new
viruses appear every day.
How does spyware get into my PC?
Spyware
is usually downloaded with free
software (shareware). If you have ever
downloaded free programs, or music
from the internet, no matter how
innocent they seemed, there is a good
chance they contained other programs
that you didn't expect to install.
The user
license for shareware may tell you
that other programs will be installed,
but these companies rely on the fact
that not many people read the legal
jumble in the user license.
There
are other ways that your privacy can
be violated via the internet, such as
just visiting certain websites, the
use of certain browser toolbars, and
from infected email you may have
opened.
What different types of spyware are out there?
There are many groups of programs under the broad term of spyware, lets break down the most popular, and take a look...
Adware: Mainly low risk. These are programs that are quite often embedded in freeware, and mainly display advertising messages to you, in the hope that you will click on them with the possibility that you will buy products or services from their principle sites.
Spyware: Medium to high risk. Similar to adware, but spyware also transmits data to the relevant companies about your surfing habits, in order to bombard you with more targeted advertising messages. Spyware can also be more sinister than this, as far as recording personal details such as credit card details, social security numbers, and bank details etc. It can also open the gateway for other malicious program downloads such as trojans and malware, and is notoriously difficult to manually remove.
Trojans: High risk. Disguised as something they are not, or hidden in seemingly innocent programs or files as attachments. Trojan Horses can modify system settings, and perform undesirable functions within your PC. Many trojans will allow hackers to bypass your existing virus, and firewall protection, and can be extremely difficult to locate or remove manually.
Diallers: high risk. These programs 'hijack' your dial-up modem, and force your internet connection via premium rate numbers. Be wary at certain adult content sites, as this is where these programs are used most aggressively, but not exclusively. Many times they are downloaded with other spyware and adware to try and influence you back to the site, via constant pop-up advertising.
Browser Hijackers: Medium to high risk. Will change your home page settings, install unwanted toolbars, place shortcuts on your desktop, add to your favorites, redirect your browser to un-requested web sites, and report your surfing habits back to the parent company.
Malware: High risk. Short for malicious software, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt your system, such as a virus or trojan horse. Malware programs are specifically written to inflict maximum damage, and potential loss of data from your PC.
Worms: High risk. These are similar to viruses, yet are completely self-replicating. This means that, unlike viruses which need to attach themselves to other programs, worms spread on their own, and are able to exploit the backdoor openings that certain spyware attributes can create. Can be very damaging to your system.
Key-loggers:
High risk. These programs record your every keystroke, including passwords, bank details, social security numbers etc. The perpetrators of these programs are out to defraud you in a big way.Surely my virus protection would protect me from spyware?
Spyware, and viruses are closely related in as far as they can both cause damage to your PC, and also can allow access to your personal details, via hackers etc. However spyware tends to install in a totally different way than viruses, and therefore bypasses your conventional virus protection and firewall.
Because spyware and viruses are closely related, they overlap to a degree, so you will find that virus software will 'catch' some spyware type infections, and vica-verca.
In a nutshell, the only way you can be completely protected is by using a good quality virus protection, firewall, and anti-
spyware program.What can spyware do if my PC is infected?
At best, details of your internet browsing habits will be broadcast back to the owners of the spyware that has been installed on your system.
The purpose of this data gathering is to bombard you with advertising which closely relates to your interests, in order to have a better chance of selling you something.
Certain spyware attributes are malicious, and can cause system crashes, loss of data, or at least a very slow operating system.
At worst your personal details can be stolen and used against you in a variety of ways, such as credit card fraud, personal identity theft for obtaining credit, passports, insurance fraud and the like.
Isn't it illegal for companies to distribute this kind of program?
Currently there is virtually no legislation regarding the use and distribution of spyware programs. However government officials in various countries are looking into this, and laws could be passed in the future controlling the use of such programs.
However this could take years, and legislation would not stop the devious software producers, and hackers continuing with illegal activity, so the problem will quite probably get worse, not better.
What advice can you give to help stop spyware?
We would recommend prevention rather than cure. Stay away from dubious looking websites, always read the small print in the user license agreements especially with shareware downloads, and install and run a good quality anti-spyware program alongside your regular virus software and firewall.
Also, do not open email and/or attachments to email if you are not completely satisfied with their origin.