Spyware

This is software that is placed secretly on a computer in order to track a user’s behaviour with the intention of reporting back to a central source. This is done without the knowledge of the owner of the computer system.

How aware are you about Spyware?

According to 2005 Pew Internet Life Project Report on the subject, it was reported that "68% of home internet users, or about 93 million American adults, have experienced at least one computer problem or the other in the past year. And 60% of internet users who report computer problems do not know the source, but those who do know cite viruses, spyware, adware, operating system flaws, and hardware glitches"

what does it do?

i) It monitors your computer use i.e. website you visit, shopping habit e.t.c.

ii) It controls your computer use by redirecting you to a particular web site against your wish

iii) It sends to you unsolicited advertisement i.e. pops up ads.

How does it get into the computer?

It has been established that people who visit any of the following sites or that claim to offer any of the following services are more likely to have their computer infected with any of these unwanted guest:

a) Playing online games

b) Sharing of files

c) Visiting of adult sites

d) Downloading of music

e) Downloading computer games

f) Downloading video files

How does it defer from adware?

Generally, people do not differentiate between the two. The major difference is how they find their way into your computer.

Adware is quite different due to the way it enters into the computer systems, network or website. Adware is software that comes bundled as a package with programs that the you download. In most cases, they are downloaded along with free software. The major difference between the two is that the spyware is placed on the affected computer without the involvement and knowledge of the owner while in the case of adware; the owner actually took steps to download a free program which has adware attached to. In most cases, it is claimed that this is indicated in the “End User License Agreement”, while others claimed that it is taken care of in is the “Disclaimer clause”.

How to prevent it

1) Behavioural/Attitudinal change

i) Download free software only from trusted sites.

ii) Don’t install any software without knowing what it does and the vendor of the software.

iii) Don’t click any links within pop up windows.

iv) Avoid links on spam that may claim to offer free anti-spyware.

2) If you have to download a free software, familiarize yourself with the entity’s “User Agreement” to know the rights you are offering the site owner for the use of your computer and by extension, your personal information.

How to control it

1) Install a personal firewall to stop any unauthorized users from accessing your computer.

2) Install a good anti-spyware software that can block and remove any unauthorized software, if there is any, on your computer. But before you buy or download any free anti-spyware program, I will advise you to check Warrior's Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products and Websites This will guide you on products that are either substandard or are not good at all.

After narrowing down your selection to some products that scale the first hurdle, the product that would finally be selected should also meet some other conditions (Note, this is a minimum condition) as outlined in selecting anti-spyware products