Spyware

 Spyware - FAQ at Datorsam.com
 


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Here's everything you need to know about Spyware !

What is Spyware?

Adware

Spyware are software programs that are made with the Intention of allowing individuals and companies to spy on your web browsing activities. These programs literally invade your privacy, slow down your system and annoy you with constant popups.

Is your PC infected with Spyware? Have you downloaded music online? Does your PC run slower than it should? Do you get bombarded with annoying pop-up ads?

If you’re wondering whether or not someone is invading your privacy and dragging your computer down, scan your system for Spyware to find out!

If you use the Internet, there is over 90% chance your computer is infected with spyware - (Source CNN)





Do these Spyware programs affect everyone or just some users?

  • Spyware and Adware programs affect everyone.
  • Every single piece of information that you enter on the web can be intercepted by an unauthorized person or entity.
  • Unauthorized websites can wind up on your desktop and in your Internet favorites.
  • Every step you make on the Internet can be tracked and watched.
  • The information obtained about you can be sold without your consent or your knowledge.
  • Unwanted toolbars and searchbars can attach themselves to your browser without your knowledge or approval.
  • Your default homepage and settings can be hijacked so you can't change them.
  • These programs install themselves and slow down your PC by taking up vast amounts of hard drive space, and worse yet, you can’t remove them without help.
  • That’s where Spyware removal tools come in.


Other Questions about Spyware

How does a computer become infected with Spyware?

Whenever you download a program or a file or click on a pop-up ad, you’re putting yourself at great risk of downloading a parasite program.

How big of a problem is Spyware infection?

It’s huge. There are currently around 80,000 Spyware programs on the web, and all of them can be detrimental to your computer. Each and every day, hundreds of thousands of Internet users are infected with a Spyware program.

What exactly can Spyware hackers do to my system?

You don’t want to find out. Really, it’s better to just protect yourself than worry about what hackers can do, because if you find out, it’s too late. Most cases of identity theft and stolen credit cards are thanks to the efforts of unscrupulous hackers.

Is Spyware Removal Tools easy to use?

Yes, they are extremely easy to use. If you can use a computer, you can use Spyware Removal Tools.

What exactly does Spyware Removal Tools do?

They are really a number of packages and exactly what each specific program does for you will depend on which package you choose. From speeding up your system to protect your identity and your family, these programs are made to make your system safer and more secure.

How effective are these Spyware Removal Tools?

There are numerous experts working around the clock to make sure their customers are protected and secure. If you’re looking for the most effective program, I can recommend this Spyware Removal Tool

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So - Why Do I Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me?

Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. 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. Fortunately, unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.

Where does it come from?

Typically, spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user's knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer. Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author's personal use or to sell to a third-party. Beware of many P2P file-sharing programs. They are notorious for downloads that posses spyware programs.

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.

What can spyware programs do?

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:
1. Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
2. Scan files located on your hard drive.
3. Snoop through applications on our desktop.
4. Install other spyware programs into your computer.
5. Read your cookies.
6. Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
7. Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
8. Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
9. Cause your computer to run slower.
10. Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
11. Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate's settings.
12. Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.

Spyware Examples
Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use.

CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through "holes" found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they've altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. It's a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware. These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing behavior, and display advertisements.

How can I prevent spyware?
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasoft's Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software. As with most programs, update your anti virus software frequently.

As discussed, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality. Spyware enjoys penetrating the IE's weaknesses. Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers. However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration.

And, when all else fails?
Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of the operating system.









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