I Hate Spyware

My semi-knowledge of computers makes me the de facto expert for friends and family. Whether it's setting up a wireless network or figuring out why a machine is crashing, I get a call, stop by, and take a look at the computer. To their credit, most of my friends are smart enough to have a decent anti-virus application installed, so viruses are less prevalent than in the past. Instead, various forms of spyware (or malware) have become the most common plague.

In fact, in an October 2004 study by the National Cyber-Security Alliance, spyware affected 80% of users surveyed. As of 2004, spyware causes more visits to computer repair shops than any other single cause. In over half of the cases, the user is not aware of the spyware infection and assumes that the system problems are from hardware, Windows installation problems, or viruses.

What Is Spyware?

Spyware is computer software that "spies" on you. It collects and reports information about you and how you use your computer without your knowledge. The term "spyware" often refers to "malware", software programs that re-direct Web searches, display popup ads, collect personal information, and do other evil things to your computer.

Symptoms of spyware include:

• Pop-up or pop-under advertisements - especially if these occur on sites you know do not have pop-ups, or if they occur when you are not on the Web.

• Changes to your browser that you didn't make or approve. These changes can be a new home page, a new search page, or additional toolbars (especially toolbars that are difficult to remove).

• Slower display of Web pages.

• A sudden rise in crashes on your computer.

• Increased time to complete certain tasks on your computer.

• If you run a firewall, frequent notification you that an unfamiliar program is trying to access the Internet.

How Does Spyware Affect Your Computer?

Most Spyware does not try to damage your computer. It just hangs around gathering your information, serving pop up ads, etc. The problems caused by Spyware are often unintended consequences - slower computer and Internet performance, and system crashes. The fact that these consequences are unintended makes them no less annoying.

Spyware resembles computer viruses, but there are significant differences. Most viruses seek to damage or control a system. They may send spam, or take control of a computer for denial-of-service attacks. In contrast, Spyware has a different purpose - quite often the goal is to make money by hijacking your browser or personal information. Some spyware (key loggers) will try and steal user names and passwords. This information is passed on and can be used to access your on-line accounts (which can be quite serious if you're doing on-line banking). Fortunately, I've not yet encountered any spyware like this.

How To Protect Yourself From Spyware

Now for the only important part of this article: how can you protect yourself from spyware?  The short answer: be careful which applications you install on your computer, and install an anti-spyware application (I like CounterSpy by Sunbelt software - but there are others).

1. Surf and download more safely.

Watch the applications that you install on your computer. Many spyware applications come bundled with useful software programs (like Kazaa). The publishers of such packages usually make them available free of charge to encourage wide uptake of the spyware component.

The best defense against spyware  not to download it in the first place.

Only download programs from Web sites you trust. Sites like Download.com and Tucows review software and will indicate if the applications contain spyware components. If you're not sure whether to trust a program, use the Internet to search for the program and see what other people are saying.

Pay attention to security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.

When installing software, make sure you clearly understand all components being installed.

Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window. Some spyware applications install by displaying small pop up windows and running when you click on the "Close" button in that window.

2. Make sure your operating system is up-to-date.  

It's always best to have the newest updates and patches installed for your operating system. If you run Windows XP, make sure you have Automatic Updates turned on and that you've downloaded all the latest critical and security updates.

3. Use a firewall.

Not only does a firewall prevent hackers from remotely placing spyware (or viruses) on your computer, but good firewall applications also tell you when new applications or updated applications try and access the Internet.  This notification from your firewall can serve as a warning that your system may be infected. Windows XP now includes a firewall, but there are many third-party applications as well. I use (and recommend) Zonealarm.

4. Use anti-spyware protection.

It's worth getting a good anti-spyware application.  I use Counterspy by Sunbelt Software - it's been winning quite a few awards, but Microsoft anti-spyware (beta) is not bad - and it's free.

Note: We signed up for Sunbelt's Affiliate program - so if you want to buy CounterSpy, please use this link, and we get a cut.

Like the early days of viruses, spyware is running rampant. The problem is somewhat more complex than with computer viruses - because in many cases, spyware is programmed by businesses with legal departments. The spyware companies  are fighting to keep anti-spyware vendors from removing their applications. Many of the spyware vendors claim that their license agreements (who reads license agreements?) allow them to install the software they do... and to monitor users' machines.

It will take some time and education to get things sorted out... but things will get better. Anti-spyware vendors are providing some excellent tools. Download sites are beginning to certify products as "spyware free". And most importantly, people are become more informed and savvy about the threat.

Related Links:

Spyware Definition in Wikipedia, the free on-line encyclopedia.

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

CounterSpy Anti-Spyware Application by Sunbelt Software

   http://www.asksam.com/four/surf52/counterspy.asp    

Microsoft Anti-Spyware (Beta)

    http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx