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I think almost all of us are aware of
the term Spyware and if you are a frequent internet user,
probability is quite high that you might have affected by it at least
once. How does this Spyware infect a computer actually and how to prevent them ?
Spyware
Spyware is a malware that infects a
computer stealthily and then keeps collecting information about user
behavior like internet surfing habits, user logins or even bank or
credit card account information. Sometimes, it collects information
on web browsing habits and serves pop up ads to the user. And
sometimes, it even asserts control over the computer without the
user's knowledge.
How does Spyware infect a computer
On visiting unsafe websites, spyware
can be downloaded from websites, email messages, instant messages,
and from direct file-sharing connections. Sometimes, even when the user
accepts End User License Agreement of an unsafe software and gets
infected by spyware unknowingly.
Sometimes Spyware infects a computer
through security holes in browser or other software. When the user
visits a website controlled by a spyware attacker, the spyware
attacks the browser taking advantage of its security holes and forces
its download without the user's knowledge.
One difference of Spyware with other
malware programs is, it does not self-replicate itself. So, it cannot
transmit to other computers like the way viruses or other malware programs do.
Threats of Spyware
Spyware, after infecting a computer,
can interfere with the user control over the computer. It may change
web browser settings, redirect websites, change search results or
settings of other software or the computer. Sometimes, it results in
slow computer, making it almost impossible for the user to use it.
A Spyware program is rarely alone in
infecting a computer. Sometimes, it disables firewalls or antivirus
software and security settings of web browser and makes the computer
vulnerable for other infections.
As it can change computer settings, it
may result in extremely poor performance in terms of CPU activity,
disk usage or network performance. Spyware which interferes with
networking software, may result in poor networking performance.
The worse thing is, sometimes a user
cannot even guess the proper reason of poor performance of his
computer. He sees slow performance, frequent crashes, stability
issues, application freezing, booting issues etc because of Spyware
and ends up discarding the computer.
And some Spyware programs include
keyloggers. It observes keystrokes pattern of user and can even
capture screen of user computer and send sensitive information to
outside entity.
Some Examples of Spyware
CoolWebSearch – It infects a
computer and then, displays pop-up ads, redirects search results and
directs DNS lookups to websites controlled by the attackers.
HuntBar – It adds toolbar to
web browser, tracks web browsing behavior, redirects affiliate
references and displays ads.
Internet Optimizer – It
redirects web browser error pages to advertising.
Look2Me – It can even start in
safe mode. It is actually a combination of rootkit and spyware. It is
harder to detect and difficult to remove.
Zlob Trojan – It collects
information about websites visited, search history or even keystrokes
and sends the information to attackers. It even hijacks routers set
to defaults.
Countermeasures of Spyware
There are couple of good anti-spyware
programs which help removing the spywares. These anti-spyware
programs scan network data and blocks known spyware threats.
Some anti-spyware programs can even do
regular scans on computer and remove Spywares if already installed.
Some organizations enable firewalls and
web proxies and block the websites which are known to install
spywares. This also helps at times.
Words of Caution
Some malicious Spyware attackers make
malicious anti-spyware programs and display ads of those through
website banners. Once installed, they help installing even more
Spywares instead of removing them. So, be very careful about using an
anti-spyware programs. Use an anti-spyware from a trusted source
only.
So, this was an article on Spywares to
increase awareness among us about Spywares. Be very careful about the
websites visited or installation of software. Do not click on
suspicious links or email attachments. Enable firewalls and keep your
system updated with a good security programs. And stay safe, stay
secured.
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