Archive for the ‘spyware’ Category

Spyware is a type of malware (software) that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user’s personal computer. Sometimes, however, spyware such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users.

Keyloggers are software programs that covertly record and monitor keystrokes (like your passwords) made on a remote computer, typically using a dedicated software application or piece of implanted hardware. Companies may do this to monitor their employees’ use of their computers like going to game sites or other non-work related sites while on the job.  When done covertly on your personal computer, it’s definitely not intended for your good. It’s an automated software program, and not some individual watching your computer activity.

Risks:

• Identity Theft- stealing passwords, account information, even credit card numbers
  
• Shutting down your computer or permantly erasing files
  
• Using your computer as a server. Spyware can and will embed itself in your computer and then act as a remote server (pass through computer) to distribute other harmful programs or images, delivering malicious programs to others. This means the spyware program is using your computer to send these things out.  Each computer has an identity number so doing this masks their identity and points to you as the one sending the harmful programs or images. Porn suppliers randomly seek computers they can hack for this purpose.
  
• Redirecting your URL’s. Your website content will disappear and the hacker’s content will appear.
  

Malware, spyware, and other junk software typically makes it onto a computer for a number of reasons:

• You down load something you really shouldn’t have, from an untrustworthy source. For example, you get an email from an unknown person promising something you might be interested in, or some official looking email saying they need to verify your information, and they give you a link to click on – don’t!  This might be a virus, or spyware or a keylogger program that will compromise your computer and your identity.
• You thought you were installing a “reputable” application, but it actually bundles “optional” features that are actually malware. Malware is often lurking behind a “reputable” source but disguised as something innocuous or desirable. This technique is known as the Trojan Horse. Be very careful of what you are installing and its source.
• You’ve already managed to get yourself infected, and the malware installs even more malware. Once a system has been compromised most malware software will install a backdoor. This allows for other malware or harmful things to be easily installed in the future. This method is typically used by a malicious individual to gain secure remote access to a computer, while attempting to remain hidden from view. 

Prevention:

A good Anti-virus program is a must. There are free ones like AVG or you can purchase the well known Norton’s or McAfee, as well as others. You can set them up to run automatically at night (if you leave your computer on) or sometime during the day when you do have your computer on.  You’ll want to select a time when running the program doesn’t slow down your computer while you are using it.

Regularly back up your computer.  This way if something does infect your computer you will be able to recover programs and data.  The same thing applies here – you can set up an automatic backup at a time when you know your computer will on. Pick a time when you aren’t actively using your computer.

If you get an email asking to verify information and it’s to an account that you do have, such as PayPal, do not use the link in the email to go to the website.  Open your browser and fill in the domain name yourself.  If it’s a legitimate request you’ll be able to get the information there, and if not, you have potentially saved yourself a lot of grief.

If you do get a virus or other unwanted programs on your computer, contact someone who really knows how to remove them.  A trained person can save you time, frustration and lost data.