Spy Ware: One of the Fastest Growing Internet Threats

Spy ware is one of the fastest growing Internet threats. The National Cyber Security Alliance says that spy ware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are programmed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the user's knowledge. Once installed on a computer, it can cause massive problems on the system's performance while gathering your personal information. The only good thing is that spy ware programs usually do not replicate like viruses.

Where do we get Spy ware?

Spy ware mostly comes three different ways. First and most commonly is when the user installs it. Spy ware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user knowing about it. Once the user downloads the program to their computer, the spy ware program starts collecting data for the spyware author's personal use or to sell to a third-party. Be careful of many P2P file-sharing programs. They are well known for downloads that posses spyware programs.

Users of downloadable programs should pay special attention to the accompanying licensing agreement. Many times the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Sadly, 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 carefully read the document before signing off on the download.

Another way that spyware can access your computer is by deceiving you into changing 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 deceive a user. 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, whichever button you push, a download containing the spyware program will occur. 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, forcing the installation of the spyware program.

What can spy ware programs do?

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

Spy ware 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.

Spy ware Examples

Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while researchers often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spy ware writer's 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 pops 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 some things you can do to prevent spy ware from infecting your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti spy ware 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. Companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee offer this type of option. 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. Sometimes reformatting and then reinstalling the Operating system is the only way of ensuring the user is completely rid of spy ware.