Who's Got Their Eye On You?

While computer virus threats have predominantly grabbed the headlines in recent years, a silent new problem called “spyware” has taken hold of users’ computers. What is spyware you ask? Spyware is a program that scans your computer activity and relays the information collected to other computers or systems on the Internet. As its name implies, spyware often attempts to remain unnoticed. Adware, while similar to spyware, gathers and uses information for the purposes of delivering advertisements to the computer user.

Common symptoms of both include pop-up ads, suddenly sluggish Internet connections, and strange icons that mysteriously appear on your desktop and refuse to be removed. There is a great deal of confusion regarding spyware and adware programs, and the security risk they pose. These simple annoyances can cross the line into clearly malicious behavior – for example, looking for and stealing confidential information such as user-ids and passwords.

Spyware and adware can be unintentionally downloaded from the Internet, often as part of freeware or shareware that appeals to users. Spyware and adware can also be included in email messages and instant messages.

When identifying spyware and adware, the following aspects are taken into consideration when evaluating the risk of a particular program.

Performance impact – A particularly troublesome aspect of spyware or adware is the impact on computer and network performance. These programs cause increased system crashes, sluggish Internet connections, and unusual Web browsing behavior. In some cases, the computer can be rendered unusable, even though technically it is still functioning properly.

Privacy impact – With today’s heightened awareness of identity-theft and security, any program that collects information on user Web usage, user-ids, and passwords without the user’s knowledge is clearly of significant concern.

Ease of removal – Quite often, spyware and adware programs resist attempts at removal. In some cases, the only method of removal is rebuilding the computer and its software from scratch.

Stealth – A common characteristic of spyware and adware is that they attempt to install themselves without the user noticing, and then remain hidden in order to prevent detection and removal.

What can you do?
Be vigilant in your Internet browsing. If a pop-up window that you didn’t request is displayed, attempt to close the window without responding to its prompts. For example, if possible, close the window using the “X” in the upper right corner. Alternatively, open the Task Manager and select the item and choose, “End Task.”

Keep a current backup of your data and programs in the event your computer gets infected.

Use a program that scans for the installation of such programs and attempt removal. Microsoft, Symantec, WebRoot, and many others offer programs to identify the presence of spyware or adware on your computer. Most will also attempt to remove the program for you. Be sure to backup your system prior to attempting removal. Sometimes the removal process can cause your machine to stop working properly.

Use a program to prevent to the installation of such programs without your consent. Many of these same programs have the ability to appropriately monitor your computer usage and notify you when suspicious behavior occurs.

When in doubt, call an IT professional. The Internet, email and instant messaging are all wonderful tools to use to communicate and learn with friends and business associates. Don’t get caught unaware. Take steps to protect yourself from spyware and adware today.

by Cathy Coloff
As printed in Refresh and Renew magazine, Jun/Jul 2005