PC Security: Why Do I
Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me? Part 1
by Ainuddin Mohamad
Spyware is
one of the fastest-growing internet threats. According to the
National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than
90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs
are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus
software without the user’s knowledge. Once embedded in a
computer, it can wreak havoc on the system’s performance while
gathering your personal information. Fortunately, unlike
viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually
self-replicate.
Where does
it come from?
Typically,
spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common
way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware
is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware
program without the user’s knowledge. The user downloads the
program to their computer. Once downloaded, the spyware
program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author’s
personal use or to sell to a third-party. Beware of many P2P
file-sharing programs. They are notorious for downloads that
posses spyware programs.
The user of a
downloadable program should pay extra attention to the
accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software
publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be
installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, 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 review the document before signing off
on the download.
Another way
that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into
manipulating 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 prove deceptive. 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, no matter which button you push, a
download containing the spyware program will commence. 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, and force the
installation of the spyware program.
What can
spyware programs do?
Spyware
programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some
of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can
become downright aggressive in nature.
Spyware 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.
Part 2
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
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