PC Security: Why Do I
Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me? Part 2
by Ainuddin Mohamad
Part 1
Spyware
Examples
Here are a
few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note
that while researchers will often give names to spyware
programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers
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 pop 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 a
couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting
your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial
anti-spyware 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. This type of option is offered by companies such as
Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. 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.
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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PC Security: Why Do I Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me? Part 1
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