What is this spyware stuff, and how did it get in my computer?!! You darn kids!!!

Well actually, it may not be their fault. Let's get the definition out of the way first: Spyware is an umbrella term for software (popups, adware, malware, browser hijacks, keystroke loggers, etc) that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge. This is usually for advertising purposes, such as profiling your online surfing/spending habits and giving you annoying popup ad windows as you surf.

Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet, and are not typically caught by your antivirus software; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Spyware can also be installed through browser exploits (unpatched systems) and through social-engineering tactics, such as suggesting a person install a free utility to view a web site better; the utility ends up being spyware and has nothing to do with viewing the web site.

Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today. Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.

Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the Web browser, consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party. Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the licensing agreements may not always be read completely because the notice of a spyware installation is often couched in obtuse, hard-to-read legal disclaimers, and in the EULA (End User Licence Agreement).

Solutions

Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this menace.

The foundation for any consumer protection against spyware is education (read above). The next step is that of inoculation, the installation of a robust spyware protection package such as Spysweeper. The Spysweeper software package will actively protect you from spyware installations and browser hijack attempts.

We have examined many packages and found that Spysweeper is the best product for protection. It is recommended that it be installed on a new system and on systems that have been cleaned of spyware. It should be noted that this software is only recommeded for systems less than 3 years old and those with 2000/XP installed; it takes up more system resources than 95/98/ME can handle. This brings us to the topic of spyware removal.

Honestly, there is no magic bullet for fixing an infected system. Removal of spyware is a multi-tool approach involving software such as Spybot, AdAware, CWS Shredder, and HijackThis, etc. The tools must be often be run in safe-mode, and sometimes the only method of removal is a system wipe and reinstall of the OS.

We have had a great deal of experience with spyware removal and can easily help bring your system back to its normal condition. Call us at 763.295.6885 and let us help!

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