Antivirus, Firewall and Spyware Resources
Computer Security Essentials for Everyone

Spyware

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a type of malicious software that is installed on your computer without your consent.  It is usually a very small piece of software that installs so quickly you don't even know it.  Once installed, it runs in the background undetected.  The purpose of spyware is to take partial control of your computer or to intercept data from your computer.  Spyware is created by unscrupulous developers who wish to take something from you for their own purposes.  What is taken depends on the purpose of the spyware, and could be anything from bandwidth to highly confidential personal information. 

Some spyware takes control of your computer and can turn it into a "zombie" that is under the control of the programmer.  Zombie computers are often placed into "zombie farms" that include hundreds (or thousands) of other computers that have been hijacked by the same spyware.  The zombies are often rented to spammers or hackers who use these computers as mail relay agents or in targeted attacks against other websites. 

Some spyware is designed to capture and transmit personal information about you to the developer.  As you enter information into websites for example, an infected computer might transmit your social security number, bank account numbers, pins, passwords, drivers license number, etc... to the developer.  He/she in turn may use this information to steal money or identity theft, or might sell the information to other unscrupulous individuals who want it.

Spyware vs. Virus

Spyware is similar to a virus in that it exploits computers for personal gain.  It differs from a virus though, because it does not replicate to other computers and usually is not designed to destroy data.  Anti virus software usually does not detect spyware because it does not contain the characteristics of a virus. 

Spyware vs. Adware

Spyware is similar to adware in that it can capture information about you.  Unlike adware, spyware is always installed without your consent.  Spyware can hijack your browser and redirect pages to advertising websites.  It can also act similar to adware by displaying advertising popups.  With most adware, the personal information captured is used for marketing purposes.  With spyware, it is usually used for identity theft and other illegal means.  It is often hard to tell the difference between adware and spyware, as a lot of adware is now getting more "spyware-like" (and vice-versa).  Adware spyware is becoming much more common, sometimes creating a fine line of difference between the two.  Here is a good article on spyware and adware symptoms.

Identifying Spyware

A computer infected with spyware can easily go undetected.  Most spyware runs silently in the background, slowly and quietly eating up CPU cycles that are undetectable to the average user.  The telltale sign of a spyware-infected computer is slow performance, but many people just attribute this to a slow internet connection.  Usually the spyware has to be eating up a whole lot of bandwidth before a user can detect spyware.  By this point, he probably has several spyware programs running and his system is being controlled by several "bad guys". 

McAfee has an interesting online quiz to see if you can spot spyware - this is very educational.  Here is a good article on Spyware Symptoms.

If not using anti spyware software, everyone who uses the internet should periodically install and run a spyware detector to make sure his/her computer is clean.  Most legitimate spyware remover software companies offer a free trial version that will allow you to perform a spyware scan.  Anti-spyware products such as Sunbelt Counter Spy, AShampoo, X-Cleaner, spyware doctor, AVG Anti-Spyware, Nod32, SpyCop, eTrust PestPatrol Anti-Spyware and spyware assassin all provide a great tool for detection and removal of spyware. 

For those who like to use P2P file sharing applications, P2P Doctor will detect and remove adware and spyware without making the P2P program inoperable.

Spyware can be very dangerous and it is becoming as prevalent as computer viruses.  It is now a recommended computer security practice to use anti-spyware software in conjunction with anti-virus software on every computer that is connected to the internet.

Spyware Removers

There are many spyware removers (spyware cleaners) on the market today, and most do a good job of detecting and removing spyware.  Just as with anti-adware software however, not every spyware remover will detect spyware on your computer and remove spyware.  If you suspect your computer is infected with spyware, you may need to do a spyware scan with several different anti-spyware programs before you find the software that will kill the spyware. 

Spyware can be manually removed, but in most cases this takes some time and effort.  First you have to identify the specific spyware that is on your computer, then research how to remove it.  Unless infected with a new and particularly nasty version of spyware, it is much more efficient to use a commercial spyware remover.  Some excellent spyware removers are Sunbelt Counter Spy, Grisoft Ewido anti-spyware, eTrust Pest Patrol, SpyCop,  X-Cleaner, Spyware Nuker, Spyware Doctor, Nod32 and Adaware Professional - just to name a few.  Here is a good article on Sunbelt's Counter Spy anti-spyware product.  Detect and remove spyware with PestPatrol Anti-Spyware from CA Click Here for more information.

Some Spyware Removers Contain Spyware

When downloading and installing a spyware remover, be aware that many spyware creators are now offering a free spyware removal program.  This software is disguised as an anti spyware product but is actually nothing but spyware.  To protect yourself, only download and install spyware removal software from large well-known companies or from reputable download sites.  All of the links to anti spyware products on this site point to legitimate companies.

Spyware Prevention

For anyone who uses a computer connected to the internet, it is recommended to use some form of spyware prevention.  As with anti virus software, when you purchase anti-spyware software you are entitled to frequent spyware database updates.  Regularly checking for and installing these updates is critical to keeping spyware off your computer.  New spyware is introduced into the internet on a daily basis and it is important to update your spyware detection software with the latest spyware data.

Anti spyware software is spyware detection and spyware prevention rolled into one.  Software such as Nod32, Sunbelt Counter Spy, Pest Patrol, Spyware Nuker, SpyCop and Grisoft Ewido Anti Spyware will detect and remove most spyware on an ongoing basis.  The key is in making sure the anti spyware database files are updated regularly.  Fortunately, most anti spyware products include an auto update feature which makes this easy.

Some Guidelines to Help Ensure You Don't Get Spyware

• Be cautious about which websites you choose to view and visit often. Just viewing websites that have questionable content (content that may be illegal, lewd or sexually explicit) could cause the secret installation of malicious spyware or adware on your PC.
• Do not utilize P2P file sharing services (like Kazaa, BearShare, etc...). Usually the software associated with P2P services utilizes a lot of adware.   If you must use P2P services, consider using a good P2P spyware/adware remover like P2P Doctor. 
• Never click on pop up ads on the internet. Sometimes just one click on a popup ad can cause the secret installation of spyware or adware on your PC.
• Be very cautious about software you download and install, paying particular attention to freeware. Many free downloadable programs contain spyware and/or adware software that could invade your privacy and steal personal information.

anti virus
anti virus software
free anti virus
free anti virus scan
computer virus resources

firewalls
hardware firewall
software firewalls
spam firewall
free firewall
firewall resources

computer security check
port scan
firewall scan

spyware
detecting spyware
spyware removers
free spyware remover
spyware scan
spyware resources

adware
adware removers
adware scan
adware resources

computer security suites
computer security resources
computer security checklist
computer security threats
Email security

Computer Security Deals

site map

-----------------
shopping guide
computer related links
other useful links

SECURITY Articles

home