Countering the Spread of Spyware on your Computer.
Mitch Johnson
Spyware has boomed into the top internet threat in no time and it continues to affect more computer users each day. Spyware is best described as a rogue application that latches to your system so it can record personal information and monitor internet usage. As spyware has grown it has become much easier to be infected with it.
In some instance computer can be infected with spyware just by visiting the wrong web site. Most spyware is installed without the user’s knowledge.
The most serious form of spyware comes as keyloggers which record each keystroke made on an infected computer. Each account number, password, email address, chat or email message or social security number you key into your computer is being duplicated and sent back to the intruder. Keyloggers are often responsible for identity theft and its spread.
Adware is thought to be a form of spyware because it still records and submits to intruders your personal and computer usage information. The information adware gathers about a person is used by companies to target you with advertisement they have dubbed appropriate for your interests. Spyware in the form of adware and other less harmful spyware usually finds its way into your computer by being bundled in with freeware and shareware downloads. To avoid spyware and adware you must proceed with caution when considering a freeware download.
Computers can be infected by visiting the wrong web sites because at insecure sites, hackers are able to take advantage of security vulnerabilities through the browser. This happens most often through Internet Explorer, however Microsoft tries to release patches to these security vulnerabilities once they have been found but users are still at risk until then. Users also remain at risk because once the patch is released they either do not know about the vulnerability or about the fix.
Law makers are striving to find regulations for these spyware privacy invasions but until then users must protect themselves.
To secure your computer now you can download several free and purchasable programs that will scan and remove spyware infections. Many of the new versions of spyware tools also offer “always on” protection that blocks spyware from downloading while you surf the internet.
About the author: Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.1st-in-remove-spyware.com/ , a site that focuses primarily on spyware detection software, as well as tips on how to avoid spyware from popping up on your computer. His articles have also been featured on related spyware sites such as, http://www.best-in-spyware-detection.com/ as well as http://www.best-sypware-removal-reviews.com/
The latest information and news on Spywaredude:
In what appears to be just a bad headline, the business publication says that Microsoft plans to introduce spyware. (It's actually planning free antivirus software)
Court Slams Door On Sale of Spyware (Slashdot)
coondoggie writes "The Federal Trade Commission yesterday had a US District Court issue a temporary restraining order halting the sale of RemoteSpy keylogger spyware. According to the FTC's complaint, RemoteSpy spyware was sold to clients who would then secretly monitor unsuspecting consumers' computers. The defendants provided RemoteSpy clients with detailed instructions explaining how to ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb)
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking. (PRWeb Nov 21, 2008) Read ...
Phisher-besieged PayPal sends users faux log-in page (The Register)
Error.com's missed opportunity PayPal, the online payment service that is a major target of phishers, has been caught sending customer emails that confuse its own login page with a third-party landing site that offers spyware protection and a bevy of other products.?
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb via Yahoo! ...
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking.
FTC get CyberSpy?s RemoteSpy banned in the U.S. (Geek.com)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been successful in its bid to get the RemoteSpy spyware application released by CyberSpy Software banned in the U.S. For now the ban is temporary, but the FTC are pushing to make it permanent. The ban stems from a complaint (PDF) lodged by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) back [...]
Microsoft to offer free anti-virus software (The Manila Times)
Microsoft has announced plans to offer free anti-virus software to PC users starting next year. The Redmond, Washington-based software giant said the software, code-named "Morro," will "provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans."
Commercial vendor of spyware under legal fire (ZDNet)
Just like every decent marketer out there, vendors of commercial malware tools are very good at positioning their tools. However, their pitches often contradict with themselves in a way that what's promoted as a Remote Administration Tool, has in fact built-in antivirus software evading capabilities, rootkit functionality and tutorials on...
Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software (NewsFactor via Yahoo! ...
Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.
Week in review: Yahoo to replace Yang (CNET)
Search giant searches for new CEO, while Microsoft takes its security strategy in a new direction. Also: Sing along with DRM.