Microsoft Winows Defender
Spyware is the name that is collectively given to a class of software that is installed on a computer to secretly retrieve data from a user or network. Though there are legitimate spyware programs, most are written with malicious intentions, including the harvesting of personal financial information.
The use of spyware programs, or spyware-like tactics, have been around almost as long as network system have been. Some of earliest programs made use of ‘backdoors’ that were written into server software as a maintenance feature or failsafe. These were used more to wreck havoc on systems than extract information, though.
Large corporations were amongst the first users of legitimate spyware software. Wondering exactly what each employee was actually doing while using a computer, spyware programs could be quietly installed on each terminal to monitor keystrokes and files accessed. Some spyware even measured words-per-minute typed, allowing close monitoring of data entry personnel.
Ultimately, it was the desire for more web-based functionality and interactivity that lead to the current incarnation of spyware. In order for web-based applications to maintain and provide services, new types of procedural programs needed to be written and integrated into operating systems. In order for this scheme to work, a web browser would need to be able to download and install pieces of computer code that would be run on the host system.
These objects could be made to appear as normal objects, but would actually contain programs that would harm or record data on the host system and transmit it to another site.
With broadband access, it became even easier. Now that computers were constantly connected to the internet while they were on, applications that provided internet-based services could be bundled with spyware. This meant installing and running such a seemingly benign program could infect a computer without the user ever knowing.
Once spyware is installed, it can have almost total control over the system. The trick, so far, has been getting a user to agree to install the program. Even with the ease of getting through certain security features, there is still a moment where a user must say that the program is allowed to run or install.
Since installation windows can be customized, a common trick is to make it seem as if a different program is being installed. Some windows actually pop up asking if the user would like to scan for spyware, or they pretend to be updates for the operating system. Once ‘yes’ or ‘ok’ is clicked, the spyware will install itself and perform its function.
What the spyware does can vary. Some records keystrokes and sends that data out, allowing the programmer to see any information your have typed in. Others install malicious pieces of software that re-direct your browser, making it seem as if you are on one site when you are in fact on another.
Fortunately, software programs have been written that will detect or uninstall spyware.
Spyware has a fingerprint buried the code that it executes. Though this fingerprint changes from program to program, there are ways to detect it. Software like PCTools Spyware Doctor search for these programs and attempt to warn you before they are downloaded and installed, or will uninstall them if detected running.
There is more spyware on the web now than ever before. The number of programs seeking to infect your system is constantly growing. The only defense against infection is a good anti-spyware program.
