What Is Spyware?
Spyware is software that is installed on a computer to intercept or steal the details of people without their consent. Unlike viruses and worms, spyware does not usually self-replicate. However, spyware can be dropped as a payload by a worm. Spyware secretly monitors an individual’s information and web surfing behavior. However, its functions can extend beyond simple monitoring.
Spyware can also install other spy software such a keyloggers and even redirect your web browser. For instance, you may think you have arrived at your usual websites. However, in reality, spyware directs you to a fake website that looks the same as that of the original sites. This is called a browser session hijack. The purpose of this is often to steal your private or financial details. They can also redirect users to advertisements where the hijacker earns commissions when an unsuspecting surfer pays a visit to the site.
Another problem is that spyware can affect the efficiency of a computer. So when a user tries to open their home page, it shows some sort of error or displays some malicious script to users. It can also change the settings of your computer, resulting in a slow Internet connection and loss or corruption of important data and programs.
The symptoms of spyware vary. For instance, the speed of the computer may be affected or the hard drive may make strange sounds. Another symptom to look out for is pop-up ads. If secret, spyware is residing on your computer, these pop-up ads may spring up every few seconds, while surfing the Internet.
You also need to watch out for other tale-tell signs like unfamiliar icons, web browsers and menus. In some cases, the cursor of the mouse floats across the webpage, the page displays weird error codes, or you receive spam emails in your inbox.
Spyware software is usually installed onto your computer by piggybacking on a piece of desirable software such as Kazaa, or by tricking you into installing it. Some spyware programs masquerade as security software. The distributors of spyware usually presents the program as useful software, for instance, as a “Web accelerator. Users download and install the software without suspecting that it could cause harm.
The installation of spyware frequently involves Internet Explorer. Its popularity and history of security issues have made it the most frequent target. Its deep integration with the Windows environment makes it an obvious point of attack into Windows.
The advent of spyware started when Internet advertisers and marketers decided to trail the surfing behavior of Internet customers. They thought that by knowing this, they would know what consumers look for when purchasing products over the Internet. This way businesses could sell their goods more effectively and it would be beneficial for Internet customers in a sense that, consumers get exactly what they were looking for. It was supposed to be win-win situation for consumers as well as for advertisers when the spyware served the customers with targeted advertisements or sites.
Unfortunately, the software has fallen into the wrong hands. It has become a favorite tool of Internet hackers. Unscrupulous people started infiltrating into other private activities and areas of peoples’ computers which lead to severe problems such as identity thefts, security threats, password theft, and so on. These problems lead to the introduction of different antispyware solutions such as spyware removal software and antispyware software.
