There is a pest for Internet users known as spyware. There are different kinds of spyware, being ‘ad-ware’ the most common and another one more dangerous the ‘real’ spyware.

Spyware software: Ad-ware. It has as its main function to detect and monitor which Internet sites a particular user visits. Based on this information the user receives tailored advertisements in the form of pop-ups and pop-under windows. The intention of this kind of programs is for the user to click on one of the ads in order to purchase the advertised product.

Besides the inconveniences caused by ad-ware it represents a security risk since it may open computer ports which should remain closed in your system, An infected system typically displays the following symptoms: a slow Internet connection, a slow working computer, pop-up, and pop-under windows even when you are not browsing the Internet.

Just be aware that once spyware gets installed in your computer, companies of which you know very little will be tracking you. They will be recording something as personal as the way you use the Internet.

Perhaps you are not aware that most users consent to or agree to have ad-ware installed on their computers, but many times they ignore what is happening because ad-ware frequently comes bundled with free utilities, games, etc. that users download from the Internet. If you have downloaded this kind of programs and not paid a penny for them it is very likely that you have also downloaded ad-ware.

Remember that as the saying goes “Nothing is free in this world”. The price that you pay is that you agree to have your Internet use recorded. Advertisers are very interested in the list of the sites you visit, since according to this information they will send you targeted advertising.

As in the case of viruses and worms, when it comes to ad-ware it is better to be prepared and prevent your computer from getting infected in the first place.

Avoid downloading software or free utilities from the Internet, otherwise, carefully read the legal agreement or legal disclaimer which sometimes could be as long as 400 pages and you are casually informed on page 250 that by installing such program your Internet use is going to be tracked and that you agree to have tailored pop-up advertising windows in your system. Only when you are sure that a program is free from ad-ware you should install it. An important exception to this rule is ‘open source’ which generally is free from this pest.

Something else that you should know is that frequently it is very complicated to remove for the average computer user and that it can be very difficult to eliminate for the advanced computer technician. Sometimes the only solution is to format or erase everything from the hard drive and reinstall Windows again.

More Dangerous ‘The Real’ Spyware
What spyware does is precisely to spy or monitor the things that you do in your computer. It can have one or more components, including a ‘screen grabber’ and a ‘key logger’. The screen grabber takes ‘pictures’ of the contents of your computer screen at periods of times predefined by the person who installed it, for example every 15 minutes. This information is generally encrypted and stored in a hidden place on the hard drive for later transmission using the Internet or to be viewed locally later by whoever installed the spyware.

The key-logger intercepts and records anything that is typed on the keyboard. This information may be transmitted using the Internet or can be stored locally to be revised later. Generally the user being spied upon ignores what’s happening. Spyware is very dangerous because the information recorded such as user names or login names, passwords, social security numbers, chat records, credit card numbers, and other financial information can be used to steal your identity and resources. All of this may lead to monetary losses, and other psychological issues.

It has been estimated that it takes an average of one year to repair the damages caused by identity theft. This includes contacting banks, hospitals, government offices, financial companies, etc.

Certain businesses that keep private information about their clients such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, identity and drivers license numbers are required by law to notify their customers when there has been a security breach. This besides having the potential to ruin your business reputation may also entail economic losses when your customers change to other businesses perceived as more secure. Do not allow anything like this to happen to you or your company. Do not be one more victim. Let us assist you to be better prepared.

Spyware Infection
A disloyal or disgruntled employee can install Spyware. A husband or wife wishing to secretly monitor the computer activities of the other person may install it. An unknown Internet intruder or cracker may install it. There are more ways to become infected but the ones mentioned are the most common.

Spyware Prevention
In a small business only one user or trusted employee should have Administrator rights to all computers. Only this person should have the power to install and remove programs. Obtain the latest updates for all the programs you use to run your business. Get and install the latest security patches for your operating system.

We recommend the assistance of a professional for those who have doubt whether their systems are protected and for those who know very little about computer security.

Signs to look for
Some signs that your system has been compromised include a slow computer or slow Internet, to find files in your hard drive that have not been created by you or the applications you use. To suddenly find less space in your hard drive. To have more activity in your DSL Internet line, even when no one is browsing.

Updated on November 25, 2008