Currently Speaking ~Webster / MYBC.COM

Is spyware running on your computer?

With all the talk about spyware these days, you may be asking, "How do I know if it's on my computer?"

Many people aren't aware they have spyware on their system. So here are three things to watch for:

• You are receiving unwanted pop-ups
• You notice slower connection speeds (reduced process power)
• Your homepage has been changed to a sales site (this is called browser hijacking)

As we mentioned last month in Currents (Are you as secure online as you think?), a recent study showed many people were completely unaware of the spyware on their computer. And many people still aren't aware of what spyware is, or what it can do.

According to Wikipedia, In 2004, spyware infection caused more visits to professional computer repair shops than any other single cause. Most users were unaware that spyware was the reason for their issues; instead they believed their difficulties were caused by hardware, Windows installation problems, or a virus.

More people are aware now that spyware is everywhere on the Internet, but what exactly does it do?

Types of spyware

Spyware is a technology that assists in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet, spyware is put on someone's computer to gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.

This information can be used for advertising but also to gain access to your data or your vital information. Below are a list of categories that spyware can take and the affects you will see on your computer:

• malware - modifies your system settings and can perform undesirable tasks on your system (i.e., key stroke logger, steal your passwords)
• hijacker - redirects your browser to new Web sites; could also include changing your home page or displaying unrequested advertising content online or offline
• dialer - when using dial-up, changes the number your modem dials to make its Internet connection; the new number can include long distance or 900 charges to appear on your bill
• trojan horse - attached to a program you choose to download and performs undesirable tasks on your system (i.e., disable or bypass your uninstall features; can also read, write and delete files)
• collectware - collects information about you and your surfing habits, then sends this information back to its creator
• hacker - programs can leave a back door open for a hacker to intercept your personal data or enter your computer

Once installed, the majority of these programs cannot easily be deleted from your system by normal methods. They often leave components behind to continue to monitor your behaviour and re-install themselves.

What can I do?

Carefully consider whether software is coming from a reputable company or site. If you are at all uncertain of the software's integrity, do not download it.

• Be wary of peer-to-peer sites that offer shared music and software - spyware is often a part of the software download.
• Ensure you have the three key security tools: anti-virus protection, a personal firewall and anti-spyware.