SpyWare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Q: What is spyware? A: Webopedia’s definition of Spyware is as follows: Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the

Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about your e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. For a complete report visit http://www.virus.ca

 

Q: How does spyware get into my computer?
A. Spyware often arrives via an automatic download from a website you are surfing. If you download freeware or shareware software, spyware can be embedded in the installation process. Spyware can also download on to your computer through email attachments.

Q: What is a cookie?
A: They small files or are pieces of information that are placed in your web browser to track web habits. Cookies are often useful; because a web site can track that you have visited it before and let you enter the site without a registration process. Cookies are also used to keep track of your progress through a web store. They are also used to customize website ads to your likes and dislikes. Some cookies can be considered spyware.

 

Q: How do I know if my computer has spyware? A: Typical symptoms of spyware include a slower computer than normal. If your computer suddenly starts to run really slow, when it never used to, then it may be infected with spyware. Spyware often hogs system resources including the memory and hard disk space, so your computer slows down.

Another symptom is if you get popups on sites where you didn't get them before. To find out, do a Google search. If you get a pop up then you probably have adware or spyware – because Google does not have popups. Another symptom is when your web browser's homepage is hijacked when you go online. If your browser is suddenly redirected to a strange website, it’s most likely spyware.

Q. Why is spyware considered dangerous?
A. Spyware can compromise your privacy and provide others with information about you and your computer habits without your knowledge. Keylogger spyware can capture your keystrokes and send it to a third party. This could expose your user IDs and passwords to thieves. Other spyware include trojans which allow someone to log into your computer remotely and use it to send spam or launch malicious attacks on other computers on the Internet, making it look like you are at fault.

Q: What is a “jacker” or a “switcher?”
A: These are slang terms for Hijackers, or applications that will change your browser home page, your default search engine and even redirect you away from websites you try to reach. Though the term hijacker sounds like one person is behind it all, today, there are many scams involving Browser hijackers, which are malicious programs. These programs can also produce pop-up ads for pornography, add bookmarks to Internet Explorer's Favorites folder, and can even redirect users to porn websites when they mistype URLs.

Q: What’s the difference between Adware and Spyware?
A: Adware is an application that pops up advertisement banners or windows at random.
Adware can also be seen on your browser content in what is known as pop-ups. Spyware gathers information about your computing habits.

Q: I have a spyware remover program but I don’t think it has removed a specific spyware program on my computer. What should I do?
A. Just like your anti-virus program, you need to update the spyware signature files in your anti-spyware program so that it will catch new spyware programs. If you already have antispyware software, go into your spyware program and see if it has a method to update these files. Or you can install CyberDefender AntiSpyware 2006 for a free trial, and see what spyware your program is missing. Visit http://www.virus.ca/anti-spyware-download.asp

Q: Is there a way that I can delete spyware manually?
A. If a spyware program is very obvious, for example; if it adds itself to your menu bar and be found listed in your Add/Remove Programs list in the Windows Control Panel.
Click START, then Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs and look for a program that you don't recognize. Sometimes it is obvious....such as "XXX dialer." Simply use the Add/Remove Programs feature to remove it.

 

Q. Is there anything I can do to stop spyware? A. To protect your computer from spyware, don't download programs by companies you are not familiar with. Don't download illegal pirated software. Set your browser security to HIGH. Ultimately your best bet is to get an anti-spyware program and scan your system regularly.