What is spyware?

Spyware specifically denotes a program which surreptitiously collects and reports a user's activity to a third party. More generally, spyware denotes any software installed on a user's computer which interacts with servers on the Internet in a manner unbeknownst to the user or without their consent. Spyware is most often used for commercial-related purposes, such as delivering pop-up ads. Besides being invasive of a person's privacy, spyware programs, like computer viruses, are often a nuisance and can impair the operation of the computer.

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What kinds of spyware are there?

Adware: Adware ranges from programs which display pop-up advertisements (even when you are not actively browsing the Internet) to others which hide in the background of your computer and collect data about your Internet browsing and spending habits. This latter kind of Adware is usually referred to as "BackDoor Santa" spyware. Adware is often bundled with freeware or file-sharing programs in order to further its distribution. Adware is usually considered just a nuisance.

Malware: Malware is short for "malicious software" and aims deliberately to interfere with the normal operation of your computer. Malware includes such things as trojan horses, viruses, and worms. Two specific kinds of Malware include dialers and hijackers. A dialer is a program typically distributed by the 'adult' industry. When installed, the dialer will use your computer to dialup its own number, with the call getting charged to your phone bill. A hijacker program does such things as resetting a browser's homepage to something undesirable or redirecting web requests to include an adult-themed banner over top of a website, with the effect of seeing adult-themed banners in odd places.

Spyware: Used specifically, spyware programs can be used to record passwords, keystrokes, history, and confidential information.

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Simple guidelines to help avoid getting spyware

1. Refrain from using specific freeware programs and file sharing programs in general.

More and more free software nowadays is being bundled with spyware (specifically adware) to help the program's author offset the cost of producing the program. You basically receive the software for free, but at the cost of decreased security and privacy. The best way to determine if a program you are installing has spyware bundled with it is to read the EULA (End User License Agreement) which is displayed as one of the first items of installation. Some spyware, however, is installed as you are browsing the Internet. In this case, it is best not to hit Yes when Internet Explorer or Netscape asks you to "download and install" unless you are certain of its legitimacy.

2. Avoid getting viruses.

Actually some viruses are considered spyware or at least the virus will install spyware other than itself on the host's computer. By taking measures to prevent virus infections, you also reduce the risk of spyware installation. Green Apple has a document with preventative tips for virus infection.

3. Don't run open shared hard drives (file sharing) in Windows.

Many malicious programs scan the network (and the Internet) and attempt to copy themselves onto to open shared hard drives of other computers. Often people are running with their hard drive shared inadvertently. If you must run a shared hard drive, run it in read-only mode or using a password. For information on disabling hard drive sharing in Windows, please see
  www.greenapple.com/support/library/Virus-FAQ.htm#sharing

4. Use common sense.

This is a catch all. As you should take a cautious approach when installing freeware programs or modules through your Internet browser, be equally cautious with files you get through other means such as newsgroups, ftp, instant messaging and diskettes. Don't install programs like AdAware and Spybot and then only run them once. These anti-spyware programs need to have their definitions updated and scans need to be done regularly to ensure your computers health. How often regular is depends on how frequently you install new programs.

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I think my machine has spyware. Now what?

If you get spyware on your machine, it's usually not a big deal. Most spyware can be removed with removal programs such as Spybot or AdAware. The question now is how to proceed. Here are some guidelines:

1. Confirm that your machine really does have spyware.

Sometimes spyware can be mistaken for viruses and vice versa. To add to the confusion, some viruses are considered spyware. The best way to determine what you have is to run your anti-virus checker first to make sure you don't have a virus. If your anti-virus program confirms no viruses, then you probably have spyware of some kind. You will then want to use spyware scanners such as Spybot and AdAware to determine what you have. Green Apple has documentation on installation and use of these two programs; please see http://www.greenapple.com/general/news/10-18-03.htm for more details.

2. Once confirmed, the same utility that detects the spyware should be able to remove it as well.

The Spybot and AdAware programs are able to clean out nearly all spyware they detect. Depending on the kind of spyware, removing may cause its host program to stop working. If a file sharing program or other freeware program stops working after you've done a clean, you will have to reinstall that program to use it again.

3. If one of these programs cannot remove the spyware, take your computer to someone who can.

Sometimes getting rid of spyware can be difficult and involve things such as editing the registry and working in DOS. When removing a tricky spyware program, if it is not carefully done, the cure can be worse than the disease. If you are not comfortable removing spyware yourself, you are more than welcome to give us a call, we'd be glad to help. For complete information on contacting us and our hours, click here.

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Where do spyware programs come from?

Spyware typically comes from two sources. The first is from file sharing programs or other kinds of freeware programs. The second is from browser based software installations. The moral is be careful with what you install. Always read the EULA (end user license agreement) before installing any software. This is usually around the second screen given to you with freeware and file sharing program installations. For browser based software, check the website associated with the software for its EULA and terms of agreement. If you are not clear on certain parts of the EULA, contact the software developer via their phone number or email address.

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I heard the xxxxx program has spyware that will destroy my yyyyy, is this true?

Not physically, not in the sense that you'll have to throw any components into the trash can. Spyware can only change, copy or create data. There is no spyware that has ever crumpled disks, melted processors, caused a monitor to spontaneously combust, put Nair in your shampoo or Rogaine in your Nair. Programs cannot do this; and spyware are programs.

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I heard you get spyware from email, is this true?

It is possible, but only if someone sends you a program that has spyware bundled with it, and you install the program. Typically viruses are spread through email attachments, not spyware.

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Can I still get spyware even if I use a Mac?

Yes you can. The majority of spyware out there now affects PC users, but there are some affecting Macs. The only program we know of that scans/removes spyware on Macs is MacScan, which can be found at the following link
 http://macscan.securemac.com/

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Other Resources

For further information on computer health and security, visit a few of the resources provided below. Many of these sites maintain databases of known spyware and the software they come bundled with and offer tools to keep your computer running trouble free.

• Green Apple's PC Sentry: An up-to-late list of viruses, worms, trojan horses, hoaxes and myths reported to us by our users.
• Spybot v1.2 Tutorial: Documentation on installing, updating, and running Spybot.
• AdAware 6 Tutorial: Documentation on installing, updating, and running AdAware.
• Consumer WebWatch: Spyware Landscape: Provides information on the types of spyware and descriptions for each.
• Spyware Guide: Includes lists of products and companies that either create or bundle spyware software.
• SaferNetworking.Org: A good resource with lists of programs that bundle spyware as well as spyware removal instructions.

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This document is copyright Green Apple, Inc, 1995-2007.  Permission is granted for the free distribution of it provided that its contents, including this notice, are not in any way altered. Green Apple disclaims all responsibility of fitness and suitability of this document. User is responsible for any software they download or install. It is incumbent upon User to read and obey copyright and licensing notices of all the software they use.
 

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