What is Spyware?

Spyware is computer software that is installed secretly on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the computer, without the user’s informed consent.

While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user’s behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habits and visited sites. It can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs.

Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of a spyware or malware infection include, but are not limited to: NOTE: A combination of more than 2-3 of any of these symptoms could mean a major clean up is in order.

• Browser Homepage Changed – Meaning you have no idea how this happened. This is commonly called a browser hijack. This is one of the oldest and most common spyware tricks.

• Extra Toolbar in IE – This is toolbars that you didn’t install yourself. Often times, a Google or Yahoo toolbar can be installed along with other software that you did want. Just pay attention to the options when software is being installed and deselect those extras. There are many types and varieties of toolbar infections.

• Firewall Alerts – If you are using a firewall that notifies you of software that is trying to connect to the Internet, then you may notice new unknown programs trying to access the Internet. This usually means something has already gotten by your defenses and you need to take action, and in many cases most infections rarely travel alone. Another firewall indicator is that it is actually turned off by the malware. Many aggressive malwares target multiple anti-virus and anti-spyware applications.

• New Desktop Shortcuts – When new shortcuts appear on your desktop or your task bar, or even your system tray that you didn’t put there nor know what they are, this can be an indication of problems.

• New Favorites – If you notice new links in your favorites folder that you didn’t put there, you may have a problem.

• Sluggish Computer – When software is running on your computer, it requires processing time. This can have the effect of seeming sluggish with a high CPU load. This can be unrelated to malware/spyware. Just be aware that when coupled with other symptoms it may indicate a problem.

• Excessive Pop-Up Windows – Are you unable to stop them or close them? Do they appear from nowhere? This is a strong indication of a malware infection.

• Anti-Spyware Software Closes – If your firewall software, anti-virus or anti-spyware software is disabled or doesn’t run properly this is a strong indication. Malware can actually target common or popular protection software to disable it.

• Searches Return Unusual Results When you do a web search, you are returned an unusual or unknown list. You may get 1 to 3 pages of unrelated results before getting actual search results. This is often referred to as a “search page hijack”.

• New or Multiple Programs in Add/Remove Programs In the Start > Settings > Control Panel, there is the Add/Remove Programs options. Unknown software can sometimes show up in there. If you are lucky, it will be able to be removed. More than likely it won’t.

• Unable to Access Certain Computer Tools – You may find that you are no longer able to access Task Manager, Regedit, and MSCONFIG. They may launch and then just disappear. The idea behind this little trick is to prevent you from being able to access key sections of your computer for removal of the infection. Usually a special registry merge is required just to fix this part.

• Returned E-Mails You Didn’t Send – You get a lot of bounced back mail and see evidence of e-mails being sent without your knowledge. This could be a sign either that your e-mail address was faked as the sender (does not require an infection) or that your machine actually sent the e-mail without your knowledge (from an infection).

• Phone Bill Shenanigans – Your phone company charges you for ‘1-900’ phone calls you didn’t make. This is only a possibility if you have a phone modem connecting you to the Internet.

• Java Console Appears – The Java console appears in your task bar when you hadn’t run any Java software recently.

Malware software has become more sophisticated and does a better job of hiding. So, having good anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed is important to block infections and remove others. Note: this comes at a price. The price is the protection software can actually affect the performance of your computer as the software is continually evaluating threats and performing analysis.

KDC Free Pick

Windows: Windows Defender – Free WinXP Spyware Protection from Microsoft

Why do we recommend Windows Defender? It isn’t the best. It is a common problem that good quality anti-spyware packages won’t catch or be able to remove all spyware. If you find yourself with an infection, or you suspect a problem, it is advisable to install and use multiple anti-spyware programs to remove infections. As for Windows Defender, it is free and easy to use. Additionally, integrates well into Windows and the Windows Update process.

Additional Resources

• PC World – Our Favorite, Free Anti-Spyware Programs
• PC Mag Compares Commercial Anti-Spyware Packages
• AVG Anti-Spyware Free Edition
• Ad Aware Free Home Edition
• Consumer Research Anti-Virus Comparison

Is there something more I can do?

The surest way to protect your computer and your family from all the bad stuff that targets Microsoft Windows is to not use Microsoft Windows.

The leading recommendations would be Apple’s Mac OS or Ubuntu Linux. The chances of infection to a Mac or Ubuntu Linux right now are slim to none. Both options have great performance and security. Non-Windows operating systems is a much larger topic and just know that you should research them or test them out before jumping in.