Spyware: What is it?

In part two of my Security Series, I will explain what spyware is, and how it gets on your computer. I think those topics will make for a rather lengthy article on their own, so we’ll talk about removing spyware in the next installment.

So what is spyware? According to Wikipedia, “spyware consists of computer software that gathers and reports information about a computer user without the user’s knowledge or consent.” You can visit Wikipedia’s spyware article for a more detailed definition. Basically, spyware boils down to software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge, and is not there to do you or your computer any good. In general, spyware tends not to be malicious- it won’t typically damage your hard drive, or attempt to make your system unusable, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t troublesome. Spyware can easily cause your system to crash (especially on Windows 95, 98, ME, or NT), and hamper your system’s performance severely.

How does spyware end up on your computer? Unfortunately, there are many ways your system could become infected with spyware, but we’ll focus on the most common areas of concern.

Unscrupulous Websites, typically sites that contain adult content, online gambling, or other materials of questionable nature present a big risk to your system. Your computer could become infected simply by visiting one of these Websites- you don’t even have to click on anything. Best to avoid these entirely.

Browser toolbars, games, and “browser buddies” are also all very likely to contain different types of spyware. Outside of adding a search toolbar from reputable companies such as Google, you’re definitely better off avoiding any browser add-ons, or other downloads that are presented as being helpful or fun. Anything you encounter online that wishes to install or run a file on your computer will carry with it the risk of adding spyware to your system. Only accept downloads from Websites you trust, and only when you initiate the download. If you’re not sure, just say no or close the browser entirely with the Task Manager (ctrl + alt + delete) or hit alt + F4 on your keyboard to close any active window.

File sharing sites and P2P networks (such as Kazaa, Morpheus, Gnutella, BearShare, and LimeWire) are also dangerous across the board. For example, Kazaa will absolutely infect your computer with a minimum of annoying spyware, and while using Kazaa you’re highly likely to end up downloading files that contain viruses and other types of malware that could severely damage your system. My advice- don’t use it at all. Buy your songs from iTunes, and buy your software from a proper vendor. It’s the only safe (and legal) way to go.

“Friendly” sources can be just as dangerous. What do I mean by a “friendly” source? One example is that about a year ago, I thought I’d try the new Napster (legally purchasing music at the time). After installing Napster’s software, I received some security warnings from the anti-virus software running on my system. Sure enough, Napster packed some types of spyware with its program install. Most likely the only intent of these programs was to serve ads or help Napster make some money, but the drain on my system had already begun, and any trust I had in Napster’s service was gone instantly. Needless to say, I uninstalled their software and canceled my service. To this day I still receive the occasional spam email from Napster (in case you haven’t noticed I’m recommending you avoid Napster). Anyway, the point is that you have to be vigilant always, and I would recommend running some spyware removal tools after any new software installation, no matter where it came from. What spyware removal tools you ask? I’ll be covering those in part 3 of the Security Series. Thanks for reading!