Does information or advertising appear on your computer screen without you having asked for it and you don't known why? Spyware could be stealing data from your computer.
- Spyware
- Adware
- Dialer
- Cookie
- How do they work?
- How can I tell if I have spyware or adware on my computer and how can I protect against them?
Spyware refers to IT programs that collect personal information about users without their consent, such as the software stored on an individual's computer, Internet browsing habits, pages visited, etc. This information is transmitted to third parties, such as advertisers or others who could be interested in this sort of data, and represents a serious intrusion upon the individual's privacy.
Spyware reaches computers through various channels: using a Trojan which can install the spyware without the user's consent; when the user visits a website with certain ActiveX controls; or inside shareware or freeware applications downloaded from the Internet.
Generally speaking, spyware is installed on users' computers without their knowledge, or with their consent but using vague or misleading information so that the user does not really realize what they are actually agreeing to.
In addition to the actions mentioned above, spyware also has a series of collateral effects: use of system resources, slowing down of the PC, system failures, etc.
Originally, adware was a type of program license, offering an application for free or at a reduced price, but with the 'cost' of displaying some advertising messages while the program. Users could also buy a version of the product without the adverts.
Nevertheless, the concept of adware has evolved.
Adware applications now display advertising in pop-up windows or banners, without users having installed them or an application containing them.
Some adware programs gather personal information about the user, such as web pages visited, time spent viewing them, links clicked on, etc., and this information is sent to third-parties without users' consent or knowledge.
This is a program that can, without users' knowing, disconnect the telephone connection to the Internet and redial another one such as a premium-rate number, with the obvious consequences on the user's telephone bill.
Cookies are small text files stored in the browser on the users' computer, when visiting web pages.
Cookies store information that can be used for several purposes:
- To personalize web pages to the preferences of each user.
- To gather demographic information about how many users visit the page and how long they spend viewing it.
- To monitor which banners are displayed to the user and for how long.
The uses are not, in theory at least, malicious.
However, remember that all personal information entered on a web page can be stored on cookie, including credit card numbers, etc.
Cookies can also be used to create user profiles with information that the user is unaware of, and sent to third parties. This information is transmitted to third parties, such as advertisers or others who could be interested in this sort of data, and represents a serious intrusion upon the individual's privacy.
Spyware, adware and dialers use different channels for entering your computer:
- A Trojan can download and install them from the Internet.
- On accessing a web page and depending on your browser configuration, you are asked for permission to install an ActiveX control from an untrusted or unsafe source. If you accept it will be installed.
- Hidden during the installation of seemingly innocuous programs downloaded from the Internet with shareware or freeware licenses.
Spyware is developed by companies looking for financial gain through rather unethical means.
In this way, they collect information about users in order to find out their likes and preferences. This information is then used by these companies themselves or sold on to third-parties.
Advertising can then be distributed in different forms to promote the products and services of other companies.
- Banners and pop-up windows.
- Changing the browser home page.
- Changing default search options, or altering the results of searches.
- Installing other companies' programs, which can also be other spy programs or promotions of other applications.
Their behavior, once installed, can also be divided into different categories:
- Hijackers: changing user information, such as the browser home and search pages, interfering with search results, etc.
- Trackware: programs that carry out inventories of the applications installed, searches of users' movements on the Internet, etc. To do this they save all searches made with the search engine that they install as the home page or insert a (keylogger), on the computer to track all keystrokes.
They are also activated in different ways:
- BHO (Browser Helper Object): browser plugins. They are usually loaded when a link on a malicious web page is clicked on, and they are executed when the browser is opened. They may be visible as browser toolbars, or remain hidden while they perform a series of operations without the user knowing.
- Other forms of activation like those used by viruses and Trojans.
How can I tell if I have spyware or adware on my computer and how can I protect against them?
It can be difficult at first sight to know whether you are the victim of these kinds of threats. You can only be certain by using a good integrated and up-to-date security package.
However, there are certain symptoms that indicate the presence of spyware or adware (although they may also be an indication of other problems):
- The appearance, seemingly for no reason, of pop-up windows, advertising banners or new toolbars in the browser.
- The sudden change of the Internet browser home page.
- Sudden blocking of the Internet browser.
- Unusual slowdown of the computer for no apparent reason. This could be for several reasons: many programs operating at the same time or network problems, but it could also be due to spyware or adware.
- Computers block when there are excessive loads but they can also block due to the malfunctioning of a spy program or adware. This is a particularly likely explanation when the computer blocks when only handling simple operations that should not involve a heavy workload for the system.
To stay protected against spyware, adware and dialers, bear in mind the following advice:
- Increase your browser security level to prevent the automatic execution of scripts and ActiveX controls.
- Be especially careful with programs you download from the Internet: many free programs, especially those from P2P applications, could contain spyware or adware. These programs will affect the performance and memory of your computer, will prevent it from operating properly and can even cause the browser or operating system to block.
- Make sure the applications installed on your computer are kept up-to-date, by installing security patches released by application developers. This will prevent spyware from exploiting vulnerabilities to install itself on your PC.
- Install a good anti-malware solution on your computer that detects not just viruses but also, adware or dialers. Click here to find the Panda product that best adapts to your needs.
- Keep your anti-malware solution up-to-date. If your solution can be updated automatically, make sure it is configured to do so.
- Ensure the permanent protection of your anti-malware program is updated at all times.
To see detailed advice on staying out of the reach of viruses and other threats, click here.