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UMM Home > Computing Services > Security > Spyware Information
Spyware & Adware

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a general term for a program that covertly monitors your actions. Software companies have been known to use spyware to gather data about customers, for example monitoring a customer's internet activities. In addition to keeping track of your browsing activities and sending information back to parent servers, spyware also has the ability to install programs and leave backdoors open for hackers to gain access to your computer and your personal information, log your keystrokes, scan files on your computer, and even format your hard drive. Spyware can also install other programs directly on your computer without your knowledge and send cookies to other spyware programs inviting them into your computer. Note: Disabling cookies does not block this threat. Furthermore many spyware programs have capabilities to update themselves and report back to their parent server any attempts to remove or change them.

Removing Spyware

Ad-aware is a free download for personal use that scans and removes some known spyware.

Spybot Search & Destroy is a free download that scans and provides some real time protection.

Windows Defender is a free download that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Threats


Malware
Modifies your computer's settings and may perform unexpected tasks on your system.

Hijacker
Redirects your browser to unexpected sites.

Dialer
Dials a services, which you are usually billed for later.

Trojan Horse
Attached to another program and may perform unexpected tasks on your system.

Collectware
Collects information about you and your surfing habits.
Spyware categories
Adware networks
The origins of many large-scale Spyware activities are ad serving networks that pay publishers of games, utilities and music/video players per download, to include their ad serving programs.


Included in: DoubleClick, Web3000, Radiate, SaveNow, GAIN.


Stalking horses
A number of programs that enable the adware networks to function on desktops are bundled in many popular programs and often, but not always, presented in installation disclosure screens as desirable add-ons to their Trojan horse hosts. All collect information.


Included in: TopText, Cydoor, OnFlow, Medialoads, Delfin, WebHancer, New.net.


Trojan horses
These popular Internet downloads usually come with the ad serving network basic software and at least one stalking horse.


Included in: KaZaa, Grokster, Morpheus, Limewire, AudioGalaxy, iMesh, DivX.


Backdoor Santas
Stand-alone programs that incorporate similar approaches have no links to ad serving networks and collect information from users.


Included in: Alexa, Hotbar, Comet Cursor, eWallet, CuteFTP, BonziBuddy.


Cookies
Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer will still send out existing cookies even after disabling cookies in the browser settings. You must manually delete any/all cookie files on your system to eliminate being tracked by third-party ad networks or spyware or adware providers.
Warning
Free Online Removal of Spyware
Most Pop-ups you may see warning you that you may have spyware and offer to remove or protect you from spyware on your computer are hoaxes, in fact most of them are actually spyware themselves. Do not download or click in these windows for more information!

Who is at risk?

  • Most spyware is designed to exploit security holes and the operation of Windows, but is not limited to Windows.
  • Users of Instant Messengers and IRC Chat programs.
  • Users of Internet Explorer, Netscape, and any browser capable of cookies.
  • Any Internet User in general.

Removing Spyware

Adaware is a free download for personal use that scans and removes some known spyware.
Spybot is a free download that scans and provides some real time protection
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Last Modified: Monday June 18, 2007