McGeeks Blog » spyware

What Exactly is Spyware?

Heather — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:20:47 +0000

We’ve written a lot here about how to prevent or get rid of spyware, but it hadn’t dawned on us that some of you might appreciate a basic description of just what spyware is until one reader emailed us with that very question, so here it is, the ugly truth, in brief detail:

Spyware!

Basically, spyware is typically a small software program (or script) written with the single purpose of spying on your computer files and/or keyboard strokes in order to find and steal personal information, such as credit card numbers, login usernames and passwords, trade or business secrets, or any other sensitive information the spyware creator may want to get their hands on.

Most often, spyware gets delivered to you as a parasite attached to some other software or files, such as images, without your knowledge.

It can be hard to determine if a file or program you’ve downloaded from the Internet has spyware attached to it, and harder still to tell if you’ve been infected with spyware. That, mixed with how serious the security risk is to PC’s and workstations, is the main reason we talk about spyware so often here.

And while there is certain anti-spyware software which we endorse here, we really don’t care what software you use as much as we care about urging everyone to use some form of prevention and protection software in addition to a strong Firewall and Anti-Virus.

Image Source: sxc.hu user arinas74

12 million people suffered a computer virus attack in the last six months (telegraph.co.uk)
Elance Hit By Security Breach (techcrunch.com)
Resistance is (still) futile: Conficker virus begins attacking PC’s (netnewsdaily.com)

Technorati Tags: spyware

Computers and Viruses and Spyware, Oh My

Heather — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:53:08 +0000

We write about the threats of viruses, spyware and malware a lot, but it’s still what we’re most often asked about so we are happy to continue trying to provide you with the best information we can find on the subjects.

The bottom line with these threats is that while a majority can be cleaned or removed from your system after infection, that doesn’t mean they didn’t do great harm before you found them, so the best thing to do is take every step possible to prevent them from getting on your PC in the first place.

This means having a good Firewall and AntiVirus setup on your machine, and allowing them to update your protections daily. This usually runs in the background and won’t interfere with what you’re doing on the computer.

There are free options for both available, as well as affordable commercial titles too. We prefer one of the commercial products out there simply because they seem to update against the latest threats a little faster than the free options do, and the level of support you can expect when paying for software is usually higher.

Still, if you can’t afford a few dollars for one of the commercial firewall and antivirus products then at the very least use the free options… just get your PC protected.

Technorati Tags: antivirus, firewall, malware, spyware

Almost Anyone Can Remove Spyware or a Virus – Save Money

Sean — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:31:21 +0000

My friend has taken her Laptop to a local shop for security “clean ups” 5 times in the last year because she believed it had been compromised by either a virus or some form of spyware. Each clean up trip costing her $74.95

That’s almost $400 in one year to do what she probably could have done herself in just a few minutes with the right software helper, many of which can be purchased for under $100.

Here is some more information on how almost anybody can do their own security clean ups and save some money:

Virus Help and Spyware Removal…how company’s profit off you!

by James Plewak

The truth about how to remove viruses and spyware.

Are you technologically challenged? Do you pay large electronic stores for “tune-ups” and virus removal? Unfortunately any company that charges you money to remove your viruses is taking advantage of your lack of knowledge. Removing viruses and cleaning out malware are the common problems faced with people today.

First of all, to remove malware you don’t need any sort of certification or programming expertise, all you need is a good virus removal program and a search engine. Here are the simple steps needed to remove a virus for people who really don’t know how things work.

1) Purchase effective software that doesn’t take up a lot of system resources. (Information on anti virus products and other software at bottom of page)

2) Install the software with its easy to follow step by step installation procedures.

3) Run the software’s entire system scans.

4) Follow the software’s virus removal steps…

Sounds just a little to simple…

That is basically what the people you pay 50$ to 100$ do to remove your viruses. Kind of frustrating isn’t it? However not ALL viruses are that simple to remove, that is where google comes into play. Simply google what the virus may be doing, from moving your cursor to closing your web browser, and there are guides posted by other people for removing the virus! My website will recommend to you the best products and helpful guides to remove viruses.

When you encounter a virus that your software is not able to remove, first you have to find out what kind of virus you are dealing with. Once you have done your research into google on your computer’s symtoms, you just have to bombard your system with anti malware software. When your computer gets a virus you basicly treat it as that bad cold you got before you had a big day at work.

You woke up in the morning, feeling awful, and took as many cold medications, remedy’s, tea’s and decongestants that you thought your body could handle. Similarly with a virus you just install some free and some very inexpensive products and run them all over the course of the day, any virus that is in your system, will be removed!

James D. Plewak offers computer tips, help and product recommendations to optimize speed, safety and security. Visit Virus help and removal for more information, helpful tips, post questions or find products. James will do is best assisting you with your computer and virus issues.

Technorati Tags: antivirus, malware, spyware

Examples of Spyware

Heather — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:39:24 +0000

We talk a lot here about how to prevent or remove spyware, but I thought it might be a good idea to also talk about just what spyware is, who is using it to watch your actions and even key-strokes, and what they do with that information.

So, I found this great article from a spyware researcher which I think gives some fantastic insights into spyware and hope you will find it as informative and thought provoking as I did.

Top 5 Examples of Spyware

by Michael King

Did you know that advertising companies and individuals have the ability to watch and track your every move on your personal computer? Did you know that you could be targeted by these groups or individuals to push advertisements based on information that has been breached from your computer? Most importantly, did you know that you could be a victim to identity theft and fraud due to these technologies? To me this is very scary, the fact that a company or individual can gain access without my knowledge to my computer and personal information and take it without me even knowing. To hack into my property to gain an edge in advertising is one thing, but to be able to steal personal account information such as bank account information is a hair-raising feeling.

I want to provide you with the top 5 examples of spyware on the web today. These may not be the official names that the creators of these evil technologies call them, but these are what they have been labeled by the anti-spyware community. Getting familiar with these 5 groups is something I highly recommend so you can protect yourself from fraud that can snatch away your identity and drain your wallet.

Here is a list of the top 5 spyware groups to watch out for:

1.) CoolWebSearch. This is a group of programs that has the ability to exploit the weaknesses of Internet Explorer. This spyware can manipulate direct traffic to advertisements on coolwebsearch.com. Also, it has the ability to display pop-up ads, manipulate search engine results, and alters your computer’s host files to direct DNS lookups to these sites.

2.) Internet Optimizer (also known as DyFuCa). Ever see an error page by internet explorer? Well this spyware takes you to advertisements instead of the error page. For example, when a user follows a broken link or enters a wrong URL, they are directed to a page of advertisements that are strategically placed. However, one weakness of this spyware, is that it can’t access password-protected sites because of HTTP Basic authentication.

3.) Zango (formerly 180 Solutions). This spyware transmits detailed information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. Also, it has the ability to alter HTTP request for affiliates linked from a web site, so the advertisers can make unearned profits. It can smother any competitor by opening pop-ups that cover over competitor websites. Therefore you may never get to visit a website of one of their competitors because they can cover them up.

4.) HuntBar (also know as WinTools). Used by ActiveX, which is downloaded at affiliate websites, or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. This is a prime example of how spyware can install more syware. These spyware can add toolbars to internet explorer, track your browsing behavior, and redirect you to affiliate references, which display even more advertisements.

5.) Zlob Trojan. This spyware downloads itself to your computer via ActiveX code and reports your information back to control server. Some of this information that is stolen from you can be your search history, keystrokes, and the Zlob Trojan can hijack routers set to defaults. Now can you see how easy these people can easily snatch important personally information from you.

I hope you will find this information useful and will protect yourself from the evils of spyware. Last year alone over 27.3 million Americans fell victim to identity theft. I want you to be fully aware of spyware and its capabilities so you can become educated on this ever-growing problem. The last thing I want to see is your wallet become light due to expenses caused by a spyware program that is running on your personal computer. My advise to you, “never let your guard down,” because spyware is a very powerful threat, one in which you can’t ever see coming if your not prepared.

I have reviewed some of the top anti-spyware software available to help people defend against becoming a victim. Check out my reviews at:

http://kinmic81.bezoogle.com/pp/anti-spyware/

About the Author: I am a avid anti spyware researcher. I provide streams of information for people to protect themselves against spyware. I have tested and reviewed tons of anti-spyware software. I really enjoy helping people especially with serious matters such as identity theft.

Technorati Tags: spyware

2 Simple Tips to Prevent Spybot, Spyware and Adware Intrusions

Sean — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:05:23 +0000

We’ve all heard the horror stories of identity theft, compromised PC’s that become slower or unstable, lost or stolen data. Every home computer and office workstation connected to the Internet is at risk of being infected by a spybot, spyware, adware, torjan viruses and worms.

That may seem overwhelming to some, but the good news is that 2 steps is all it takes to protect your PC and personal information, how much easier can it be?

1) Install preventative software. There are high quality spyware remover, adware removal, anti-virus and firewall programs out there for just a few dollars. Going online without them is like drunk driving, it will eventually end badly for you.

You risk your PC, personal data and even your identity if you surf the web without spyware, adware and anti-virus software running on your system, and there are people trying to access all of that right now. I can’t make it any more clear.

2) Keep your preventative programs up to date. Almost all of them issue constant updates to stay current with the threats they’re protecting you from, and have some sort of weekly–or even daily–update option available. Use this!

It’ll only take a few moments, and if you don’t keep these programs current then you might as well not even have them. The threats constantly change as those who want your information try new ways to get at it. These programs have to update frequently to keep up with those changes, otherwise it’s like putting up a fence but never closing the gate.

Here are a few simple things to avoid doing as well that will help in preventing malicious spybots, trojans and worms from infecting your system and accessing your information:

A) Never open suspicious emails from unknown senders. Have you heard that before? But did you listen? Most people don’t and just invite hackers into their homes or offices by opening these messages.

If you don’t already, start making a point of checking the sender’s address and subject line of every email you get before opening it. If something seems odd to you, it probably is and you shouldn’t open the message.

B) Never click on links or attachments/downloads in an email message unless you’re 100% sure of who sent it, and why. You may think it’s a harmless link to some online silly joke or video from your co-worker, but it could very well be something sinister that they didn’t actually send you.

C) Never use the login form of any web site page that you arrived at from an email link. This is the most common way identity theft occurs. Someone sends you an email that looks like it came from your bank, credit card company or some other financial institution and asks you to login to your account, with a link to the login page provided in the email. The problem is, it’s all fake.

Even if it looks like you’ve been taken to your bank’s web site, you’re more likely on a special landing page that was made to fool you. Then when you enter your normal login data on the page, they are waiting to capture it and within seconds your real account has been emptied.

If you think an email from your bank or credit card company is real, then visit their site by typing the actual address into your web browser yourself and find out. But do not use the link in that email!

–
Heather Moore & McGeeks.com promote fun and safe computing habits online. Perform a FREE spyware and adware scan of your system right now at http://www.mcgeeks.com/adwarealert/

Technorati Tags: adware, spybot, spyware, trojans, worms

Computer Virus Protection Software Can Save Your Life

Sean — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:09:32 +0000

Right now you’re already thinking, “computer virus protection software can’t save my life, it only protects my computer”. Well, you’re sort of correct.

As the tech-guy who often gets called by friends and relatives when their PC’s are in trouble, and after spending six hours last night removing a virus and tons of spyware from a friend’s machine–a friend who didn’t have any sort of protection software installed–trust me when I say his life now depends upon him keeping the protection software I got him up to date from here on.

Obviously his life isn’t really in danger, but if I have to go through the same thing again with him in the future it could be a real strain on our friendship.

There’s simply no reason for anyone to be running their PC without proper spyware and computer virus protection software installed. There are great programs available which are extremely easy to install, and they cost next to nothing. Not having them is like refusing to ever put air in your car tires because it’s too much of an effort or you can’t part with the few quarters. Eventually your tires will go flat and then your car is just a giant paper-weight in the driveway. Same goes for the PC on your desk, and that’s one expensive paper-weight.

For your own good, because the tech-guy friend you call might not be as easy-going as I am, spend a few minutes and get yourself a decent firewall, along with spyware and computer virus protection software. Not only will it help keep your PC running more smoothly and faster, but it just might save your life.

Some programs I recommend for keeping your PC safe and running well:

Technorati Tags: computer, firewall, protection, software, spyware, virus