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Beware rogue spyware on your computer
A pop-up appears on a website to advertise a free spyware download. It seems genuine and the user installs the programme – little realising it is disguised spyware and they have invited all sorts of trouble, writes Andrew Stucken
Spyware threats are becoming ever more devious and computer users need to protect themselves.
Warnings not to click on any attachment you are unsure of still hold good. But malware – an umbrella term for a whole range of nasties which can infect your computer – has other ways of getting into your system.
What is spyware? Spyware appeared around a decade ago to give computer users another infection to worry about besides viruses.
A form of malware which gets onto unprotected systems and causes problems, spyware secretly monitors the user's behaviour. It slows the system and poses all kinds of security risks. Spyware can transmit email addresses, passwords, URLs and even credit card details. Sometimes this malicious software installs other spyware such as pop-up adverts, or changes your default search engine to one it has installed. They also use up bandwidth as they transmit your information.
Variants include keyloggers, hijackers or trackware, also sending information to third parties. In short, they are all bad news and you do not want them on your computer.
How do they get in? Users often unwittingly install the product as a hidden component of free- or shareware downloaded from the internet. Sometimes the user installs rogue spyware fiendishly disguised as an anti-spyware programme. One example is the notorious Antispyware Bot.
How do I know which spyware programmes are fake? Fake anti-spyware is not only hazardous, it can be very difficult to remove. If unsure about a product, research reviews online before downloading.
Signs of fakes include:
* Scare tactics displaying spyware alerts on your screen to frighten you into buying the full version. Also known as scareware, not only will it scam your money, it also installs spyware on your computer.
* Pressure Marketing with aggressive campaigns to force you to buy their software. Some will hijack your browser and force you to their associated websites.
* Similar appearance to genuine anti-spyware. Sometimes they even illegally use official Windows logos to appear legitimate.
* Very Poor Scanning and Reporting. If you do buy and install a fake programme it will automatically scan your PC – genuine software will only do so at your request. It will meanwhile only give general information about infections.
* Causes more problems. Rogue software further infects your PC by downloading and installing additional malicious programs onto your computer, slowing it even more.
What else can I do? Use programmes to both prevent and remove spyware infections. A firewall will help prevent spyware from infecting your system in the first place. Windows users can go to Start>Control Panel and enter Security Centre to activate the firewall. Third party firewalls provide an alternative – Comodo and ZoneAlarm are free, popular tools.
To remove infections you will need a genuine anti-spyware programme. Windows Defender is bundled with Vista. To activate, go to Control Panel. XP users with Service Pack 2 installed can go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx to download this free programme.
Numerous proprietary programmes can be bought from as little as £15. One review site at www.anti-spyware-review.toptenreviews.com puts Spysweeper - at $24.95 not the most expensive - at the top of the tree. Free, pared-down versions of programmes exist, but bear in mind these will contain fewer features than paid-for ones, and may not be as thorough.
Written by Andrew Stucken, the opinions, prices and details given are correct on date of publication, November 12, 2009. Andrew's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent professional advice.
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