Threats » Spyware

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a form of software that installs itself on a computer usually without the users’ knowledge or consent. It is a type of software that runs in the background of the operating system without the users’ knowledge. Once installed on the computer it can change settings, collect personal information or provide a gateway for other malware to enter your system. Spyware can also limit the computers processing speed, monitor your activities and record data. Although spyware isn’t designed to damage your computer, it can severely affect your computers performance. It is designed to attach itself to an operating system and make changes to the users’ experience. Microsoft estimates nearly 80% of personal computers contain some form of spyware.

Which ZoneAlarm Product is best to combat Spyware?

There are two products in the ZoneAlarm range that can protect you from the threat of spyware. Both offer a superior level of safety to you or your company.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite offers the highest-level of protection against spyware and unwanted system access. Internet Security Suite will provide a barrier against harmful spyware and also remove any existing spyware present on your system. The award-winning anti-spyware application is regularly updated to ensure up-to-the minute protection. It also offers MailSafe which is designed to protect all incoming and outgoing mail from intrusion by malicious applications such as spyware.

ZoneAlarm ForceField provides protection against spyware entering your system while browsing online. ForceField operates differently to Internet Security Suite providing a secure environment for web-browsing and online activities. Working with your browser to provide total security ForceField: actively checks the safety level of websites, removes spyware which entered the system when browsing and blocks sites which may contain harmful content.

What is the purpose of Spyware?

The purpose for spyware is not always a clear. There are myriad types of spyware some of which are harmful to system performance while others are simply an annoyance. They are designed to re-direct web browsing to specific host websites to increase traffic, interrupt web-browsing with pop-up advertisements or collect personal information off your system in order to conduct fraud or identity theft.

Other functions include altering computers settings and causing changes to your firewall allowing other malware onto your system. Spyware can also affect your control of search results which can render your search engine useless.

A short history of Spyware

The term spyware was first used in 1995 on the internet discussion system Usenet. Initially it referred to hardware used for espionage but in 2000 ZoneLabs founder Greg Freund changed the conception of spyware. He used the term when discussing the ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall product to describe software which entered a system without the authorisation of the user. This remains the currently accepted definition today. Since 2006 spyware has become one of the most significant security threats to personal computing.

Characteristics of Spyware

The most common aspect of spyware is that the user is often unaware that spyware is operating on the computer. There are many ways spyware can find its way into your system: Piggybacking, drive-by downloads, browser add-ons and posing as anti-spyware. It often tricks users to install or installs through the consensual use of unsafe programs or applications accessed by a user. Spyware rarely acts as a singular entity, it is often grouped with other spyware and malware such as keyloggers. Users of Microsoft Internet Explorer and Windows Operating Systems are particularly vulnerable to spyware threats because the two programs are tightly integrated.

Eliminating/Controlling Spyware

There are some basic web-browsing tips which can help you control spyware and maintain your systems integrity. Users should try to avoid responding to pop-up advertising and installing software that is not distributed by reputable companies.

Spyware has become such an issue in computing that a large market has arisen in the development of anti-spyware products. Using software is the only way to effectively control the presence of spyware on your system. Installing an up-to-date anti-spyware tool will give you the best chance of controlling any threat your system may encounter. You should always ensure that your software is kept up to date to maintain your security. Using these programs will allow you to browse the web in safety and prevent spyware from entering you system.