Beware of Spyware

What's a Spyware ?
As the name suggests, Spyware is a software that stealthily collects an Internet user’s personal information without his/her permission. Personal information includes knowing the user's Internet browsing habits, spying on the user’s documents that are stored in his/her hard disk and stealing the user’s passwords.

How does it affect the security of internet users?

• A Spyware’s intent can be harmless – it can record a user’s web activity and use that information for displaying targeted (but unwelcome) advertisements on the user’s computer.
• A Spyware’s intent can be criminal – it can be used to steal passwords and other sensitive information such as credit card numbers.
• If you have Spyware installed on your computer you will most probably come across increased CPU activity and extra hard disk usage, which will make your computer operate at sub-optimal levels.

Guidelines and tools to prevent spyware

• Do not click anywhere inside the pop up window while browsing the net. Pop ups might contain some Spy ware that can get in to the system with a single click inside the pop up window.
• Beware of freely downloadable softwares. Downloading the software from an untrusted site may automatically introduce the Spy ware in to the system along with the software.
• Do not follow the links that offer free anti Spy ware software.
• Block the pop up windows that are not trust worthy by going in to web browser settings.
• Run the anti-spy ware program and anti-virus program periodically depending upon the Internet usage.
• Tools available to remove or prevent Spy ware in the system include Spy ware Terminator, Spy ware Blaster, Spy ware guard, Advanced spy ware removal, a-squared 2 free, Spy ware doctor, AVG Anti Spy ware, Winpooch, Ad-ware SE personal 1.06, Spy bot SnD 1.5, Doctor Spy ware cleaner 1.0, Zone Alarm Anti spy ware 7.0.408.

Source : www.infosecawareness.in