Spyware FAQ

Spyware is a growing problem that threatens the stability and performance of your PC. Even more alarming, spyware can threaten your privacy. Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without your permission. The information spyware collects can range from all the Web sites you visit to more sensitive information like usernames and passwords. Typically, spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through e-mail or instant message, or by someone with access to a user's computer. Once on a hard drive, it begins reporting the next time the user goes online. Unlike most software applications, spyware is difficult to detect and can be difficult to remove. If you download software that claims to be free such as file-sharing programs, games and other software programs from unknown sources it is extremely likely that you have spyware running on your system. Because some spyware programs can leave you vulnerable to personal profiling, data corruption, and even identity theft, it is very important to know how to detect it and how to get rid of it.

What is Adware?

Adware is advertising-supported software that displays pop-up advertisements whenever the program is running. It is often bundled with software that is available online for free. Since the software is free, the company relies on advertising to generate revenue. Adware can install components onto your computer that track personal information (including your age, sex, location, buying preferences, or surfing habits) for marketing purposes.

Most advertising-supported software doesn't promote the fact that it installs adware on your system. It is important to read any user agreements or license information closely to be sure of what you are installing.

What are System Monitors?

System monitors track a user's activity and can record virtually everything you do on your computer. They can capture keystrokes, emails, online chats, which sites you visit and which programs you run. System monitors usually run in the background (draining system resources) so that you don't even know you're being watched. The information gathered by the system monitor is stored on your computer in an encrypted log file for later retrieval. The best example of a system monitor is a key logger, which records each keystroke, then reports the results back to an attacker, who is after confidential information such as usernames and passwords, or is hoping to root out financial information, such as credit card numbers.

There has been a recent wave of system monitoring tools disguised as email attachments or free software products.

What are Trojan Horses?

Trojan horses are malicious programs that appear as harmless or desirable applications. Trojan horses are designed to steal or encode computer data, and to destroy your system. Some Trojan horses, called RATs (Remote Administration Tools), give attackers unrestricted access to your computer whenever you are online. The attacker can perform activities such as file transfers, adding or deleting files and programs, and controlling your mouse and keyboard.

Trojan horses are distributed as email attachments, or they can be bundled with other software programs.

Can an Internet Firewall or Antivirus Software Program Help?

Although it is important to use a firewall, run an antivirus program, and keep your software up to date, none of these measures are guaranteed to keep you from downloading deceptive software. Special detection and removal software is available to help you find and remove unwanted software on your computer.

Why don't most antivirus utilities block spyware?

The short answer is that "spyware is not a virus." Webopedia defines a virus as "A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes." Spyware takes advantage of the fact that many people click "I Agree" to software licenses without actually reading them. Since it is assumed that you read the license, it is also assumed that the spyware was loaded with your knowledge and permission.

This tricky use of software agreements puts the antivirus companies in a difficult situation. It is possible that you really did agree for some of this software to be on your system. If antivirus utilities flag these borderline programs as viruses and remove them, the antivirus companies could find themselves in a legal battle with spyware makers who claim they were given permission to install.

How do I get rid of spyware?

You can either remove each program manually, or use a utility that automatically removes spyware. Manual removal is only recommened for expert computer users, and even then it can be extremely difficult. For the best results we recommend using an automatic removal tool such as Pest Patrol because they do the best job of finding and removing spyware. Click here for a list of removal tools.

How can you protect your PC and help eliminate the spyware threat?

Be cautious when downloading software from the web. Be wary of free software. Read any user agreements or software licenses before clicking "I Agree." Know the symptoms of a spyware infected computer. Scan your system periodically for undesirable programs using our online scan. It will detect the most common spyware, in addition to adware and viruses. Use a utility tool to remove all spyware. Spread the word about spyware and its cure. Tell your friends, neighbors, business colleagues, and tell your family. Let them know about this threat, how to detect it, avoid it, and eliminate it.