Overview
Spyware is the general term used to describe any software which employs a user's internet connection in the background without their knowledge or permission. These agents can be:
- Adware - displaying advertising while a program is being run;
- Malware - modifying system settings and running unwanted tasks;
- Hijackers - redirecting your browser to web sites;
- Dialers - dials a service such as a porn site and sticks you with the bill or
- Collectware - collecting information about you and your surfing habits.
Detecting Spyware
Chances are, if you have been on the internet for any great length of time, you will have some type of spyware on your computer. It can come from opening spam email, clicking on an innocent-looking pop-up window, downloading a free utility, or even just visiting a new website. Some indications of spyware infection include:
- a different start page for your browser;
- more pop-up advertising than usual (even while offline);
- internet connection seems sluggish;
- your search engine redirects you to unfamiliar sites;
- unusual additions to your browser (new links or toolbars).
Solutions
Prevention being the best cure, one of the best things you can do about spyware is to install a personal firewall. A good firewall from a manufacturer like Zone Alarm or Norton will allow you to surf the net virtually invisible to others (it's hard to harm you if they can't see you!). These firewalls can monitor for any unusual activity or transmission to and from your computer and, in the case of spyware, will let you know if a program is attempting to relay information to an outside location.
Additionally, you can adjust your internet browser settings to prevent unwanted programs being downloaded and malicious code to be run. Keeping your operating system up to date is a good way to keep your system clean and healthy.
Of course, if you know you already have spyware, then the best action is to install a spyware-detecting program and just “see whatcha got“! Good programs include the free Ad-Aware by Lavasoft and AntiSpyware (doesn't have real-time protection on free version), a free beta program just released from Microsoft (does have real-time protection on this beta version but not sure if it is on the final release). Be sure to get the latest definition files, as these scanning applications are only really useful when they are aware of the latest spyware developments.
Also, it seems hard to find a good version for enterprise level like Symantec Antivirus Corp Edition which provides the central location to manage all the workstations in a enterprise environment. Anyone knows any good one on this level, please be kind to share it here.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware
Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta)