PCs 'infested' with spy programs

bbc ^ | Friday, 16 April, 2004

[demlosers]

The average computer is packed with hidden software that can secretly spy on online habits, a study has found. The US net provider EarthLink said it uncovered an average of 28 spyware programs on each PC scanned during the first three months of the year.

Spyware is a broad term for programs that hide on a person's computer without their knowledge.

It has become so pervasive that lawmakers in the US are looking into ways to prevent or regulate it.

Hidden away

The Spy Audit by EarthLink reflects the results of scans involving over one million computers between January and March.

While most spyware is adware-related and relatively benign, it's disturbing that over 300,000 of the more serious system monitors and Trojans were uncovered Matt Cobb, EarthLink. It uncovered more than 29.5 million examples of spyware. These are parasite programs sometimes come attached to software downloaded from the web. The details are often included in the license agreement small print that most users click through without reading.

But sometimes they do not even need your permission to download, but just bury themselves on a hard drive as you browse the net.

With the exception of pop-up ads or a slower computer, people may not notice anything different when spyware programs are present, say experts.

Insidious software

EarthLink said the most common type of spyware it found was adware. These are programs that display ads on an infected computer and also send data about surfing habits.

But it also found examples of more insidious spyware.

"While most spyware is adware-related and relatively benign, it's disturbing that over 300,000 of the more serious system monitors and Trojans were uncovered," said Matt Cobb of EarthLink.

"This figure represents how real a threat identity theft or system corruption is for users."

System monitors can surreptitiously watch what you do, steal personal information and despatch it across the web, while Trojans can allow malicious hackers to get access to a computer and steal information.

"By tracking and publicising the growth of spyware, we can better educate consumers of its risks and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their families while online," said Christine Stevenson of Webroot, which conducted the scans.

People concerned about what might be lurking on their machine can download software such as the popular SpyBot to disinfect their computer.

[Humidston]

BTTT!

[Hodar]

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

and pull down, install and run Ad-aware often. Update it frequently, and this will get rid of a bulk of the problem.

Then, off you go to:
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download
And pull down and run Spy-bot (Search and Destroy).

I think you'll be amazed (and probably pretty hacked off too) to discover how much malware has infested your machine. Also, how much of your privacy has been invaded, and shared without your consent or knowledge.

[Dataman]

No wonder Gore wanted an internet appliance bolted to every American.

[El Gran Salseron]

For anyone interested:

http://home.houston.rr.com/computerdoc/index.html

to learn about computer security and get freeware software to protect your system.

[stylin_geek]

Also this program.

[VOA]

The computer gurus on KABC radio here in Los Angeles say they now have to follow this
regime to assure a reasonable scrub of spyware:
1. Ran Spybot R&D
2. Run Adaware
3. Run the Webroot product (can't remember the name, dangit).

Myself, I've used Spybot R&D routinely.
I had to use TrojanHunter (30-day free trial) to neutralize a NASTY Trojan that
took over MS Internet Explorer.

[LowOiL]

Duhhh...

[commish]

You just recommended the two I rely on religiously. Ad-Aware and Spybot.

I run both every other day, and invariably find something new every single time.

[Dbdaily]

Spybot

Ad-Aware

Here is couple removal tools...

[js1138]

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

[Final Authority]

I found that SpyBot works for me. After it clears spyware one can direct it to immunize your PC from further such spyware. What is worse however is executables uploaded without consent that takes over your directory. SpyBot has a feature that allows editing of the directory that is not text editing. Overall, worth looking into.

[Chuzzlewit]

I run spy-bot every day. I think just a trip to Drudge, will load you up with Spyware.

[Bon mots]

You just recommended the two I rely on religiously. Ad-Aware and Spybot.

I second that.
Another I have used is CW Shredder, which removes a search engine hijacker. (Also freeware.)

[1rudeboy]

Has anyone had any trouble with the latest security patches for XP? I downloaded them and think I now have a conflict with ZoneAlarm. Or maybe ZoneAlarm (I downloaded a Spybot-like/Disk Cleanup type feature) has a conflict with my Spybot program. In any case, I can't connect to the Internet unless I do a System Restore, which wipes-out the Microsoft patches.

[wtc911]

ping thanks.

[brbethke]

Spywareinfo.com has a pretty good free online spyware scanner.

Then of course there's always Pest Scan from Pest Patrol.

[an amused spectator]

SPOTREP

[pctech]

Alright, more people posting their ideas on what programs are good to use for this kind of thing. I love it when Freepers do that!

[GeoPie]

Bump for later