Click and RUN to Watch Spyware Video from Microsoft Security Center

Macromedia Flash Must be installed to view

Spyware

What is Spyware?

                Most computer users today are familiar with the term spyware because they or someone they know has experienced the aggravation of this software firsthand. Sluggish computer performance, altered home pages, and endless pop-up ads are all signs your PC could be infected. Everyone who uses a computer is susceptible.

                Spyware is a program installed on your computer, with or without your permission, that can change system configurations, monitor your Internet activity and broadcast the information back to an outside party, often advertisers. The milder forms of spyware are simply annoying, with increased spam and unwanted pop-ups; these are known as adware. Malware refers to more malicious programs that can rob your PC of its ability to run efficiently. The newer, more advanced forms can actually steal personal information like bank passwords or credit card numbers.

                Spyware has often been referred to as a virus, but this is not accurate. The software does not duplicate itself like a virus, which is why it is never detected when an anti-virus program is run. The best protection for your computer is a 3-tiered approach: anti-spyware software, anti-virus software, and a firewall.

How it Works

Spyware can worm its way into your computer even if you are careful while surfing the Internet. Nowadays, it may even invade your system if you simply visit certain web sites. Applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from media-supported sites. These sites are infamous for carrying spyware infections. It is usually disclosed, but buried, at the end of a License Agreement or Privacy Statement. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Occasionally, spyware authors will pay shareware creators to wrap in spyware with their software.

Spyware is becoming more sophisticated and many applications are designed to spread themselves out on your PC, making it more difficult to wipe them out completely.

The History of Spyware

Virtually everyone with a computer has now heard of spyware, but where and when did it rear its ugly head for the first time? Here is a little history…

                The word “spyware” was used for the first time publicly in October 1994. It popped up on Usenet (a distributed Internet discussion system in which users post e-mail-like messages) in an article aimed at Microsoft’s business model. In the years that followed though, spyware often referred to “snoop equipment” such as tiny, hidden cameras. It re-appeared in a news release for a personal firewall product in early 2000, marking the beginning of the modern usage of the word.

 In 1999, Steve Gibson of Gibson Research detected advertising software on his computer and suspected it was actually stealing his confidential information. The so-called adware had been covertly installed and was difficult to remove, so he decided to counter-attack and develop the first ever anti-spyware program, Opt Out.

Spyware Statistics

As the spyware industry becomes more sophisticated, the statistics become more staggering. Have a look at just a few of the facts and figures that show how widespread these ‘cyber crimes’ are in today’s technological world.

Consumer Spyware Initiative

• Although as many as 90% of U.S. home computers have been infected with spyware at some time, a majority of PC owners don't know how to solve the problem.

Gartner, IT Summit, Sept. 2006

• Over the next two years, it is estimated 20% to 50% of companies will become infected with spyware.

• By 2008, 40% of organizations will be targeted by “financially-motivated cyber crime”.

Reuters, Sept. 2006

• The FBI estimates all types of computer crime in the U.S. costs industry about $400 billion while in Britain the Department of Trade and Industry said computer crime had risen by 50 percent over the last two years.

Consumer Reports, State of the Net 2006

• In the first half of 2006, spyware infections prompted almost a million U.S. households to replace their computer.

• 1 out of every 8 surveyed had a major, often costly problem due to spyware.

• The economic fallout per incident was $100, with damage totaling $2.6 billion.

National Cyber Security Alliance, 2006 Online Fraud Report

• Two-thirds of consumers who use the Internet for financial transactions are extremely or very concerned about giving their personal or financial information to a fake website, and of hackers stealing financial information from their computers.

• 67% of those surveyed could not identify a secure website.

National Cyber Security Alliance, 2005 Online Safety Study

• 81% of home computers lack core protection (updated anti-virus software, a firewall, and spyware protection).

• 38% of home computers lack any spyware protection software.

• 68% keep sensitive information, like personal correspondence, professional records, and financial information, on their home computers.

• 74% use the Internet for sensitive transactions from their home computers, such as banking or reviewing personal medical information.

CMO Council 2006 Consumer Audits

• 65% of European and American respondents, on average, have experienced security problems, like viruses and spyware.

• 1 in 6 has had his/her personal information lost or compromised.

• U.S. consumers are more worried about identity theft and fraud than any other security concern, even personal safety and terrorist attacks.

How to Protect Yourself

Nearly 90% of all computers are affected by spyware - virtually everyone with an Internet connection. Here is how to best prevent infection and stay safe when online:

• In addition to having an anti-spyware solution, make sure to have anti-virus, anti-spam and firewall software and always have Windows auto-update turned on if you are on a Windows operating system.

• Surf and download safely. Only go to websites you trust. Free, file-sharing programs are often bundled with sneaky spyware.

• Read all End User License Agreements and Privacy Statements carefully before installing new software.

• Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a pop-up window because that can trigger spyware. Only click on the red "x" in the corner or click on Alt + F4 to close the window safely.

• Update your software regularly to make sure you have all the latest critical and security updates.

• Adjust your browser security settings to Medium or higher (click on Internet Options under Tools. Select the Security tab).

• Do not let other people use your computer.

• Do not open spam e-mail messages or attachments from people you do not know. It is even wise to check with those you do know that the attachment actually came from them.

• Be aware of sophisticated phishing scams via e-mail (messages that actually look like they are from your bank, internet provider, etc).

• Choose passwords with both numbers and letters, or to be even more secure pick a "pass phrase". Never use birthdays, family or pet names.

• Never log into your bank or other financial accounts from public computers or from wireless networks where login information can be stolen.

• Use common sense!