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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Understanding Spyware, Malware and Adware
Spyware, malware and adware are programs designed to infect a computer and often hamper the owner’s activity. Spyware is often thought to solely describe a program that examines a computer user; however the implications are much greater. These stealth applications often gather information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, transmitting information in the background to someone else. As for the avoidance and elimination of spyware, there are numerous programs designed to thwart these applications.
Malware, short for malicious software, is designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse. Malware includes things like spyware or adware programs, such as tracking cookies, which are used to monitor your surfing habits. It also includes more sinister items, such as keyloggers, Trojan horses, worms, and viruses. A good anti-virus application can be configured to scan for any type of malicious code, and alert you to its existence, even if it is not currently known malware. However, remember that your anti-virus software, security application or even computer operating system is only as good as its last update. To get full protection, on a regular basis you MUST update with the latest virus definition files, scanning engines, patches and fixes. They can often overlook certain types of malware. It is a good idea to run at least one anti-adware application in combination with your anti-virus software. In addition, utilizing a firewall can be helpful. While it won't keep malware out, it can help to stop such programs from accessing the Internet and sending your personal information to the intended target.
Adware, while not necessarily malware, is considered to go beyond the reasonable advertising that one might expect from freeware or shareware. Typically they're designed for commercial gain and are appropriately titled as a program that routinely shows advertisements to a PC. Adware will regularly continue to produce ads even when the user is not running the originally application installed. Usually bundled into another program, adware is considered a way for many developers to recover programming costs since a program since shareware or freeware is offered at little or no costs to the user. Adware and spyware are sometimes grouped together because the computer user’s Internet activity is frequently tracked, recorded and may even be sold to a third party. Software is available to help block advertisements and/or remove adware programs altogether.
Remember to always take time to be web wise and keep informed. If spyware, malware and adware destroy nothing else, they destroy your confidence in your PC or network, which is something that is quite valuable.
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