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SPYWARE/MALWARE |
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SPYWARE/MALWARE
It usually starts everytime you start up your computer. It sends
information out of your computer about you, your computer and your surfing
habits then based on that information it pushes ads that you might fall for in
the form of SPAM and/or pop-ups. Some of these programs prefer being called "adware".
They are all malicious hence MALWARE.
THE PROBLEM
Since these are programs running in the background they cause your computer to
slow down and perhaps have errors. Especially if you are infected with several
of these parasites.
Some of these programs can capture your keystokes online and off. Passwords, account numbers and even complete files may be sent out.
HOW DO YOU GET INFECTED
Your new computer or peripheral may come with spyware. Even mainstream
manufacturers do it. It's buried deep in their license agreement. That cute
program to jazz up your email, your cursor or browser may contain it. Many
programs that you may download and install on your computer contain it. You
may receive an email with an attachment that will install it. Think twice
before you install any program and absolutely do not open email attachments.
PREVENTION
Use Ad-aware or Spybot Search & Destroy to remove existing spyware. Then use SpywareBlaster to prevent
most from being installed. Just like antivirus programs you should update and
scan regularly. Links to these programs are listed below.
If you use Outlook Express for reading your email, you can protect yourself
from malicious messages in HTML format rather easily. There are two things to
do. First, go to Tools (in the menu) > Options > Security (tab). Make sure
that you select the "Restricted sites zone..." option and put a check in the
two boxes in the "Virus Protection" section.
Second, go to Tools (in the menu) > Options > Read (tab). Put a check in the "Read all messages in plain text" box. Now you will safe from spyware in email messages unless you click on a link to a malicious Web page. You can always temporarily reverse this setting to read a message in HTML format if you're sure it is legitimate.
PROGRAMS TO FIGHT IT
Ad-aware Free, multicomponent detection and removal utility.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Spybot Search and Destroy - Freeware/Donationware detection and removal utility. http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download
SpywareBlaster Free, doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents many from ever being installed. Download SpywareBlaster
THE LIST
Just a partial list of programs that contain spyware,
adware and malware:
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*Ad=Adsubstract, *CD=Conducent DLL, *CC=Comet Cursor,*Ra=Radiate, *Cy=Cydoor, *Ns=Netsetter server, *TC=Timesink/Conducent, *W3=Web3000 |
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