SPYWARE

2005-06

Computer Applications

L6D, LAM Siu Fai (18)

Approximately 90% of all computers worldwide that use the Internet have been -----or currently are----- infected with spyware.

Adware Vs. spyware

Adware Vs. spyware

Password

Account name

Symptoms of Spyware Infection

• Soooo slow– start up / shut down– programs– mouse response

Symptoms of Spyware Infection

• Pesky pop-ups– large quantity of pop-

up advertisements

Symptoms of Spyware Infection

• Home page hijack– ‘home page’ changed

without users’ notice

• New bookmarks– new web links are

added to computer

• Unusual icons– strange shortcuts

Symptoms of Spyware Infection

• Automatic redialing– connect to the Internet

via dial-up connection

• Abnormal activity– send/receive large

amount of data

• Uninvited toolbars– strange toolbars have

been added

How does spyware infect a computer?

• Internet advertisement

• File-sharing software• Pirated software• Fake spyware-

removal programs• E-mail attachments• Hackers

What does spyware do?

• Installation of ‘keystroke logging’ program

• Hijack internet browser / homepage

• Track Internet-surfing habits

• Hogs system’s memory, CPU cycles & Internet bandwidth

• Creates its own files, cookies, DDLs, registry key…

If you think your computer is infected with spyware

• Don’t take chances!

• Scan and remove them immediately

• Steps– download 2 spyware-removal programs– install and update separately– scan the entire computer– remove or quarantine the found spyware– repeat with another program

Anti-spyware programs

• 2 types:

• reactive programs can remove spyware that already lurks on the computer

• proactive programs can prevent entry of spyware by using a virtual shield

Reactive anti-spyware programs

• Ad-Aware free version

• www.lavasoftusa.com

• Spybot search and destroy

• www.safer-networking.org

Proactive anti-spyware programs

• spy sweeper• www.webroot.com

• etrust pestpatrol• www.ca.com

• McAfee antispyware• www.mcafee.com