Who's Spying On You?

Infected

Spyware installs itself on your computer in different ways.  A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today.

Spyware is also delivered via spam, when you open a malicious message or attachment.

Malicious web sites may install hijackers; these are browser plug-ins or helpers that monitor web pages as you view them and then replace banner ads or generate new pop-ups from advertisers that offer similar products who are paying royalties to the party responsible for the hijackers.

Identifying the source of spyware is especially difficult when it has been installed by "drive-by methods", given that users probably were not even aware that the spyware was being installed.

A plug-in is a software program that extends the capabilities of your Internet browser in a specific way. Not all browser plug-ins are harmful and some may be helpful. Browser hijackers commonly do one or more of the following

• Change your search page and pass all searches to a pay-per-search site
• Redirect your web searches to a disreputable search engine that delivers unwanted, often offensive search results
• Change your default home page to the advertiser’s page

Some spyware authors infect a system through security holes in the web browser or in other software. Most spyware is designed for Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer because the vast majority of computers use these technologies.  Since most spyware is built to take advantage of Explorer's weaknesses, using an alternative browser, such as Firefox, can help to keep the spyware out.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can tell if spyware is on your computer.  Spyware does not usually set out to harm or damage the computer; however, spyware will normally cause the computer to slow down or crash because of all the spyware programs running. 

The following symptoms may indicate that spyware is installed on your computer:

• Endless pop-up windows
• You are redirected to web sites other than the one you typed into your browser
• Unexpected toolbars appear in your web browser
• Unexpected icons appear on your desktop or in the task tray at the bottom of your screen
• Your browser's home page suddenly changes
• The search engine your browser opens when you click search has been changed
• Security programs, such as firewalls or anti-virus programs have been  disabled