Spyware

If you have used the Internet for any length of time at all, you are have probably been a victim of “spy ware”, software that is installed on your computer without your “informed” consent that takes partial control of your computer.  The vast majority of “spy ware” has some type of commercial purpose; usually a piece of software that ads some type of useful feature for “free” and the software publisher is rewarded with some type of advertising generating dollars.  These types of spy ware are mainstream, and some are actually quite useful.  For instance, while most wouldn’t classify the “Google toolbar” as spy ware, it does in fact collect information about where you browse the Internet and use this for statistical purposes and to deliver context based advertising to you when you search.  By the way, the “Google toolbar” is the only browser add-on I recommend… but you need to understand that it can be categorized as “spy ware”.

At VOLstate one of the most common problems we see with computers brought into our shop for repair is many instances of spy ware… some much more nefarious than others.  Commonly seen spy ware software are the following:  “Gator”, “Bargain Buddy” “When U Save”, are just a few examples.  Another popular and widely installed/infected software program is “Weather Bug”.

The above are common spy ware applications; some even considered useful and prized by users (such as “Weather Bug”).  However, many, many more spy ware applications are much more damaging to your computer and may be running without any “front-end” application at all.  These types of spy ware programs tend to take over your PC by intercepting your browser and changing the “home page”, allowing remote control of your computer by some other third party unknown to you, or even “key logging”, that is recording your key strokes when they and emailing the result without your knowledge to some other party.  As an example, a dangerous spy ware program may notice that you went to your bank website and begin key logging your username and password and account number and emailing that information to someone else.

Spy ware is a huge problem and all computer users need to use caution.  Never install a piece of software without fully understanding what it does and why.  Don’t install software that a friend emails to you.  Don’t trust and click website links in email.