Spyware - Preventative Measures

Spyware is not a new thing, and appeared in a Usenext post around 1995.  At that time it's meaning was somewhat different to what it became in 2000 when the founder of Zone Labs, Gregor Freund mentioned it in a press statement.

Malware has become a major problem causing varying levels of problems to online commercial enterprises, government agencies, and the home computer user. Back in 2005 it was reported that around 60% of the people that took part had infected computers and approximately 90% were unaware of it's presence.

Due to the media attention given to data theft and credit card fraud, we would hope that most people would now be more aware of the dangers that could result from having poor internet security. Although as recently as 2006, Webroot, the manufacturers of Spy Sweeper, estimated that nine out of ten systems connected to the net are infected with some form of adware.

Many have laid the blame for this problem squarely at the door of Microsoft, as their Internet Explorers coding left a lot to be desired.

There is little doubt that there was a major issue with ActiveX? Browsers distributed by Microsoft before IE 7 would show a pop-up when an ActiveX required installation. Inexperienced users then thought that this was something that the operating system was telling them to install, would go ahead and allow the installation.

In many people's opinions this was a lack of foresight on the part of the programmers?Programming the browser in a manner that seems to assume that all activex installations are harmless would imply; lack of foresight, professional naivety or?

What Threat Does Spyware Pose?

It really depends on exactly what form of spyware you have on your system? Generally speaking it can do just about anything; track what websites you visit, activate other covert software installations, change the settings of your PC, and transmit data back to whoever initiated the primary install.

The ever increasing threat has spawned many competing companies who hope to capture a share of this lucrative and ever changing market. Fierce market competition means endless choices are available when choosing your security scanner, it could be said that so many available choices leads to confusion and they might be correct?

As with most fiercely contested markets there are products that are first class and should be seriously considered; others that may be good and might even be totally free, and a specific minority segment terned, "rogue spyware" which should be avoided like the plague!"

Rogue spyware is exacly what it sounds like. Instead of cleaning or protecting your home or office computer, it will actually infect it with some form of malware.It would be safer sticking to one of the better known companies like, Sunbelt software, the makers of Counterspy or Webroots Spy Sweeper.

There are others out there and everyone has their favorite.Whatever decision you come to, make it an informed decision.An infected PC could cause anything from mild annoyance to identity theft and havoc. Spyware can potentially cause so much damage that it is a mistake to treat it lightly, do so at your own peril.