Spyware and computer security

Submitted by: johnbrown

Spyware is a malicious software application or software code that is designed specifically to steal the user's personal information like credit card details, social security numbers, passwords, etc. or to keep an eye on the computer user's online activities. Spyware is generally written so that it installs itself without the computer user's knowledge and in majority of the situations the user may not even be aware about the fact that his/her online activities are being recorded and monitored. Many spyware programs can also hijack browser settings, display unwanted popup advertisements and download and install other software, computer viruses or other malicious spyware applications. Spyware deletion can be sometimes challenging because the files are often hidden to the layman user.

In the late 90s the word "spyware" meant computer hardware that was meant for espionage. However, after it was mentioned in a press release in late 2000 by Gregor Freud, a security expert at Zone Labs, the word has taken on its present day significance. Today, almost all the people who are familiar with computers and the Internet might be aware of virus programs, spyware and trojans.

Spyware commonly install themselves by utilizing loopholes in the operating system or when the computer user unknowingly downloads infested or "tagged" from CDs. The key difference between viruses and spyware is that unlike virus programs, spyware do not replicate i.e. make copies of themselves and spread to other computers. Some trojan horses also download and install spyware programs without the user's consent.

Windows is more weak to spyware applications and other such malware. Apple MacOS X and other OSes like Linux and FreeBSD derivatives are less vulnerable compared to Windows Xp. There are differing views as to why there are few spyware applications aiming GNU/linux and FreeBSD. Some security experts that these operating systems are inherently less vulnerable and it is difficult to program applications to function on these. Other security analysts claim that since the market share of these platforms is much lower when compared with Microsoft Windows, spyware writers do not consider it worthwhile to program spyware applications aimed at these operating systems.

If you use a Windows based personal computer, it is recommended to periodically install updates to your operating system to protect yourself from spyware and other virus programs. Software updates contain fixes and patches to software vulnerabilities. It is also recommended to install and use a better browser like Firefox or Opera instead of the default Internet Explorer. These web browsers are more safe and can help you in keeping your system spyware free.

You should also download and install a genuine virus remover and install updates regularly. Most good anti-virus tools can detect spyware and related malware. However, you may also install an anti-spyware software along with virus removal software for added security. A software firewall should also be installed. Most anti-virus packages or Internet security suites, as they are known, come with a firewall.