What is spyware?
Any discussion of decreased computer performance usually contains the mention of spyware. These small and secretive pieces of software have become as commonly referenced as viruses and are far more plentiful today - both in their legal and illegal forms.
Spyware is defined as any program which installs on your computer (with or without your consent) and records your web surfing habits and preferences. The program then either reports the information back to an unknown company for marketing purposes or automatically alters your web browsing experience to generate more traffic to specific websites (this type of spyware is more commonly referred to as a browser hijacker).
Spyware is often grouped together with adware but the two are not the same. Adware delivers advertisements, usually with the user's consent in exchange for free use of a shareware program. Eudora email is an example of an adware application. However, some adware does create customised marketing to suit a user's browsing habits and delivers pop-up ads, spam and website redirects. Adware that collects and reports user information is classified as spyware. Spyware can also alter hosts files, install toolbars and even rewrite search engine results.
The first instance of spyware on record was found on Usenet during October 1995 and was a spoof on the Microsoft business model. Today, spyware is no laughing matter and can create serious problems with computer systems as well as affect productivity.
Since Internet Explorer is the most widely used web browser on the market, most spyware is written for it. The level at which Internet Explorer is interwoven throughout Microsoft Windows makes it ideal for spyware infection, allowing the malware to reach deep into the operating system where it becomes difficult to remove.
There are many ways that spyware can be installed on your system. One common method is to couple the spyware with a desirable application. For example, if you install messenger programs, file sharing programs or toolbars, they often load 'accessories' with them. Unless you use an advanced installation and deselect their companion programs, it is assumed that you have agreed to install the accompanying spyware.
It is not uncommon for these companies to make the associated spyware an integral part of their programs. So, if a user discovers the spyware and then uninstalls it, they will disable the software they originally wanted. The method may seem devious, but it is very effective because most computer users don't bother to read user agreements or explore their installation processes in-depth.
When we examine the less known and sometimes unscrupulous software companies, we find another method- installing spyware through deceit, using a trojan horse method. The user could simply click on a pop-up for anti-spyware products or an online game and be completely unaware that they have just installed spyware on their machine. There was even a case in the USA where an anti-spyware company was simultaneously installing malware on users' machines to increase their sales. Though they were successfully prosecuted, this has not deterred other companies from using the same unethical approach.
Despite the havoc these programs can wreak on your computer, spyware creators don't usually intend harm because the longer they can run their software on your machine undetected, the more money they can potentially make. So any associated system problems are more a by-product than by design.
Spyware programs are often so well hidden that users never notice they are there. It is normally when there are dozens and sometimes hundreds of these programs running on a computer that the user will notice a difference in performance. At this point, the computer may slow down so significantly that it is unable to perform normal tasks such as opening a word processor, or it could even crash altogether. The reason this occurs is because writers of spyware do not take the time to streamline their programs. These tiny programs can often use up significant amounts of system resources in proportion to the size of the actual spyware.
Still, users can take action to reduce the likelihood of loading spyware such as not clicking on pop-up ads, using advanced installation options when available and reading the user agreement before installing a program. Running anti-spyware software and performing regular system scans can also help to clean up the ones that slip past your defences. Though none of these will secure your computer 100%, but they can help to reduce the number of times your computer is exposed to these types of threats.