Frequently
Asked QuestionsSpyware and Adware (Malware)
Definition
Ways Spyware and Adware are Spread
Signs of a Spyware and Adware Infestation
Prevention and Removal
Definition
Spyware and Adware are both examples of Malware. Malware is software designed to infiltrate and possibly harm a computer system, without the owner's consent or knowledge. Viruses and Trojan Horses are also considered examples of Malware. The difference with Spyware and Adware is that they are designed for-profit. They can monitor a user's web browsing, redirect users to an affiliate's website and display unwanted ads. Spyware is designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the informed consent of its owner or legitimate user. Adware is designed to display ads, with or without the computer operator's consent. Adware is different from advertising-supported software, in that advertising-supported software display ads as an alternate to charging fees for shareware and does not try to deceive the user (and lets the user know upfront that they will see the ads). Bonzai (Bonzi) Buddy, Gator software, Bargain Buddy, CoolWebSearch and 180 Solutions are all examples of Spyware.
Ways Spyware and Adware are Spread
Spyware and Adware do not spread in the same manner as computer viruses; they are installed either by exploiting a browser security breach (which is a very good reason to keep your patches up to date) or piggybacking along with the install of another software program (like a Trojan Horse). They are covertly installed during the installation of other software you want, such as music or video file sharing programs, or many freeware products.
Signs of a Spyware and Adware Infestation
- Computer seems sluggish or crashes - Spyware and Adware are using resources to run. They can cause significant CPU activity, disk usage and network traffic that can interfere with legitimate use of these resources. It can take much longer to start your computer.
- Links to programs stop working.
- You see pop-up advertisements all the time (even when not on the Internet)
- Settings get changed and they can't be changed back. For example, your internet home page gets changed or your browser search engine is different.
- Your web browser has additional components that you don't remember installing. This includes things like a new toolbar or icons.
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Prevention and Removal
- Use a Firewall
and AntiVirus software
- Update your software Patches
- Install an Anti-Spyware program or use the online tools, some examples are:
- Run the most recent Internet Explorer (version 8 currently), adjust your Internet Explorer settings, or use Mozilla Firefox to browse the Internet. See Security and privacy features in Internet Explorer and the Security and Privacy section in the Internet Explorer Help & How-to section
- Do Not click on Internet Popup windows warning you that your computer is insecure, you are being spied on or your clock is out of date. These are fake warnings to lure people into installing spyware or adware
- Do not open Email attachments unless you are expecting them and they are from people you know
- Do not share files with people you don't know or trust
- Read the End User License Agreement for ALL software you download and install
MalwareBytes (free - prevention and removal)
Windows Defender (free - prevention and removal)
Windows Maliious Software Removal Tool (free - removal)
Windows Live Safety Scanner (free online scanner - removal)
PC Tools' Spyware Doctor (purchase)