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SPYWARE
2nd Quarter 2006 NEWS Definition: Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else Spyware continues to be a constant battle on corporate, home office and home computers. There are many claims of products that say they can remove the spyware when in fact they infect the machine with more spyware. Our inside advice on this to use a company product with brand recognition.
The advantage of the Microsoft Anti-Spyware product is that is runs in defense and constantly monitors for spyware. Other products require that the user run the product on a frequent basis. The following products are ones we have found to be the imposters that trick you into purchasing a product that adds spyware to your computer. DO NOT use these products (SpySheriff, Surfsidekick and Aurora). Some of these products embed themselves deep into the registry and the only sure way to remove them is to format the machine and reload the operating system and applications. |
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We recommend the use of Microsoft Anti-Spyware that is a
free product available by download. This product does not find all spyware as it
is a constant battle just like a virus. Spyware creators are working diligently
on creating ways to get around the controls that are put in place.
