Spyware, Viruses, and Online Privacy
We have all been using computers long enough to have some familiarity with the trouble spyware, pop-up adds, viruses and other similar nuances cause for computer users. Often times it seems as if computers are rendered unusable because of the detrimental effects some of the programs can have on the speed and processing power of a computer. In this post I'll be looking at many types of viruses and spyware programs, how they can be prevented, and exactly what this says about online privacy in this day and age.
The term "spyware" came into popular use in 2000 when the Internet and technology boom was really beginning to take off. The purpose of the software is to expose the infected computer to various forms of advertisement for a spyware company's own commercial gain. There are many ways that spyware attempts to install itself on a computer, all of which are involved with exploiting some sort of weakness in the computer's software.
One method used to infect a computer is known as "piggybacking". Many spyware programs will come bundled with a popular computer program. When the user installs the desired computer software, the spyware software will install simultaneously with the user ever being aware of its presence. Some popular computer programs which have been known to piggyback spyware are the file sharing programs kazaa and morpheus, past versions of AOL Instant Messenger, the popular turn-based strategy game Dope Wars, and even a program from the Sony BMG music company known as Extended Copy Protection. In 2005 this program caused a great amount of controversy. The Program was put on various music Cd's from Sony and was automatically installed on a computer when the user attempted to play the CD. The program interfered with the way the Windows operating system normally played Cd’s, which ultimately exploited some security flaws allowing spyware and other virus type programs to infect the computer.
A second way spyware is installed is through deception. Internet Explorer is commonly exploited in this way. Spyware programs will often imitate a Windows dialogue box and ask some question dealing with an out of date browser, or upgrades for faster safer browsing. Instead of the "yes" and "no" buttons having the desired effect, they instead act as links to download some sort of spyware. No matter which button is pressed it is a link to the spyware program.
Internet Explorer, and Windows are typically the most affected by spyware. This is because of a couple of reasons. The first is that the majority of computer users in the world are running on the Windows operating platform, and so it is more profitable for spyware companies to develop software for Windows and not other operating systems such as Linux or the Mac OSX.
Computer viruses are vastly different and far more malicious than spyware. The main differences are in the methods of transmission, and the effects on the computer. While spyware is spread through the Internet by programs and links, viruses need a host such as a floppy disk or a flash drive, or a network through which the virus can be sent. While the purpose of spyware is mainly for advertisement and commercial gain for a corporation, viruses are used to cause harm to computer programs by deleting or damaging files. Some viruses simply make themselves know by displaying text messages, audio or video. These viruses do no real damage, however they do take up space used by other vital programs causing poor computer performance. Another difference from spyware is that viruses can copy themselves and make a slight change, much like a biological virus from which the name is derived, making them very hard to locate and delete.
However unlike biological viruses, computer viruses are not born into existence through a random occurrence; they are man made. People make viruses for many different reasons. The majority are pranks and a form of computer vandalism. Some are political and attack corporations that produce a product the virus programmer may not agree with.
Many programs are available to combat the spread of viruses and spyware. For spyware programs like Ad-aware and Spy-bot locate spyware and quarantine or delete it. For viruses, MacAfee and Norton are two of the leading virus scan and protection programs. Other than programs and software, there are groups out there against the use of spyware and the creation of viruses. The Anti-Spyware Coalition is a group of computer companies, anti-spyware companies, and other consumer groups. Their purpose is to bring an awareness of the problem between the corporations so that an agreeable solution to the spyware and virus problem can be found. Some notable members of the coalition are Microsoft, AOL, Dell Computers, MacAfee, and Google.
Many see spyware as an invasion of privacy and rightfully so. For many, browsing the web is one of the few mediums of entertainment left where they can choose which websites to go to and see advertisements that they want to see. Spyware eliminates this. Aside from the inconveniences, it can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Viruses and spyware are often detrimental to a computer’s performance, which can cause the owner to spend hundreds of dollars and software to correct the problem, or thousands on a new computer. Many spyware programs and viruses have also been linked to identity theft through the copy of bank and credit card information. I think we can all agree that nothing is as private as ones identity, and to have that stolen is a blatant and malicious invasion of ones privacy.
The term "spyware" came into popular use in 2000 when the Internet and technology boom was really beginning to take off. The purpose of the software is to expose the infected computer to various forms of advertisement for a spyware company's own commercial gain. There are many ways that spyware attempts to install itself on a computer, all of which are involved with exploiting some sort of weakness in the computer's software.
One method used to infect a computer is known as "piggybacking". Many spyware programs will come bundled with a popular computer program. When the user installs the desired computer software, the spyware software will install simultaneously with the user ever being aware of its presence. Some popular computer programs which have been known to piggyback spyware are the file sharing programs kazaa and morpheus, past versions of AOL Instant Messenger, the popular turn-based strategy game Dope Wars, and even a program from the Sony BMG music company known as Extended Copy Protection. In 2005 this program caused a great amount of controversy. The Program was put on various music Cd's from Sony and was automatically installed on a computer when the user attempted to play the CD. The program interfered with the way the Windows operating system normally played Cd’s, which ultimately exploited some security flaws allowing spyware and other virus type programs to infect the computer.
A second way spyware is installed is through deception. Internet Explorer is commonly exploited in this way. Spyware programs will often imitate a Windows dialogue box and ask some question dealing with an out of date browser, or upgrades for faster safer browsing. Instead of the "yes" and "no" buttons having the desired effect, they instead act as links to download some sort of spyware. No matter which button is pressed it is a link to the spyware program.
Internet Explorer, and Windows are typically the most affected by spyware. This is because of a couple of reasons. The first is that the majority of computer users in the world are running on the Windows operating platform, and so it is more profitable for spyware companies to develop software for Windows and not other operating systems such as Linux or the Mac OSX.
Computer viruses are vastly different and far more malicious than spyware. The main differences are in the methods of transmission, and the effects on the computer. While spyware is spread through the Internet by programs and links, viruses need a host such as a floppy disk or a flash drive, or a network through which the virus can be sent. While the purpose of spyware is mainly for advertisement and commercial gain for a corporation, viruses are used to cause harm to computer programs by deleting or damaging files. Some viruses simply make themselves know by displaying text messages, audio or video. These viruses do no real damage, however they do take up space used by other vital programs causing poor computer performance. Another difference from spyware is that viruses can copy themselves and make a slight change, much like a biological virus from which the name is derived, making them very hard to locate and delete.
However unlike biological viruses, computer viruses are not born into existence through a random occurrence; they are man made. People make viruses for many different reasons. The majority are pranks and a form of computer vandalism. Some are political and attack corporations that produce a product the virus programmer may not agree with.
Many programs are available to combat the spread of viruses and spyware. For spyware programs like Ad-aware and Spy-bot locate spyware and quarantine or delete it. For viruses, MacAfee and Norton are two of the leading virus scan and protection programs. Other than programs and software, there are groups out there against the use of spyware and the creation of viruses. The Anti-Spyware Coalition is a group of computer companies, anti-spyware companies, and other consumer groups. Their purpose is to bring an awareness of the problem between the corporations so that an agreeable solution to the spyware and virus problem can be found. Some notable members of the coalition are Microsoft, AOL, Dell Computers, MacAfee, and Google.
Many see spyware as an invasion of privacy and rightfully so. For many, browsing the web is one of the few mediums of entertainment left where they can choose which websites to go to and see advertisements that they want to see. Spyware eliminates this. Aside from the inconveniences, it can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Viruses and spyware are often detrimental to a computer’s performance, which can cause the owner to spend hundreds of dollars and software to correct the problem, or thousands on a new computer. Many spyware programs and viruses have also been linked to identity theft through the copy of bank and credit card information. I think we can all agree that nothing is as private as ones identity, and to have that stolen is a blatant and malicious invasion of ones privacy.
posted by Kellen at
12:12 PM
9 Comments:
Nice post, Kellen. I really do hate spyware, it is never cool, and it never makes me want to buy their product. In fact, when companies advertise through spyware it makes me not want to buy their product. This is one of the reasons i love having a mac, no stupid spyware and you don't have to worry about viruses. I look forward to seeing your presentation
While you mention that some companies such as Dell and Microsoft are against the use of Spyware, are there any companies that are publicly for their use? One thing that really bugged me about Spyware, however, was what happened when I used Ad-Aware on my desktop. Because of some form of Spyware on my computer was located, Ad-Aware quarantined it and then wanted to reboot my computer. When I did, it wouldn't let me back into windows. I'd log in and then the computer would restart. Whether or not the Ad-Aware program was the reason or not, the true problem lies with Spyware. It needs to go and marketers need to find new ways of getting into our pockets through means of not hurting our technological lives.
Good post... you did a good job covering everything about this topic. I've heard SO many horror stories about this stuff. My brother fell for one of the AIM things where it says "Download this picture of me" that appears to be from one of his buddies. He downloaded it and opened it and it was a virus that completely killed his hard drive. A similar thing happened to my mom with a weather program that recorded her credit card number after purchasing stuff online. She had to cancel the card... The people who make these programs know all to well what they're doing and get away with it most of the time. Pretty scary...
I cannot stand companies or other entities that install spyware on personal computers, and I think that there should be better laws in place to stop it from happening. Luckily, I have been able to get rid of pretty much every virus or element of spyware/adware that has affected my computer. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone and it really can destroy the computer it affects. I would also be wary of those so-called "free to try" spyware scanners because it is possible that they install some spyware so it will detect it and cause you to buy their product and I wouldn't be too surprised if this was the case. Bottom line: I would love to see the end of spyware, adware, and viruses.
I never really knew that much about spyware or anything else...only that after letting a bunch of high school freshman that I used to teach mess around on my laptop using the internet for a while it never quite worked the same leading me to get a new laptop, eventually. Can't wait to see your presentation tomorrow, should be informative (and educational for me)
I agree that spyware is bad. metallicinflux- I know exactly what the problem you were having was- call me (202) 403-9581. Anyways, it makes sense that major computer companies would, by nature, be against the use of spyware. However, would it not benefit them more if people had to continually buy new computers from them because of such problems? It might almost benefit them, however I don't think enough computers could be sold to combat the anguish that this combined force of upset people would feel. A note about AIM links. No, you can't see where the link is really going to take you... but let me give you some insight. What people can do, is set up what's called a Backdoor Sub-7, by which they load a small virus file up into an FTP, and then either give you the link for it, or post it in their profile. They can disguise said link any way they want, and it could even look like "www.aol.com". So, what happens is, when you click the link, the virus is automatically downloaded into your temp files. Once it is there, the original planter now has full control of your entire computer. They can move your mouse, turn your monitor on and off, and steal anything you may have on the computer (that includes putting things ONTO your computer that either you don't want or might incriminate you somehow). This to me is a much scarier prospect than spyware, so think about how much you really trust the person on the other side of that chat window... when you go to click the link they just sent you.
I have had several bad cases of spyware. Specifically, I managed to get about.blank, twice. Managed to beat it both times, but we are talking like 5 hours of research and work to remove this spyware. It didn't affect performance that much, but while using full screen programs it would appear in the bottom right, often minimizing the program. Trust me that doesn't bode well for online FPSs.
So yeah, I really hate spyware and the companies that support it. I would love to join some sort of ban on products advertised via spyware.
Even beyond the annoying advertising, it is so dangerous to have spyware on your computer. It leaves a million back door entrances for viruses and pretty much negates even having anivirus software.
What I think is even more troublesome than spyware is the fact that idiots still can't help themselves from clicking on SWAT THE FLY! banner. Another thing is that people continue to use Internet Explorer instead of more secure browsers. When I see friends using it and I ask why they usually say 'It's easier'. It's also easier to get malicious software and popups put on their computer too. I really don't feel bad for people who can only be described as apathetic towards the entire process. If they don't want to secure their computer they shouldn't mind purchasing a new one.
Yea spyware kinda sucks. Its one of the reasons I never use IE and only use Firfox. Its another reason I switched to a mac :P but also although spyware can be annoying and dangerous it can also be useful. in your control you can use it to get a desired result. I remember using a lot of the tactics Kellen described. iveused keyloggers to gain access to computers and get info I needed. it want say... right but it helped me. so spyware may not be all bad.
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