Spyware -- often put under the label of malicious programs or malwares -- is the inevitable result of faster Internet services and optimized Internet marketing tricks. As most spywares remain undetected or, at least, treated as ordinary and harmless programs, they have become the most prevalent malware around. Indeed, spyware infiltration outranks worms and other trojan viruses as the most common cause of system malfunctions and computer infections.
It doesn't help that spyware programs are many and varied. In fact, according to the Spyware Information Center, there are several known and prevalent spyware classifications. Each kind is also prevalent in its own right and credits several system malfunctions to their name.
First among these spywares are the adware programs. Adwares display advertisements in the form of pop-ups without being solicited. Adwares like AdClicker, HotBar, Cydoor, MediaMotor, and Ezula are among the most popular adwares. Reported incidences of spyware using these programs amount to 0.24%, 0.29%, 0.29%, 0.40%, and 0.51%, respectively. Meanwhile, Nuvens -- the most popular and active adware -- is the cause of 0.70% of reported spyware incidences according to the SIC.
Although it is often considered as part of browser applications, BHOs or Browser Helper Objects are considered as spywares by the SIC. Rightly so because these programs function like spyware. They keep track and record the sites users visit using the Internet Explorer and other browser applications. Even Microsoft admits to using one to monitor the users' Internet activities. Through the use of these BHOs, advertisers and software publishers are able to place ads strategically and redirect browsing activity to advertising sites. Aside from this, BHOs can also change a computer's personal settings like firewalls and home pages. Popular BHOs include FlashGet and TopSearch which amount to 0.15% and 0.14% of reported spyware cases respectively.
The popularity and functionality of remote administration technology (RAT) also brought about a new range of spywares. Commercial RATs are susceptible to being abused without user approval, thus, making them instant spywares. Although minimal compared to the other percentages garnered by other spyware programs, the reported 0.53% of RAT-related spywares is still detrimental to most computer systems. Some commercial RATs often exploited as spywares are GoToMyPC, VNC, RAdmin, and LogMeIn.
Downloading is an integral part of the Internet experience but even this seemingly mindless task can function as a spyware conduit. Downloader-type spywares download, install, and execute programs without the user's consent. What's more insidious is that these downloaders are downloaded by the users unknowingly. Most common downloaders around are Beenut, Ac3, and the Trojan downloader. In general, downloader spywares comprise as much as two percent of the spyware cases reported to the SIC.
Hijackers are other forms of spywares which meddle with a computer's settings. In most cases, a hijacker spyware merely reroutes information and URL address requests to an invisible site. As a result of the rerouting, computers with hijackers load pages much slower. An estimate from the SIC suggests the hijackers comprise at least two percent of reported spyware cases.
Other than these virtually harmless spyware activities, some spywares are used as aids in crime. Keylogger spywares record key punches to track passwords, account numbers, and other sensitive information. Among the most dangerous spywares around, keyloggers stand for almost a percent of reported spyware cases.
Spyware prevalence in cyberspace is far-reaching. The only problem is, spywares are not easily detected or prevented. These numbers seem minimal but when the number of Internet users are considered, these percentages translate to thousands and millions of spyware-infected computers. Who knows? Even the one you're using might be spyware-infected.
>>> Next: Spies are not Humans
<<< Previous: History Of Spyware
All content on this site are copyrighted and protected by law. The reviews are written exclusively for userreviews.com. Distribution, copying and in any other way re-using this information for private or commercial purpose is forbidden.
|
