Spyware, Adware & Malware

Spyware, Adware&Malware • JEEP HOBSON • ITE-130 • SPRING 2007

Is software that collects your personal information about your user habits without your consent. SPYWARE

Techniques • Logging Keystrokes • Recording Internet Web Browsing History • Scanning Documents on the Computer’s Hard Disk

Purpose • Purposes range from overtly criminal ( the theft of passwords and financial details) to the merely annoying (recording Internet search history for targeted advertising, while consuming computer resources

Adware • Is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the programming is running • The ads can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen

Malware • Is a type of programming intended to cause harm • Malware is designed to send itself from your e-mail account to all the friends and colleagues in your address book

Infection • Results of malware infection include wasted resources, compromised systems, lack of regulatory compliance, lost or stolen data, and the loss if user and client confidence

Viruses Worms Trojans Spyware Browser Hijackers Common Types of Malware

Prevention • Programs have been developed in order to detect, quarantine, and remove ad-ware as well as spy-ware • Keep up-to-date security patches and operating system updates from Windows Update

Use an alternative web browser Install ad-blocking software Prevention

Spyware, Adware & Malware