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Virus Prevention: A Big Concern for Business
Five Tips for Spurning Spyware and Browser Hijackers
By Kim Komando
I regularly get e-mails from readers and listeners who have lost control of their browsers. They usually go something like this:
"My Internet browser has been taken over by something. When I try to do a search on Google or MSN, some other search program appears. I reset my home page, but somehow it always goes back to a pornography site. Please help me."
This person is the victim of a browser hijacker. The victim may have gone to a site that downloaded a program automatically. More likely, the victim downloaded a nasty program voluntarily.
These programs fall into the realm of "adware," or advertising-supported software, known more popularly as "spyware." At their most basic, spyware/adware programs feed you a bunch of ads. They often show up as pop-ups on your computer. Sometimes they are ads on Web pages.
Different companies use the terms "spyware" and "adware" differently. So, to avoid confusion, I use them synonymously. I consider any program that feeds you ads spyware/adware.
Some people use the term "spyware" to describe spying programs, such as keyloggers. They are a problem, but have nothing to do with advertising. So I am not including them in this column.
Here are five things to know and do when it comes to hassling with spyware/adware:
1. Watch
what you download! The absolute worst are the browser and search-engine
hijackers. They're intrusive and often difficult to delete. Sometimes, people
actually wipe their hard drives clean and start over again just to get rid
of them. Some are aimed at children, who may be more credulous than their
parents.
Occasionally, these programs arrive via a drive-by download. If you get one this way, you know two things: You're hanging out at the wrong places, and your copy of Windows needs to be updated.
A flaw was discovered in Internet Explorer in 2003 that allowed such hijackings. Microsoft has patched the flaw. Buy many people have failed to update their machines. Those who haven't need to visit this site.
However, most of these programs are downloaded intentionally. When you're surfing, you may see a message asking if you would like to download a special search engine or other supposedly helpful program, or change your home page. Smart computer users always say no. If you are uncertain of the program, do not download it!
Typically, these programs are geared to feed you advertising. When you attempt to go to Google for a search, for instance, these programs will redirect your browser to another site. You might get a search function, but it will be lame. And you can count on getting plenty of advertising.
2. Beware
of freeware programs; many come with a cost. The Internet has a great
tradition of free software. Over the years, there have been many wonderful
free programs offered. However, the authors of such programs often find themselves
making a living doing them. Therefore, they need an income.
Big advertising services companies offer them a deal. Include our program with your download, and we'll pay you. Usually, the presence of the spyware/adware is included in the user agreement for the freeware. Unfortunately, few people read those agreements. Besides, sometimes it's not clear. And sometimes, it just isn't there. "A majority of the time, it gets on the system without the knowledge of the user," says Bryson Gordon, a senior manager at McAfee Security.
These piggybackers fall into two categories. Some arrive with advertising, which they feed to you. They may be pop-ups, or they may be ads that appear on Web pages.
The more nefarious programs track your surfing. For instance, if you visit kayaking sites, they will note that. Then they feed that information to a computer on the Internet. First thing you know, your Web pages have kayaking ads on them. Or you start getting pop-ups offering kayaking equipment.
