Glossary of Spyware
January 4, 2009 by Spyware Guru Nik
With so many different terms used to describe potentially harmful threats to your online privacy and safety, it can get rather confusing. Here is a short list of some of the most common terms.
Adware
Typically, adware components install alongside a shareware or freeware application and bring targeted advertisements to your computer. These advertisements create revenue for the software developer. Adware displays web-based advertisements through pop-up windows or through annoying advertising banners.
Browser Helper Object (BHO)
A Browser Helper Object (BHO) may appear as a helpful browser toolbar within Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). Malicious BHO’s can change your default home page to point to some other site or send histories of your web-browsing habits to third-parties for the purposes of targeted advertising.
Browser Hijackers
Browser hijackers can take control of your web browser. They may alter your browser settings or change your default home page to point to some other site and they are capable of sending personal information to third-parties. They may not be detected by firewall software as they are capable of appearing as part of IE itself. Due to the variety of functions a browser hijacker can possess, it can be categorized as a Trojan.
Dialers
Generally, this is software that is installed on your PC that dials a phone number. Some dialers connect to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are designed to provide genuine assistance. However, malicious dialers can attempt to connect you to long-distance or toll numbers without your consent, resulting in expensive phone bills. Dialers are frequently used by pornography websites. A dialer disconnects the user from a dial-up Internet connection, and reconnects them to another dial-up telephone number where the user is then billed at a very high rate.
Keyloggers
Also known as ‘key loggers’ or ‘keystroke loggers’, these are programs that run in the background on your computer and are capable of recording every keystroke you make on your keyboard. Keyloggers can store information, which could very well include personal details and passwords that you have typed into your computer, such that it can later be retrieved by third-parties.
Layered Service Provider (LSP)
LSPs are pieces of code that are used to monitor, intercept and control communication between WinSock and the Internet application that calls WinSock (e.g. your Internet Browser). Malicious LSPs can be used to steal information that you submit through the Internet.
Malware
A generic term used to encompass malicious spyware, including adware, Trojans, browser hijackers, keyloggers, dialers and tracking cookies. Malware is an encompassing term that also includes viruses, spyware, adware, worms, Trojan horses and other computer afflictions. According to Consumer Reports, spyware infections caused 850,000 people to replace their computers in the first half of 2007.
Spyware
A stealthy application that makes use of your Internet connection, gathering and transmitting information on various activities you conduct on your computer to third-parties. This information is often collected and sent without your knowledge or consent. Like adware, spyware often installs as a third-party component bundles with a freeware or shareware application, which can make the distinction between the two somewhat ambiguous. In some places on the Internet, you may also see ‘Spyware’ used as a generic term to encompass malware.
Tracking Cookies
Internet browsers write and read cookies, which are small text files with small amounts of data (such as web site settings)which are placed onto your computer by visiting certain web sites. In many cases, cookies provide a benefit to users as they can retain settings for when you next visit a web site. In some instances, however, cookies are used to consolidate and track your behaviour across different web sites, providing marketers with information about your web browsing habits.
Trojans
Like spyware, Trojans (also known as Trojan horses) can slip into your system and run without your knowledge. They are capable of possessing a variety of functions. For example, some use your computer’s modem to dial long-distance or toll numbers (like a dialer), potentially generating expensive phone bills. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans do not replicate themselves.
Remember - Clicking links in pop-ups or viewing e-mail messages with graphics or HTML can invite spyware into your system. Spyware is often bundled with useful or entertaining software, such as games. Most spyware comes from the Internet, but removable media is another source. Spyware is integrated into some commercial media, primarily software. Some Sony music CDs automatically install digital rights management software when inserted into computer CD-ROM drives. Sony’s intention was for the software to prevent users from copying and redistributing copyrighted material. However, many CDs installed rootkit cloaking software, which created a security hole in infected computers. Removing the software disabled CD drives. Sony’s first patch made the problem worse.
Some of the Apple Video iPods made in China inadvertently shipped with Windows malware. In Japan, promotional MP3 players distributed by the MacDonald’s hamburger chain contained data-stealing spyware. Apple iTunes for Windows contained a since-patched security vulnerability that enabled evildoers at remote locations to control a user’s computer.
There are several signs that spyware is on your computer system. Pop-up ads may appear whether or not you are browsing the Internet, your browser’s home page may be reset to a page you have not chosen, your Internet connection may be markedly slower, or you may notice new items in your startup menu. Some spyware and adware are browser plug-ins in the form of toolbars, which enable advertisers to redirect your home page. Many add unwanted bookmarks. More rarely, spyware can include a remote administration tool that can allow an attacker to control your computer. Spyware in the form of a key logger can record your keyboard strokes for later retrieval, but these are rare.
Always make sure your anti-spyware protection is up to date!
