Spyware Software: An Introduction To The Internet Monitor.Just as a spy performs his tasks secretly and relays the information acquired to his master discreetly without the users knowledge there are certain softwares which get installed on a computer and monitor the users actions. This is the simplest form of spyware software. The advanced versions apart from monitoring the user also perform additional tasks such as installing some other softwares, redirecting web browser activity and the worst being, diverting advertising revenue to some other destination than the actual one intended. Initially identified in 1995, this phenomenon began assuming gigantic proportions in a years time and today affects just about every computer. This is particularly severe on computers using the windows operating system. Also the wide spread use of internet explorer as a browser and its close amalgamation with the windows operating system enables such spyware software to embed itself implicitly in discreet locations from where it performs its tasks. It begins to reside in such locations which further enable it to evade attempts to eliminate it. Spyware has resulted in another trend called Adware. In this the spyware software tracks the users activities and provides him with sites and advertisements related to his field of interest. This is generally a pain in the neck to users however at times could prove to be beneficial.Spyware has also resulted in an enormous anti-spyware industry. Their main aim is to remove the spyware software or prevent them from installing and functioning in the computer.
Spyware unlike viruses does not cause direct harm to the computer and the information stored in it. Also it does not self replicate. However it indirectly wreaks havoc by bombarding the user with a number of uncalled for pop-up advertisements. It can also steal the users personal information and monitor the sites he visits. Sometimes the site requests are diverted through advertising sites in a revenue generating move. What is even more concerning to the general user is the number of spy processes running simultaneously take up plenty of the processors time and cause the computer to function at a snails pace. Also certain processes may disable certain security settings or disable certain firewalls which make the system prone to virus attacks. Certain spyware software also reset the modem specifications resulting in it dialling a normal telephone number instead of the actual ISP. This results in a sudden spurt in the internet usage charges. Certain pop-up advertisements keep flickering on the screen and are an immense distraction and hassle to a user. This takes a new hazardous dimension when the pop-ups turn out to be related to offensive or vulgar sites. Some spyware software also replace the advertisements on a site which are permitted to be there as they pay the site owners with certain advertisements that fund the spyware operators. Thus spyware is gradually turning to become a major menace and massive steps are being undertaken to rid the internet of this scum. |