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In all, 150 computers were tested from business and domestic customers, only 15users had prior knowledge that their computer had a problem with spyware. 90 of thesystems had multiple infections, most of which included Trojan horses and viruses.70% of the computers tested had leading brand Anti-virus and Anti-spyware softwareinstalled. Often the active part of such software has been disabled by the spyware.When scanning the system the user is tricked into thinking that everything isworking correctly.
The causes of the infections varied, however most could be attributed to how thecomputer was used. Multiple user accounts were an issue. ParentÂ's user accountwould be used for researching the family tree or editing photographs. Whereas thechildren use the computer for downloading music files from peer to peer networks.Many infections stemmed from the childrenÂ's user account. When logged out the peerto peer software still allowed access to the rest of the Internet for file sharing.Legalities aside, peer to peer networks are known for the possibility of infectionand slowing Internet connections. One popular peer to peer sharing program installswith four spyware programs. User accounts also enable spyware to re generate andmake it harder for Anti-virus/Spyware programs to fully scan the system.
Some computers became infected during visits to websites that download softwaredirectly to your computer. Normally found on the  darker side of the Internet. Thewebsite would display a pop up box stating  your computer is infected with spyware,click here for more information or similar. The pop up box is actually asking theuser to agree to download software. The click disables a security function in theweb browser and the spyware installs. There are anti-spyware products that purportto rid a users system of such programs that are actually spyware. Although widelycovered in the media, spyware is a broader term for a range of problems that canaffect computers. From a simple tracking cookie; designed to collate where and howyou use the Internet to  invisible diallers programmed to dial an internationalpremium rate number if the computer connects to the internet with a modem or is useda fax machine.  Spyware on its own is just annoying but its presence on a computercan lead to Trojan programs that log keyboard entries and send the information to aremote computer. A recent type of spyware will hold files to ransom by encryptingthem, until a purchase is made on a specific website. DMS removed all infectionsand gave advice on avoiding re-infection. One computer owner stated  I had no ideathat my computer was at risk by downloading that program and I bank online . Spywarealso opens computers to viruses and worms hunting for ports left open by thespyware.
Identity theft is known to occur months after the information has been stolen. Notknowing about spyware on a computer can be identity suicide. Â This level ofnegligence about spyware and the inherent threat of identity theft, leads me toconcern over a potential of online crime to epic proportions and my fear is that thedamage may have already been done. Â proprietor David Kitchenham Duenna MediaServices.
Help is at hand, there are a number of free online scans that can detect and removespyware. DMS provides a free computer support website and free active onlineanti-spyware scan at www.dmscs.co.uk they also provide free diagnosis from theirshop in Marple, Cheshire. Call 0845 450 7377.
