So what is Spyware

First lets talk about adware. Adware is 'freeware', whereby ads
are embedded in the program. These ads will show up when
you open the program. Most adware authors provide the free
version with ads and a registered version whereby the ads are
disabled. As such, you the user have the choice, you either
use the freeware with ads served or you purchase the
registered version. Examples of adware are Divx the free
player, and download accelerator.

Spyware, however, is published as 'freeware' or as 'adware',
but the fact that an analysis and tracking program (which
reports your activities to the advertising providers' web site for
storage and analysis, the 'spyware' agent) is also installed on
your system when you install this so-called 'freeware', is
usually not mentioned. Even though the name may indicate so,
spyware is not an illegal type of software in any way (see our
analogy). But what the adware  and spyware providers do with
the collected information and what they're going to 'feed' you
with, is beyond your control.

Spyware threats come in different flavors. The spyware agent
can be malware (modifies system settings, and can perform
undesirable tasks on your system), hijacker (redirects your
browser to web sites), dialer (dials a service, most likely porn
sites, for which you are billed!), trojan horse (is attached to a
program, and performs undesirable tasks on your system),
collectware (collects information about you and your surfing
habits).

In addition to doing a detailed check of your browser history,
spyware can install DLLs and other executables files, send
continuous data to the parent, leave a backdoor open for
hackers to intercept your personal data or enter your
computer, can install other programs directly on to your
computer without your knowledge, can send/receive cookies to
other spyware programs and invite them into your computer
(even if you have cookies disabled), and they can add Trojan
horses to your system. Most spyware and adware programs
are independent executable files which take on the
authorization abilities of the victim. They include auto install
and auto update capabilities and can report on any attempts
to remove or modify them.

From the barely noticable to the downright malicious adware
and spyware are a plague of epic proportions that are causing
loss of productivity and network downtime worldwide. Beyond
viruses spyware is single greatest cause for troubletickets and
desktop support. As such it is imperative we get the public
educated on its removal and control as well as sponsor new
legislation to curb the flow of adware.

Unfourtunatley this is a two way street while we may be able to
put the brakes on US held adware companies such as Claria
and its like we are faced with the ever increasing influx of
adware from russia in the form of CWS and VX2. These
particular packages go beyond mere redirects to actually
making a computer useless if removed improperly. No amount
of legislation aside from trade restriction (which will never
happen) will curb those developers. Hence why education is so
crucial. As public awareness grows concerning adware
prevention and removal it becomes more difficult and thereby
less profitable for these companies to develop their "killer"
apps.