Spyware/Adware

DEFINITION

Spyware and adware are closely related threats. Spyware is any piece of software, installed or employed without your knowledge, that watches, logs, and reports on your electronic movements. Spyware can track your personal information (name and address, for example); your demographic information (your age and gender, for example); and your psychosocial information (your stance on current issues). It comprises the following subset of technologies:

  • Keyloggers – software that tracks your keyboard strokes for the purposes of logging the web sites you visit, or for recording your passwords.
  • Screen–capture technologies – software that periodically takes screen shots of your desktop and can record information such as your login name(s).
  • Event loggers – nefarious software which reports on the web sites you visit, or any other similar effort to collect demographic intelligence (generally for adware targeting).

Commercial spyware sells the information it collects to marketing entities; criminal spyware uses it to steal your identity—one of the most powerful threats facing consumers today.


Adware is software that generates electronic advertisements—such as pop-ups or Web links—without your consent. In many instances, adware employs information gathered via spyware to display highly targeted messaging based on your personal preferences and habits—a subset Trend Micro calls grayware.

Spyware and adware usually are installed surreptitiously via back-door Trojans horse programs, or as part of a desired program (such as a free email client or file-sharing program) you willingly download. Both can expose your PC to other vulnerabilities.


HOW TO TELL IF YOU’VE BEEN TARGETED BY SPYWARE/ADWARE

  • The most common indication of spyware/adware infection is a general system slowdown. However, today’s machines are so powerful that such slowdowns can be virtually unnoticeable.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PCS AND MOBILE DEVICES FROM SPYWARE/ADWARE

  • Be vigilant—and selective—about what programs you download, install, and store on your computer. Read all end-user license agreements (EULAs) carefully to be sure you are not agreeing to install unwanted software.
  • Be equally vigilant about what web sites you visit. Free gaming, music download, and adult content sites are notorious distributors of spyware and adware.
  • Install and regularly run Internet security software that includes antivirus and anti-spyware components. Trend Micro offers the following anti-spyware solutions for individual users: Trend Micro Internet Security , and Trend Micro Anti-Spyware.
  • Keep all Internet security patches up to date.
  • Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see what level of protection is provided against spyware and adware.

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