Previously we have looked at malware and viruses (part 1), and trojans and cookies (part 2). This time we look at general spyware and rootkits.

Spyware:

The spyware problem is similar to the cookie problem from the point of view that both are an invasion of privacy, although spyware is different from cookies, technically speaking. Spyware is a program that runs on your computer and, again, tracks your habits and tailors these patterns for advertisements, etc. Because it is a computer program rather than just a bit of text in a cookie, spyware can also do some nasty things to ensure that the spyware keeps running and keeps influencing what you see.

Spyware programs have to be downloaded in order to work, however they are commonly downloaded without the user knowing. Common tactics for surreptitious installation include rolling up advertising programs into “free” shareware program downloads, and once the spyware is installed it can download advertisements 24 hours a day and overlay them on websites and programs you are using.

Some forms of spyware monitor a target’s Web use or even general computer use and sends this information back to the spyware program’s authors for use as they see fit. Other forms of spyware take over parts of your Web browsing interface, forcing you to use their own search engines, where they can track your browsing habits and send pop-up advertisements to you at will.

The biggest concern regarding spyware is that most of them are poorly written or designed. Many people first realize their computer is running spyware when it noticeably slows down or stops responding, especially when doing certain tasks such as browsing websites or retrieving e-mail. In addition, poorly written spyware can often cause your computer to function incorrectly even after it has been removed.
Rootkit:

A rootkit is a collection of malware and other tools which use stealth technology to keep themselves hidden from the user and often even from the operating system. It enables an attacker to have “root” (administrator) access to the computer. For example, it can intercept requests to a file manager such as Explorer and cause it to keep certain files hidden from display, even reporting false file counts and sizes to the user. Because rootkits can use stealth technology and hide themselves from both the user and the operating system they are generally very hard to get rid of. Specialist sotware tools are required.

Next time we look at the latest trends and how we can protect ourselves from the huge arsenal of online threats.