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SPY WARE
what is it, and how to remove it

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The first step in blocking the first point of entry of unwanted spy ware.

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The 2nd step in keeping out unwanted spy ware


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Spy ware, Adware, key logger's, Tracking Cookies


What are they? what can they do? The answer is ANYTHING THEY WANT. A way for companies to track your every movement on the internet, Watch every key you press on your keyboard, and report back to them.

Compromise your internet security, and gain access to Any and ALL of your private information.

This will enable them to bombard you with either unwanted emails, or an annoying flood of pop up window advertising slowing down your internet connection/speed, or the worst possible scenario, gain access to your private information, such as bank account log in information, and empty your bank accounts !
All quite easy for them to do
 
They install these unwanted programs, onto your computer, and generally without, either your consent, or knowledge. Some of you no doubt wonder why, you set up a new email, and within a month at least, you start getting emails from companies you have no knowledge about.  Spy ware !

You go to a site and they offer this great program with all the bell's & whistles to help you out, and it is for free ! guess what, rarely is anything for free, especially on the internet.

Usually these free programs have hidden software, that if, (and i say if) it is listed in the install information, i will be surprised, will advise you that you are accepting their advertising software for their free program.

Read the Disclosure (Super Fine Print) during the install of your free software, don't just bypass and click 'yes' to their install agreements. If they state that they will be installing third party software, STOP THE INSTALL immediately.

If you have never had these invasive programs on your system, you don't know what it is like to open a normal browsing windows, and have two to three extra pop up windows open every 30 seconds or so, whilst you are surfing the net. And even some of the latest anti virus programs are struggling to stop them.

Your computer will become nothing but a slide show for these companies to advertise their goods on your computer screen, whilst you are trying to do some normal browsing, and if you are on a dial up internet service, this will nearly stop your windows from running due to the high content of visual graphics and animation they display on their pop up advertising windows.

 It isn't surprising that some programs don't want to be extracted from your system and some will try to sabotage your connection. They will even self re install before you get a chance to reboot your computer.
Free Software ?   Let's see !

GATOR HELPER

Your freeware software, i.e., free programs (rarely free on the internet?) with hidden software, such as 'gator' for just one example ! This is a software product that can automatically fill in passwords and other form-elements on Web pages.
 For this service it is accompanied by an advertising module called Offer Companion, which displays pop-up ads when visiting some Web sites. Gator states that since its software is always running, it constantly is offering advertising popup's...to us that means, not only is your computer Constantly being used for their gain, but, it slows down your process's running, and also slows down your internet browsing windows, by adding a flood of popup windows.
Whilst you are surfing the net, and especially if you are on a dial up connection, this will dramatically slow down the loading of your pages, as they are using your internet connection to load up pop up adds on your screen.



Just a few of the current nasties on the net !
KEY LOGGING
A Keylogger (KeyLogger, Key Logger, or Keystroke Logger) is a program that runs in the background, recording all the keystrokes. Once keystrokes are logged, they are hidden in the machine for later retrieval, or shipped raw to the attacker. The attacker then peruses them carefully in the hopes of either finding passwords, or possibly other useful information that could be used to compromise the system or be used in a social engineering attack. For example, a key logger will reveal the contents of all e-mail composed by the user.
  • Application Activity Logging - Track every application/executable that was executed and interacted with.
  • Clipboard Activity Logging  - Capture every text and image item that was sent to the clipboard on the remote (your) machine.
  • Keystroke Monitoring - Track all keystrokes pressed [including hidden system keys!] and which windows they were pressed in. Keystrokes can also be passed through a formatter for easy viewing/exporting.
  • Web sites Activity Logging  - Log all web sites that were accessed on the remote (your) machine.
  • Internet Conversation Logging  - Log both sides of all chat conversations for AOL/ICQ/MSN/AIM Instant Messengers, and view them in real time, as they are happening!
  • Window Activity Logging  - Capture information on every window interacted with.
  • Will secretly turn on video or audio recorders, and transmit what they capture over your internet connection.

AURORA
One of the strongest spy ware program's out on the net it appears today, even with some of the latest antispyware programs running, this malicious program has installed it's self in such a way as to avoid recognition, and deletion. If you like a flood of constant pop up windows to stop your browser from working, this is the one ! (note sarcasm).

CYDOOR
"The Cydoor Technologies delivers highly targeted advertising directly to desktops in advertising enabled software applications. Cydoor's SoftClick Optimization Engine ensures that advertising is delivered to the precise target audience. "

This program uses your internet connection to download ads and send out usage statistics. Removing this may cause your freeware programs to stop working. IT is nice knowing that they use your your internet connection to not only receive pop up ads, but also to send them information on statistics, and internet usage of what you are doing on the net. Totally slowing down your internet speed, and to use your system processor, for their gain.

Ist Toolbar
ISTbar is an IE toolbar, home page, and search-hijacker provided by Integrated Search Technologies/CDT Inc.
It uses its own toolbar code, which is aimed at its controlling server xxxtoolbar.com, and slotch.com; distribution is controlled by toolbarcash.com.

It has also devised a way to self propagate., i/e if your spy ware program detects it, and removes it, it will self reinstall  the next time you turn on your computer, EVERY TIME!
ISTbar also installs other parasites: both variants install porn pop-up producer RapidBlaster/lp; the Update variant is also known to install DownloadPlus.
There are too many to list, but this gives you an idea of what they are and how they leach  onto your system, and can infiltrate anything they desire, with no current legislation against them. (though there are discussions beginning, in certain government area's, to do something about this threat to everyone's security.

Removing & Blocking These Parasites
Here I will list, and continue to add, more information as it comes to light, from out on the internet. Clicking these links will open a new page to view. Just close that window when finished.

Block these spy ware companies from accessing your computer the HOSTS file.
This is the first and basic step, but not the only step to start with. A simple file to add to your computer will block these unwanted companies from gaining access to your computer system.

Antispyware software
This is the second basic step. Not all Anti Virus Programs detect Spy ware, and if they do, not all spy ware is recognized. This will open a new page to explore various options on which anti spyware to obtain.