Spyware, Adware, Malware - Definition, Removal and Protection  

What is Spyware, Adware and Malware?

Spyware is code that finds its way onto a computer, gathers information from the computer and sends the information out across the internet without you knowing. It may do this in the form of some completely hidden code, or it may be part of a program that you thought was innocent, or it could plant itself as an extra toolbar within your internet browser. In its most harmless form, it may register which internet sites were visited for marketing and statistical purposes. At its worst, spyware could potentially record all your keystrokes, which could then be used to track which sites you visit, user names and passwords entered, and possibly even banking and credit card details from your internet banking and online sales transactions.

Adware is code that finds its way onto a computer with the purpose of displaying adverts, either in the form of pop-ups or by way of redirection to different web pages than those you intended to visit. Adware is often also spyware, and vice versa, so the terms spyware and adware are sometimes used interchangeably.

Malware is a term used to broadly describe all instances of code that can cause harm to your computer. This includes spyware, malware and all forms of computer viruses.

Your pc could get infected by malware by way of a malicious email attachment, from free software that you install that funds itself through adware advertising (in particular, be very wary of any free file sharing utilities), or through a program download when you surf the internet. You don’t have to click to accept a download onto your pc, you can actually have programs installed by simply just visiting a malicious site, which can happen via a pop-up window.

Some well-known offending freeware companies and programs that will actually install adware and spyware on your computer are listed here:

Ares, ATTune, AudioGalaxy, Aureaste/Radiate, BearShare, Bargain Buddy, BonzaiBUDDY; Brilliant Digital, DownloadPlus, Comet Cursor, CommonName, CyDoor, DLDER, eWallet, Gator, GAIN, Global Divx Player, GoZilla, Grokster, iMesh, Kazaa, LimewireNetpal, Morpheus, n-Case (msbb.exe), OfferCompanion, OnFlow, Trickler, Web3000, WebHancer, Webshots, Weather Bug.

If you know of any others, then do let us know so we can add them to the list.

Won’t my virus removal software protect and cleanse my pc?

Virus protection software is designed to detect and remove viruses, that may also include spyware or adware, but it is unlikely to give you complete protection against spyware. In addition to virus protecting software, you should install a spyware and adware detection and removal program.

How can I remove spyware and adware?

1. First ensure your virus software is up to date, scan your computer and remove any viruses, as some of them also double up as spyware. If you prefer, you can run an online virus scan.

2. Install and run Spybot Search and Destroy or Ad-Aware from Lavasoft to find and remove spyware and adware.

3. If you are still having problems after running Spybot or Ad-Aware, install and install and run HijackThis from Merijn, which is also freeware. This tool will investigate all the nooks and crannies of your pc and print out a detailed log file of hidden programs that may be running in the background without your knowledge and changes that may have been made to your internet browser. A log file is produced, which needs careful study to check which items are malicious, which can then be marked for cleansing. To identify which items are malicious, you can use the HijackThis Log Tutorial or post your log file to a support forum to let the experts advise you. CastleCops runs an excellent forum that specialises in the HijackThis logs. If you want general help on removing spyware and using any of the tools mentioned here, you can log a question in our technology forum.

4. Another useful tool, for advanced use, is the Bazooka™ Adware and Spyware Scanner, which is also freeware. It runs a lightening fast scan for spyware and adware entries, and then points you to instructions on the net for any items found, for how to remove the items manually.

5. If you like to stay at the forefront of technology, you may want to try out the beta version of Microsoft Windows Antispyware. (If you do try it out, then we'd love to hear from you as to what you think of it).

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