Spyware, key loggers and browser hijackers
Spyware is the generic name for all software that secretly nestles in your PC. Spyware is the spy in your computer, and it carries out its work in the background, unseen.
The work of the spy largely consists of gathering confidential information, but there are other possibilities too, such as constantly 'pushing' advertising through pop-up windows, even when you are not online.
Spyware is often installed along with other software downloaded from the Internet. It is usually dubious software, such as a peer-to-peer program (for illegal music downloads); the problem is not as great in the case of reliable software produced by the big companies.
Spyware can collect all kinds of information about you in the background. This information can be anything from fairly innocent data, such as a list of the websites you have visited, to confidential information such as user names and passwords, and, in extreme cases, even credit card numbers, which can be used to empty your bank account. The spyware will send this information to a central database from time to time, where your data are stored and sold.
Spyware is underestimated. Many PC users have become aware of the danger of viruses, and many run a virus scanner on their PC. Spyware is still seriously underestimated, though. It is a huge business, through which a huge amount of money can be made, by selling information.
Is spyware dangerous?
Spyware is usually just annoying. The programs run in the background, and to some extent slow your computer down. If you have a lot of spyware running, your computer can become very slow indeed. There is also the irritation of secondary activities, such as the appearance of pop-ups and banners.
Spyware is not, however, destructive (as opposed to viruses); the programs will never destroy the data on your computer, or damage your software. They just collect information about you.
And therein lies the greatest danger of spyware: spyware is a danger to your privacy, and in some cases, your bank account. So, you are best to be rid of it.
What are key loggers?
Key loggers are programs that run in the background (spyware) and record all your keystrokes. This means that somewhere in a file they ‘copy out’ the characters you have typed on your keyboard. They send these logs regularly to a central database.
This means that key loggers 'note down' everything you type, including confidential information, user names and passwords.
Key loggers pose the greatest threat when you are using a strange computer. If you look after your own PC well, and regularly check for spyware, you have little to fear.
You do not know, however, what sort of software is installed on a computer in an Internet café abroad. Be sure, therefore, that you type in as little in the way of confidential information as possible on a strange computer such as this, and if you check your mail on such a PC, change your password as soon as possible (when you get back home). The same problem arises when you log on to unknown, wireless networks.
At first sight it seems convenient to be able to log on to an open network, but in actual fact you do not know what, of the information sent, received and processed by your device, has been recorded. Therefore, be very wary when logging your device onto an unknown wireless network!
What are browser hijackers?
Browser hijackers are spyware programs that take over a part of your browser. For example, they install a search bar that you are unable to get rid of, or they keep changing your home page, so that you can no longer set it to the page of your choice. In the background they record confidential information and pass it on.
Many browser hijackers can be removed using anti-spyware programs. But prevention is better than cure: be alert and critical about what you click and install.