Review of AntiSpyware Solutions
Spyware is the Internet’s latest security threat. It is not a mere annoyance alone, as it affects not just your Computer or data, but could affect your personal finances as well! These are programs that install themselves onto your Computer when you are browsing the Internet, without obtaining your permission to do so. Along with Viruses, they form the most dangerous threat to your machine and you, today. To add to the problem, Spyware are not as easy to remove as Viruses. Mercifully, Spyware is not yet as big a worry as Viruses or Spam mail, though the menace is definitely growing at a fast clip... Other terms used for this category of "Nuisanceware" are " Adware" and "Malware". Adware operates by showing you advertisements, usually when you run the Spyware-containing program. On the other hand, Malware is the term described for software that does not perform or performs inefficiently, while operating silently in the background, collecting vital information from your computer, as you continue to work without any worries at all… Whatever be the vehicle of entry into your computer, Spyware are built with the purpose of collecting vital information about you and sending it out to its makers, surreptitiously.
While Cookies too are installed when you visit certain websites, the difference is that cookies are usually used to determine whether you have been to the site before, while Spyware are used for far more dangerous purposes. Spyware are written to track your browsing habits. Here are a few possible scenarios:
You plan to purchase an apartment at City X and therefore, visit a number of websites that deal with real estate. If your computer is affected by spyware, this would be noted and the URLs (website addresses) of the sites you visit would be sent to the makers of the spyware. You could end up receiving a number of unwelcome mail shortly after that - mail advertising apartments at what may seem to be incredibly attractive prices (but isn't attractive at all, in fact!) to mail advertising software, drugs, 'wonder medicines' for populating a bald head, etc.!
You use your computer to pay your utility bills online, using your Credit Card. If your computer is infected by spyware, your Credit Card details could be picked up by 'Keyloggers' (Keyloggers pick up every key you strike on your keyboard, including your Credit Card user name, UPIN Number and its date of expiry - which is all the information anyone needs, to use it online!) If this happens, anyone can use YOUR credit card to make online purchases, even though they do not physically possess your credit card! Worse, you would come to know of the 'theft' only when your credit card statement comes in at the end of the month, with little or zero chances of ever catching the thief!
You use your computer to check your bank balance, over the bank's secure link. However, if your computer is infected by spyware, your user name, password, bank account number and other details could easily be captured by the spyware, while you log into your bank account. Once this information reaches the makers of the spyware, (s)he would be in a position to transfer money from your account to his/ her account, anytime they wish to do so! Again, you would know that you have been robbed, only when you check your bank balance and notice the fake transaction!
So what do you do - stop using Computers and the Internet completely? You might as well stop walking on the roads, isn't it, for you could be mugged or run over! No - the solution is to use AntiSpyware, a class of software solutions designed to identify and remove all spyware on your computers and to stop the entry of new ones as well!
A word here - not all spyware are malignant. In fact, reliable vendors such as hp, Logitech and Dell install software onto their products, so that they may remind you that the warranty on their products is expiring. Today's genre of AntiSpyware understand such harmless Spyware and do not raise an alarm, when they come across such pieces of software code on your computer.
Viruses were the first man-made pests to affect the world of computing and first appeared in the mid 1980s. Spyware is a much more recent phenomenon, having appeared on the scene in the late 1990s. Viruses and Spyware are similar in many respects, yet quite different in others. Hence, they are considered as different threats by Computer professionals. Let us look at the similarities first:
Similarities between Viruses and Spyware:
Both Viruses and Spyware are created by malicious persons/ organizations. Both are software code that, when run on a Computer, cause the Computer to behave unexpectedly
You need to guard your computer (and yourself) constantly against both varieties of threats
Both Viruses and Spyware slow down your Computer. Sometimes, making them so slow, that you could tear your hair out in frustration!
While Viruses are generally easier to create - schoolkids have been known to create viruses, creating Spyware requires more skills
Both Viruses and Spyware are harmful. You could get involved in lengthy legal hassles (depending on the Cyber Laws of your country), if your Computer is affected by Viruses or Spyware, even if you are completely innocent!
Both Viruses and Spyware have quite effective antidotes (solutions). You MUST purchase these solutions - DO NOT pirate these! Again, purchasing and installing them alone isn't sufficient; you must update them as and when the vendors of your Antivirus and AntiSpyware solutions release updates and/ or patches. If you do not update them regularly, your Computer will be susceptible to all Viruses and Spyware that are released since the date of your last update!
Differences between Viruses and Spyware: Method of distribution and infection
Viruses: Today, Viruses are mostly transmitted over e-Mail. One common method is to send them as e-Mail attachments - if you open them, the malicious code gets deployed on your Computer. The other common method is to send you links in your e-Mail: if you click on the link, you are taken to a website that affects your Computer.
Spyware: On the other hand, Spyware is rarely distributed as e-Mail attachments. More common methods of distributing Spyware are as links in e-Mail you receive, as well as through Junk Software Programs. These junk software promise wonderful things, however, in reality, they are merely a ruse to get you to download their spyware! Therefore, if you are in the habit of downloading software programs from various kinds of sites, you are a prime candidate for Spyware!
Differences between Viruses and Spyware: Types of damage caused
Viruses: Typically, Viruses send out thousands of e-Mail over your Internet connection, using the tiny SMTP (mail-sending) engines built into them. They pick up e-Mail addresses randomly from your e-Mail client (Outlook/ Outlook Express/ Eudora. etc.) and shoot off a randomly-worded mail. This slows down your Computer and may even cause your e-Mail service provider to suspend your e-Mail domain! Other types of Virus actions include deleting one or all files on your Hard Disk, repeatedly causing your Computer to reboot, etc.
Spyware: Spyware could cause you much more grief, in comparison with Viruses. What would you feel if someone had access to your Bank Account details, Credit Card information and other financial stuff? What if the person used YOUR money for his/ her needs? All this without you suspecting anything at all! Well, this is precisely what some of the more dangerous Spyware do... They ferret out your personal information, plus your address, mobile phone number, e-Mail address and whatever else you may have stored on your Computer. This information is then streamed out to the developers of the Spyware, right under your nose! Spyware rarely cause system slow-downs or crashes as they are not targeted to attack your Computer or your system files - they are targeted to attack YOU by tricking you to part with your sensitive financial information!
Differences between Viruses and Spyware: Types of Solutions
Viruses: Viruses are checked by Antivirus solutions. Some of the most prominent Antivirus solutions are;
Norton Antivirus (http://www.symantec.com/index.jsp)
McAfee Antivirus (http://www.mcafee.com/us)
AVG Antivirus (http://www.grisoft.com)
BitDefender (http://www.bitdefender.com)
Spyware: Spyware are checked by AntiSpyware solutions. Some of the prominent AntiSpyware solutions are;
Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security (http://www.symantec.com/index.jsp)
McAfee Total Protection & Site Advisor Plus (http://www.mcafee.com/us)
AVG Internet Security (http://www.grisoft.com)
SpyBot Search & Destroy (http://www.spybot.com/index2.html)
A few products like Norton 360 offer protection against both Viruses and Spyware. However most solutions developers develop separate solutions for Viruses and Spyware.
Clearly, there are huge pickings in stealing unsuspecting people’s Credit Card, Paypal or Bank account information! Spyware creators target unsuspecting computer users and steal this information, using it to gain access to their funds! Unsuspecting users would know that their money is being used by someone else, only when huge holes appear in their Credit Card statement/ Paypal account/ Bank balance!
Some of the symptoms that your computer (or one of the computers that you are in the habit of using) is compromised is:
Your computer suddenly becomes very slow
Your computer begins to crash often and crashes without any apparent reason
Pop-up advertisements appear - sometimes even after you close your Browser
Your Browser’s Home Page is changed, without your knowledge or consent
Your Browser’s Search Engine is changed without your knowledge or consent
You find new Icons that you did not install, on your Desktop or TaskBar or Browser
You will also start receiving an increased number of e-mail that address you by name, as if the sender knew you personally! That is when Spyware has already collected information about you! This is a sure sign that your computer needs a Spyware check immediately!
Finally (and we pray you never get to see this happen!!) you can be sure your computer is compromised, if there are inexplicable (and usually large) purchases that you have made with your Credit Card, find a large sum of money withdrawn from your Bank account (and you do not having the foggiest idea of having withdrawn/ spent the money!!) or find that your Paypal funds have strangely and suddenly gone down!!
To draw a scary (but perfectly correct) parallel, it is like handing over your Credit Card to someone you do not know at all!
It is impossible to say whether a program you have purchased from a store or downloaded from the Internet contains Spyware, merely by looking at it. However, AntiSpyware and AntiVirus programs, if installed and up-to-date, will scan the downloaded file and issue a warning, if it is infected.
This is an easy one: the problem of Spyware is definitely getting worse. Not only are more Spyware doing the rounds, they use more difficult-to-detect technologies as well.
Certainly. Both Viruses and Spyware are installed surreptitiously onto your Computer.
The most common method adopted by Spyware creators is to covertly have their hideous creations install themselves on your computer, when you install other programs – such as Music or Video sharing programs. One of the most common techniques adopted by Spyware makers to dig into your confidential information is called Keylogging, i.e., intercepting the passwords that you type in, when you log into confidential sites - for example, your Credit Card/ Bank/ Paypal account.
Another
method adopted by Spyware is by collecting the URLs of the sites you visit, so
as to analyze your browsing habits and target you with advertisements that the
Spyware deems fit!
Yet another method used by Spyware is to scan documents on a computer's hard disk. This information is used by the makers of Spyware to rob the user of his/ her money or conduct other illegal activities. Targeting the user for advertisements based on data on the user’s hard disk (under the assumption that the user would be tempted to go in for the products or services offered by such targeted advertisements) is one of the least harmful faces of Spyware!
Not
at all! Not all advertisement-inclusive software are Spyware – you may
actually prefer to let a few advertisements appear when you run a software, for
example if it makes the software significantly cheaper - or even completely
free! However if the software goes about collecting your confidential
information or begins to track your browsing habits or does nefarious stuff –
without your explicit consent or even knowledge, it certainly isn’t up to any
good!
As
mentioned earlier, many well-known companies incorporate 'Spyware' into their
products. For example, if you purchase a hp Printer, the installation program
tracks the date you installed the product, so as to remind you that its warranty
is due to expire, 30 days before expiry. Although they are technically Spyware
since they do not have the explicit sanction of the user, they are not really
spyware, as they do not harm you in any way. As
long as the data isn’t used to dupe you of your money or peace of mind,
calling it Spyware would be too harsh!
For more information on Spyware, check out the link, http://www.antispywarecoalition.org/documents/DefinitionsJune292006.htm
Unfortunately,
unlike Viruses, Spyware are not easy to get rid of, once they get into your
system.
Keep your Windows Firewall turned on – it will protect your system from hackers trying to get into your system and taking control of it. For more information on how to turn on your Windows XP System’s Firewall, visit the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/sniff/firewall_sniff_xpsp2.mspx
Some AntiSpyware programs (like Norton 360) turn off the Windows Firewall and turn on their own Firewall. It is better to let the specialized program's Firewall run and turn off Windows' Firewall
Do not visit sleazy sites or sites that promise you unbelievable bargains – for example free copies of popular commercial software/ free copies of the latest desktop operating system or other expensive software!
When installing software downloaded from the Internet, make sure you read the EULA (End-user License Agreement). Check out whether the software is Adware (i.e., whether it is supports Advertisements). If it is Adware, read carefully and satisfy yourself that you are okay with the conditions, before installing it
Make sure you run one of the following AntiSpyware Programs:
Norton 360 (Commercialware). You can download its time-limited Trialware and purchase it after 30 days, before it expires
Norton Internet Security (Commercialware). You can download its time-limited Trialware and purchase it after 30 days, before it expires
SpyBot (Freeware)
AVG AntiSpyware (Both Time-limited Freeware and Commercial versions are available)
Windows Defender (Freeware – just make sure your copy of Windows is genuine, otherwise you cannot download/ install it!)
Merely
running an AntiSpyware program isn’t sufficient. With new Spyware being
created all the time, your AntiSpyware program definitions need to be updated.
Check weekly – more frequently if you can – for updates to your AntiSpyware
program and install them as soon as possible. Remember, your computer is not
safe against the latest Spyware, if your Spyware definitions are not the most
current one!
In the wake of the explosion of Spyware today, an industry segment dedicated to developing Anti Spyware products has risen. A number of specialist AntiSpyware programs are available, apart from the five mentioned above. The products of this industry help users prevent Spyware from infecting their systems as well as help unfortunate owners of compromised systems to fight back and clean the existing Spyware on their systems.
Like in the case of Viruses, you need to be constantly on the alert against Spyware. There are no ways to predict Spyware break-outs!
As mentioned a few paragraphs ago, the following are the Anti Spyware solutions that are currently available:
Norton Internet Security
Norton 360
SpyBot
AVG AntiSpyware
Windows Defender
The Table below compares the features of each of these, so that you are in a position to decide what you need to purchase:
|
Parameter |
Best Price US$ |
Ease of Install |
Effectiveness |
Patch frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Norton 360 |
US$ 80 |
Very Simple |
Most effective |
Almost daily |
|
Norton Internet Security |
US$ 70 |
Very Simple |
Most effective |
Almost daily |
|
SpyBot |
Free |
Simple |
Somewhat effective |
Very Irregular |
|
AVG |
Free & US$ 30 versions available |
Very Simple |
Most effective |
Almost daily |
|
Windows Defender |
Free, if your copy of Windows is Genuine. Else, you cannot even download it! |
Very Simple |
Effective |
Almost daily |
|
Norton AntiBot |
US$ 30 |
We are yet to review Norton AntiBot - bookmark us and visit us soon, for our detailed and unbiased review of the product! |
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Norton 360 features:
AntiVirus, AntiSpyware blocking & repair
Protection against a wide range of threats - known and unknown
1 year protection for up to 3 household PCs
e-Mail Scanning
Anti Phishing
Online Identity protection
Web site authentication preventing user from visiting phonies of their favorite sites
Software Firewall protection
Automatic data backup and storage
PC performance tune-ups
2 GB secured online storage
AntiSpam and Parental Controls availability as add-ons
Live Update alerts for new features, product updates and threat advisories, as and when available
Designed to work with Internet Explorer - no support for Firefox/ Opera/ Apple Safari for Windows/ Mozilla Flock/ Netscape
With Internet Explorer 8 (Beta), Norton 360 keeps losing the Phishing Filter. IE's built-in Anti Phishing Filter knocks out Norton 360's filter. Symantec needs to correct quickly
Available in Standard and Professional editions. Professional edition offers 10 GB backup space, while Standard edition offers 2 GB space
Norton Internet Security features:
Detects and blocks Spyware, Viruses, and Adware
Automatically blocks intruders and identity thieves
Automatically blocks intruders and identity thieves
Automatically filters spam and dangerous phishing email
Blocks Web sites you don’t want your children to visit
Gives you control over all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic
Automatically scans email and instant-message attachments and removes viruses, Trojan horses, and worms
Includes Norton AntiVirus, Norton Personal Firewall, Norton Privacy Control, Norton AntiSpam, and Norton Parental Control
Designed to work with Internet Explorer - no support for Firefox/ Opera/ Apple Safari for Windows/ Mozilla Flock/ Netscape
Link: http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nis2007
AVG AntiSpyware features:
The freeware version of AVG AntiSpyware has the following features:
Ease of use
Daily database updates
Heuristics to detect and block unknown threats
Automatic cleaning engine
The commercial version of AVG AntiSpyware has the following additional features:
Automatic online updates
Real-time monitoring of the entire Computer
Self-protection at Kernel layer, guaranteeing gapless monitoring of performance
Link: http://www1.grisoft.com/doc/products-avg-internet-security-freecnv/us/crp/0
Windows Defender features:
Protection against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by Spyware and other unwanted software.
Real-Time Protection
Monitoring system that recommends actions against Spyware when it's detected and minimizes Computer down-time
Link: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Norton AntiBot features:
New Kid on the block, developed by a veteran company. Stay tuned for our detailed, unbiased review of the product!
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WellOiledPC Recommendation on AntiSpyware: Our analysis definitely suggests that Norton 360 is the best AntiSpyware solution as of now. Symantec, its creators, have a very long history of producing security products (AntiVirus products), dating back to the days of DOS. Their pedigree is excellent, Norton 360 is an excellent all-round product for Spyware protection, with the maximum number of features. At second spot, we rate Norton Internet Security.
At third spot, we have the commercial version of AVG AntiSpyware. It boasts of excellent AntiSpam services and excellent update services. You should go in for the free AntiSpyware or the free version of AVG only if you are really strapped for cash. It is your Computer and your interests that are at stake and a freeware product is after all freeware!
Windows Defender has limited capabilities, though if you are looking for something to protect your Computer against Spyware alone, it is an excellent and free solution. Unlike the Norton products though, it does not bundle with it the ability to fight off a number of other Internet-based threats. |
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