Are there spies lurking in your PC?

‘Spyware’ is a computer program that secretly sends confidential information to another computer

30 05 2004 United Kingdom

Viruses, Trojan Horses, worms and many others can attack you PC via the Internet. So you have anti-virus software and a firewall, right? Read on . . . .

‘Spyware’ is a type of computer program can record what you enter on the keyboard and transmit this information to another computer, without any consent or authorisation.

The way that Spyware works can be used for genuine reasons, but the same mechanism can be misused for dishonest purposes. It could arrive on your PC via

’Freeware’ or ‘shareware’ programs you load onto your PC from a disk
Music or other items downloaded from the Internet
Potentially from instant messenger programs
And from other sources too.

Spyware can store the account numbers and passwords you use, transmit them to another computer and allow hackers onto your system. This could be used for identity theft as well.

Precautions and prevention

Spyware can often avoid detection by anti-virus protection and firewall security. Not all of the anti-virus scanners detect Spyware on your hard drive – even some of the best known brands.

You can learn more from simplythebest.net/info/spyware (page opens in a new window) and from your IT services supplier.

Further potential ways for Spyware to get though the defences include cookies from websites you visit, websites that use Active X controls and some media players.

You can learn more about cookies, Active X and ways to overcome Spyware in this further article in the Knowledge centre -
Spyware – a threat to your business (for topenterprise members)

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Footnote
This article is intended to contribute to informed decisions by business owners, directors and managers. It does not constitute professional advice in all individual cases and should not be interpreted as giving specific advice or guidance.

Before making a decision to take any action you should make your own appropriate enquiries and seek legal, technical and other relevant advice from a qualified person or body. See terms of use for further information.

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