The Different Types of Spyware

Knowing your enemy is the first step in protecting yourself against threats. When the enemy is spyware, you need to learn about the different types that exist and how they infiltrate your computer . Once you have done that, you will be able to make the right choice in anti-spyware software. New malicious programs are released on the internet everyday, constantly looking for their next victim. Below is a list that includes many of the malware/spyware programs that exist today. Due to their extremely advanced nature, you will see that it is not enough to have just antivirus-firewall software installed on your computer. You need an anti-spyware program that also acts as a spyware blocker. Removing spyware from your computer is certainly a good thing to do. However acting against spyware before it even touches your computer, is the best form of protection you can have. You want spyware blockers software that has "Real-Time" protection against threats, and "anti-rootkit" technology to eliminate the most stubborn threats that may already exist on your computer today. Remember, prevention is the key if you want a truly safe computer environment. Read the spyware list below and start protecting yourself today!

**The Different Types of Spyware and the Solution to fixing them!**
Adware	Adware usually comes bundled in software. The purpose of adware is to monitor your browser habits, what words you type in to your search engine, to see what sites you actualy buy from. Problem with most adware is it's completely legal. If you read the terms and use policy of the software you are installing you will see that they are actually making you consent to letting them monitor what you do. Even worse is if you have a spyware blocker and it stops and/or removes the adware the program you installed will fail to keep working. So it's important to always read the terms and service of each program you install. If they say they use adware, or commercial ware to monitor your spending habits and use it to send to their advertising partners then don't use the software. But there is a way around this besides removing adware if you really like the program. Read below the definitions for the answer.
Back Doors	Backdoors are just another entry a spammer, hacker can use to get into your computer. Ex. You have a username and login to get into your computer..this is typical. But if you download a program and give it permission to install all of it's componets you may be unknowingly letting that program install a backdoor into your computer. Another words allowing that program to create another username and password into your computer that your users control panel will not show. Once the hacker is in they can have their program collect information and send it to the hacker without your knowledge. There is a way around this to make sure this will never happen. Please read below the definitions for the solution.
Calling Home	Calling home is what all adware, spyware do. Once they collect the information they will use your internet connection, without your knowledge to send information back to the creator of the program. Most big companies like Adobe will do this only to verify that you are not using a stolen activation key, or to make sure you are using the most up to date version of the program. But watch out! If you download a program, even one that looks and acts legit they may ask if you wish for the program to check on a daily/weekly basis if the program is up to date. In some of these programs, especially those you download off peer to peer sites, you are actually letting that program "call home" and some of these programs will send private information about yourself, and your browsing habits, even log credit card numbers and you simply think that it's checking for a new version of the software. There are ways to prevent this from happening. Explained below the definitions. But always, as a good practice, never give a program permission to check for a new version unless you explicitly trust that company.
Chat Loggers	Chatloggers do exactly what they say. Usually it's a hidden program on your computer that someone installed. They will capture all your do on services like Yahoo, or any Instant messaging service. They will keep this log in a secret file on your computer that you will not about, but the person who installed the software will no which to look in. They will simply check it when you are not around. The best way to avoid such chatlogging programs from working is to install a spyware blocker and prevention system. They will actively search out such programs and disable them from working.
Commercial Spyware(adware)	Commercial Adware is another name of Adware. It's main purpose is to collect and store information about your browsing and buying habits. They can store this information in a cookie file or on a file on your computer. If they store this information on a cookie file. Then the next time you visit their site or a partner site of theirs, the site will look for this specific cookie file and pull the information from it. If it's on a file on your computer than that's because you installed a program that installed a secret program on your computer. There are ways around each of these problems. Look below for the definitions for the answer.
Dialers	Dialers are mostly used by pornographic sites. If you are using a modem to connect to the internet these sites will use one of the many loopholes in your browsers security and install a specific program or text file. The purpose of this file is to immediately disconnect you from the internet and make your moden dial one of their many 900 numbers that will cost you money per minute to dial. Dialers do not collect information, but they can cause major financial issues when your phone bill comes and you see you hundreds of dollars because your modem has been calling the latest porn chat service. Using a spyware blocker will stop all dialers from working by locking your internet permissions through your control panel.
Keyloggers	Keyloggers do the same thing as chat loggers. Except they don't just record what you do in a chat service. They will record everything you type. Keyloggers are usually programs installed by someone with access to your computer. All information is stored on a secret file in your computer. There's a good way to see if this is happening. Do a search online for what these special files are called by different programs. You will see a list. Then do a search on your computer for these files. But they are not limited to just sitting on your computer. Keyloggers can also send what they record over an email to whoever installed the program. There are two ways around this. First keyloggers are actually not detectable by most spyware/anti virus programs. You need a special program, unless you have a company that bundles keylogging detection in their software. If you are the sole user of the computer chances are anything you type is being sent over the internet through an email that is not detectable by your email program. You can stop this practice. Look below the definitions on this page for the solution.
Malware	Malware is another name for Malicious Software. It's a vague name for a program that can do anything it wants. Usually it's to disrupt system software, so it can install any number of viruses, keyloggers, call home programs, chat loggers..you name it, someone has tried to do it. However Malware has a unique feature. These programs even after you uninstall them, some how embed themselves in the system code of your machine and will try and reinstall itself over and over again. Even the best spyware blockers / removers antispyware and firewall programs cannot over come this. There is only one logical solution. Some say to reinstall your entire OS again. That is not the smart way to go about it. One company called reimage is the best way. This company will leave all your files intact while actually restoring your computer to NEW conditions. Not to like new conditions...BUT NEW. And that's what you want. Take a look and watch the videos and you'll understand. They are the future of computer restoration and nothing out there works as well! Now that is the worst of what can happen. If you have proper antivirus and spyware blockers already installed on your computer, when this malware program tries to install itself it will be stopped and quarantined. But if you install your spyware, antivirus program after it as been installed you might just be too little too late, and in that case ReImage is your answer.
Modem Hijacking	Moden Hijacking is the same as dialers. They install a script that changes what number your modem calls with the purpose of making you pay 900 number fees. This always works on faxes as well as dialing the internet. You need a spyware blocker installed that can lock your internet connections in place so nothing can change what number your modem is set up to dial without your express permission.
Page Hijacking	Page Hijacking is the same as Browswer Hijacking. Your browser has many security loopholes that hackers are constantly trying to exploit. Once they find the loophole they will install a script on their website. If you have java active on your browser, which most do, the java script on thier site will activate and will try and change your home page. Or open several browser windows at once. WHY? Money for the most part. If you click on a link on a certain site and someone has paid that site owner to advertise on that site, and pay per click, that installing a script that resembles a click is just smart criminal business. You have a few ways to stop this. The best way is described below. But some spyware blockers have built in browser monitoring. They stop all attempts to change your home page. The other is to make sure pop ups stopper is activated on your browser. If your browser does not have this, use one that does or get a program specifically designed to stop the pop ups.
Parasiteware	Parasiteware is usually not something the average person has to worry about. It's purpose to find affiliate cookies in your browser and change the affiliate id in them to the hackers affilate id. If doesn't effect you, but it's illegal to do. Not to mention it just another program editing your personal files without your permission. A good spyware program will prevent this also from happening. Or make sure you have "only accept cookies from sites I trust" clicked in your browsers preferences/options.
Screen Recorders	Screen Recorders work in the same manner as keyloggers and chat loggers. Usually a program installed on your computer by a physical person, and not through the internet. Unless at a business. They monitor and record at timed intervals screen captures of your screen, and save them to a file. To give you an idea. There are many programs out there can monitor EVERYTHING you do on your computer. They are usually installed by people you know. So always make sure you are changing your password. Once installed, and you are gone. A person can sit down open up the computer monitoring program and see all you have done. All your screen shots, all keys pressed, all chat conversations. EVERYTHING. You need a program designed to sniff out these programs. Spyware Doctor and Zone Alarm are the only two I know of that can actually prevent these programs from working. There maybe others, but I've never seen it. And I've tested many. The other scary thing, is they don't have to wait until you are gone. They can set up the program to send out emails at specific times without you ever knowing. And there is a way to stop this particular way of them seeing your info. Please read below for the answer.
Spyware	Spyware is the overall general term that describes anything that can spy on you in your computer. It's everything on this page.
Trojans	Trojans are named after the Trojan Horse. They seem like harmless programs, you use them everyday, they can do great things for your computer. You love the program. You have no idea! Because just like the trojan horse that was brought into the walls of Troy, they are actually full of danger. Trojans are usually considered Viruses. They can do anything they want. Once installed and given permission to work on your computer, it will install anything number of viruses or spyware into your computer. Sending information to and from your computer without your knowledge. Installing malicious code into your system files. Deleting files from you computer. Tracking keystokes to get your password, it can then act like the root user of your computer and can do what the program wishes. You're only real protection is to constantly have a Spyware blocker and anti virus program that has REAL time protection to quarantine these programs right away before they can even be installed.
Toolbars	Toolbars in themselves are not spyware. However downloading the wrong toolbar and giving access to be used with your browser is just another way hackers are "trojan horsing" their way into your computer. You need constant real time protection on all the time to detect these programs before you even install them.
Web Browser Hijacking	Web browser hijacking is the same as Page Hijacking. Using the many security loopholes in your computers web browser web scripts usually activated by java can wreak havoc on your browser. Usually installing cookies that can detect your ever moment on the net, or by changing your home page, or open up multiple browser windows to specific pages that will usually financially benefit the writer of the script.
Webcam Hijacking	Webcam Hijacking is a rare thing. But can happen. This usually needs to be done right from the computer. They install a program that will give the hacker a backdoor entrance into your computer. From there they can activate your webcam and watch your movement. They can deactivate all the signs as well. Like a light showing your webcam is active. Keep your password constantly changed to help prevent this. But again, there's an even better way to stop this...stop the outgoing and incoming connection in the first place. Please read below to understand.
	SOLUTIONS An addition to having a Spyware Blocker and an AntiVirus Program.
For Adware, Calling Home, Chatloggers, Keyloggers, Screen monitoring, Hijacking in anyway.	FIREWALL PROTECTION. There's only one product on the market that will stop all incoming and outgoing connections from your computer will absolute reliability on a windows machine. That's Zone Alarm. They are rated the best firewall protection on the market. Click here to read more about the importance of this incredibly easy software that will not allow anything to go to and from your computer without your express permission. It's absolutely necessary into todays world for protection. If you have a macintosh then use the program called LittleSnitch. Works beautifully and never fails.
For web brower and page hijacking. Toolbar intrusion, parasiteware and anything else that can attack your browser's security flaws	One of the most ingenious innovative prevention softwares out there is call ForceField. It creates a virtual shield around your browser each time you start it up. It makes any program think that the virtual shield is your browser. So no matter what security flaws you have the spyware cannot exploit it. The attacks will think that the forcefield is your browser and attack that instead. But it will find nothing it can do anything with and give up or think it accomplished it's task. Once you close your browser window all the attacks go bye bye as well. This program has proved invaluable to our company. For macintosh users use a program called WebGhost. It will keep you absolutely invisible while you are on the internet. Any script determined to attack you won't have a chance....it can't find you!
Your computer is already damaged and there is nothing any program on the market can do....	Contact ReImage. They are the most revolutionary computer life givers on the market. I mean life givers, because they will restore your computer to NEW conditions while keeping all your personal information in tact. They will remove all viruses and spyware others can not because they keep reinstalling themselves. Please take a look at the videos here.