Anybody spending anytime on the Internet has come to know about spyware. In general terms spyware is a piece of malignant software that gets loaded onto a computer, usually without the knowledge of the owner, that either monitors the online activities of the computer’s user or otherwise alters the functions of the computer for the economic benefit of its designers.

Some versions of spyware are relatively harmless and simply report a browsing habits and this data is sold to advertisers. While this is certainly a disturbing notion it isn’t really dangerous. Many others launch those incredibly irritating popup ad cascades that can slow down a computer’s speed and take a lot of the fun out of surfing the web.

On the other hand, some spyware serves a much more grim purpose. Many types of the unwanted software called keyloggers keep track of all the key strokes a user makes in hopes of grabbing passwords, credit card numbers, and the like. These forms of spyware are incredibly dangerous.

There are even forms of spyware that can steal affiliate program clicks. These programs are called stealware and use an http cookie to redirect the commission ordinarily earned by the site for referring users to another site. Stealware is a major threat to ecommerce sights that depend on affiliate programs for their revenue. The most notorious click theft spyware is called 180 Solutions. In January of 2006 the Center for Democracy and Technology filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission accusing the company of engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices.

Because computer users are normally unwilling to allow spyware to be installed on their computer they are usually hidden in a piece of seemingly desirable software. Popular culprits include music and video downloads, web accelerators, and even anti-spyware programs.

The tireless anti-spyware crusaders and software company Webroot provides a list of some of the more widespread and dangerous versions of the malignant programs on their website and provide a list of their activities. The list below is drawn from their informative list.

A Better Internet- A better Internet for the makers of this spyware perhaps, but for the average person it is an irritating source of popups and system problems.

Cool Web Search- Another source of unwanted advertising that can seriously affect a computers performance. The programs direct traffic to advertisements on web sites including coolwebsearch.com. They display pop-up ads, alter search engine results, and make changes to a computer’s files to direct the browser to these sites.

Elite Bar- Similar in most respects to the spyware listed above. Elitebar is extremely widespread and uses flaws in the programming of Internet Explorer to spread.

IST Toolbar- A form of spyware particularly associated with adult and pornographic content. In addition to displaying adult content popups it also records browsing activity.

Look2me- Another source of unwanted ads but will also make registry changes to a computer, redirect searches, and gather search data.

Surf Side Kick- This one has everything; popups, search redirection, browser high jacking, and data mining.

Virtumonde- A particularly nasty form of spyware that creates popup advertising and more dangerously keeps track of keystrokes and so is a threat to passwords, email addresses and credit card numbers.

Websearch Toolbar- A form of spyware that installs a toolbar on a computer that displays advertising. Websearch will also change a web browser’s home page as well as keeping track of websites visited.

180 Solutions- As listed above, transmits extensive information to advertisers about the web sites visited by users. It will also change web address requests to affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site, so that the advertisements make unearned profit for the 180 Solutions company. It will also open pop-up ads that cover over the web sites of competing companies.

There are many, many more and new ones pop up, no pun intended, everyday. There is however good news. There are many dedicated individuals and companies watching and creating software to combat the affects and spread of malignant software. In an upcoming article I will detail the efforts and trials of these defenders of computer security.
Art Micklewraith is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Top Ten Wholesale. He can be reached at Content and Solutions or by email at artmicklewraith@gmail.com.