The Pest Known as Spyware

1
The Pest Known as Spyware

• Greg Garrison
• Student
• Eastern Michigan University
• December, 2004

2
Introduction

• Definition
• Purpose
• Examples
• Avoidance
• Do You Already Have It?
• Getting Rid of Spyware

3
Definition

• Not especially easy
• Vague
• Generally accepted definition
• Technology
• Gathers information
• Sends information over Internet
• Without knowledge or consent of user

4
Purpose

• Sending information
• Browsing habits
• Advertisements
• Popups
• Personal information
• Usernames
• Passwords
• Credit card numbers
• Web browser hijack
• Homepage change
• Security settings

5
Examples

• MarketScore
• Distributed via IMesh
• Web traffic through own server
• Logs information
• Passwords
• Credit card numbers
• Bank account numbers
• Gator
• Promoted as helpful
• Banner advertisements
• Lawsuits over revenue

6
Avoidance

• P2P file sharing programs
• IMesh
• Morpheus
• Kazaa
• Monitor cookies
• Auto or manual deletion
• Password managers

7
Avoidance

• Know what you install
• Trustworthy sources
• End User Licensing Agreement (EULA)
• Search for information on Internet
• Be careful on the Internet
• Look at destinations
• Visit reputable sites only

8
Do You Already Have It?

• Warning signs
• Popup advertisements
• Based on browsing habits
• Popup websites
• Opening a new browser window
• Homepage changed
• Aboutblank
• Random website
• Security settings changed

9
Getting Rid of Spyware

• Programs/Utilities
• Spybot Search Destroy
• HijackThis
• SpyWareBlaster
• Ad-Aware
• Update definitions
• Full system scan
• Removal
• Make sure it is spyware
• Some things displayed are needed for OS to work

10
Conclusion

• Know what you are installing
• Read EULA
• Search for information
• Browse carefully
• Monitor cookies
• Use removal tools

11
Contact Information

• Greg Garrison
• Student
• Eastern Michigan University
• 734-482-9607
• Email ggarrison2_at_emich.edu
• Web Page http//people.emich.edu/ggarrison2/