Introduction to Spyware

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Introduction to Spyware

• MAGTAG
• January 20th 2005

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What Is Spyware?

• Technology that gathers information about a
  person
• Monitors system usage
• Programming that relays information to
  advertisers or other interested parties

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Types of Spyware

• Adware
• Browser Hijacker
• Browser Plug-in
• Software
• Commercial Key logger
• Network Management Tool
• Dialer
• Virus

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Should I Be Concerned?

• The good At best, just a cookie that keeps track
  of your info in case you return to that site
• The bad Slows down your computer software and/or
  installs software without your permission.
• The ugly A major security risk to both home and
  corporate users.

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Symptoms of Spyware

• Do you have any of these questions?
• What happened to my homepage?
• Where did that new toolbar come from?
• Why am I getting so many pop ups?
• Why is my computer trying to dial out?
• Why is my computer running slow?
• Why is my computer locking up?  
• Why is my broadband internet access so slow?
• Why is my browser opening by itself?
• Why am I getting adult orientated pop ups?
• Why am I receiving so much spam?

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How Did I Get It?
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Whos Watching Me?
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Spying on Spyware
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Evidence of Spyware
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Effects of Spyware
65,668 KB WASTED ON SPYWARE
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Fighting Back

• Freeware, shareware and commercial Spyware
  removal programs.
• Internet Security settings
• ISP
• Web resources
• www.spywareguide.com
• www.pchell.com
• www.safer-networking.org

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For More Information

• Contact
• Craig Chenery
• cchenery_at_mag.maricopa.gov
• 602-254-6300
• www.mag.maricopa.gov