Spyware and adware are types of software that can be installed secretly on a computer to collect personal information or display advertisements. Spyware tracks users' browsing habits and other computer activities, while adware automatically displays ads. Both can slow computers and redirect browsers. Common symptoms of spyware/adware infections include frequent popups and a changed homepage. Programs like Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Spy Sweeper can help detect and remove these programs. Users should avoid unnecessary downloads and popups to prevent infections.

1. Spyware and Adware

2. Contents What is Spyware? What is Adware? How does Spyware and Adware work? How to detect if your computer has Spyware/Adware? What programs are there to help get rid of them? Recommendations

3. What is Spyware and Adware? Both are independent programs that can be automatically installed when you surf the internet or when you install free software. Most adware is spyware in a different sense than "advertising-supported software," for a different reason: it displays advertisements related to what it finds from spying on you.

4. What is Spyware? Spyware - is computer software which is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer; it takes partial control over the user's computer, without the user's informed consent . Collect various types of personal information - such as Internet surfing habits, visited sites, can also interfere installing additional software and redirecting Web browser activity. Spyware is known to change computer settings , resulting in slow connection speeds, loss of Internet or functionality of other programs.

5. And is a completely LEGAL program .!

6. Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Comes in the form of popups and unexplained advertising programs on your computer. Also a LEGAL program ! Adware are created by advertising companies . What is Adware?

7. Advertising companies hope to generate money from customers who receive the popups or unexplained programs on their computers. Well-known adware programs- 123 Messenger AOL Instant Messenger DivX Micro Antivirus RealPlayer Zango

8. Routes of infection Spyware and Adware programs have a tendency to hide as cookie or temporary internet files . Ways- Malicious websites install spyware on readers' computers. Another way of distributing spyware involves tricking users by manipulating security features designed to prevent unwanted installations. In a few cases, a worm or virus has delivered a spyware payload . Some attackers used the Spybot worm to install spyware that put pornographic pop-ups on the infected system's screen. By directing traffic to ads, the spyware-makers funds author of website, which profits them personally.

9. Spyware can also come bundled with other downloadable software . For example, “Bonzi Buddy”, a program bundled with spyware and targeted at children, claims that: “ He will explore the Internet with you as your very own friend and sidekick! He can talk, walk, joke, browse, search, e-mail, and download like no other friend you've ever had! He even has the ability to compare prices on the products you love and help you save money! Best of all, he's FREE! ”

10. How to detect that your computer has spyware or adware… Continuous popups . Persistent change in your homepage . Slower computer processing , takes the computer longer to process or startup.

11. Extreme symptoms of spyware or adware… A spyware program is rarely alone on a computer: an affected machine usually has multiple infections . Internet browser does not start up. Parts of your computer you cannot access without freezing . Major core data is lost or changed .

12. What programs are there to help get rid of spyware/adware ? Out of many programs out in the internet that were created to detect spyware/adware, four programs were chosen for this presentation.. They are: Spybot Search and Destroy Spysweeper Symantec AntiVirus Ad-aware 6.0

13. Spybot Search and Destroy Type: Spyware Killer Advantages: Has a Recovery feature that allows you to restore any files you may be deleted infected with spyware Has an Immunity feature that protects you from already known spywares Disadvantages: Infrequent updates cause spywares to slip past scans and immunity Comments: Good program, but because of slow updates of spyware definitions, it renders the program not as useful

14. Spy Sweeper Type: Spyware/ Adware (Free Version) Advantages: Has a immunity shield that blocks known spywares. Disadvantages: Takes a while to scan. Unless you pay for the Spy-Sweeper, it does not come with definition updates. Comments: Effective program, only backdraw is the payment you need to make yearly to keep the program updated.

15. Norton Symantec AntiVirus Type: Virus/ Spyware/ Adware Advantages: Can detect viruses , hacking programs , spyware programs , adware programs , etc. Comes with a firewall. Disadvantages: Detects very few adware/spyware programs Very confusing to use. Comments: Norton Symantec still has ways to go in detecting adware/spyware programs

16. Ad-aware 6.0 Type: Adware Advantages: Easy to use scanning. Detailed logs of where the adware and spyware programs are hidden . Disadvantages: Ad-aware was built was adware, so its ability to catch spyware is restricted Comments: Effective Program. A bit on the costly side but its well worth it.

17. Recommendations Preventing spyware and adware from getting onto your computer is your first step! Do not download unnecessary software from the internet, especially free ones because they most likely have adware or spyware inside them. If a download screen appears, asking you to confirm your download, click no if you are not trying to install anything. Avoid clicking advertised popups especially ones that mention “free” stuff if possible.

18. Recommendations Technical Recommendations Some adware/spyware files like to hide in the temporary internet folders . Disable saving of temporary files by going to Program Files, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Internet Options, Temporary Internet Files Settings, Check Never under “Check for Newer Version of Stored Pages”. Constantly delete old temporary files and cookies by going to Program Files, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Internet Options, Delete Cookies and Delete Temporary Files. Remember though, adware and spyware can be tricky, no matter how cautious you are, there are bound to be adware or spyware programs that install into your computer. Always constantly scan your computer for adware and spyware and keep your Adware/Spyware killer programs fully updated at all times.

19. Recommendations Recommended Spyware/ Adware Killers without any restraints Ad-aware 6.0 Professional Edition: Primary scanner Spy-sweeper paid version: Primary scanner and use their immune guards. Spybot Free Edition: Scan for any spyware Spy-Sweeper may have missed. Recommended Spyware/ Adware Killers with a price restraints Ad-aware 6.0 Free Edition: Primary Scanner Spy-Sweeper paid version: Primary Scanner Spybot Free Edition: Scan for any spyware Spy-Sweeper may have missed Recommended Spyware/ Adware Killers with a time restraints (not recommended) Ad-aware 6.0 Free Edition: Primary Scanner: Fast Scan Mode Spybot Free Edition Suggestion: Spyware/ Adware killers are suppose to take time to scan, if you have time restraints, turn on the scanners, leave them running and go do something.

20. References http://www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat1/ec_Main.Entry?SP=10007&SID=27674&CID=0&DSP=0&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=39910 http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/spysweeper/index.php http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html http://www.wikipedia.com For those interesting more in this topic, here are some links:

21. Thank you for watching!