Security is a critical issue for every computer that's connected to the Internet, whether in the office or at home. The recent denial-of-service attacks that brought down major Web sites were possible only because hackers managed to subvert many poorly secured computers, forcing them to participate in the attack. Some e-mail-enabled viruses (such as the notorious Melissa virus) attempt to broadcast private documentsââ,¬"your own or those of your company. And if the infamous "Back Orifice" Trojan horse has inveigled its way into your computer system, it will turn over control to any hacker who asks.
Fortunately, most corporate users are sheltered by a company firewall, and personal firewalls such as BlackICE Defender and ZoneAlarm can protect small-office and personal PCs. With a firewall and an antivirus program running, you're safe. Or are you?
Even though your system is protected against outside attack, it's still vulnerable to betrayal from within. Each time you connect to the Internet, you may be sharing that connection with a traitorââ,¬"a spyware program that has its own agenda and communicates secretly with its home site. Some spyware programs are installed automatically when you visit Web sites that use them. Others are installed along with particular shareware or freeware programs. The installation may occur completely without your knowledge, or you may accept it by clicking on Yes without reading the entire license agreement.
News items have accused various spyware programs of inventorying software on the user's system, scanning the Registry, searching out private information, and then shipping all this data back to the home site. In truth, none of these accusations have been proven. We call these programs spyware not because they actively steal private information but because they act in secret, without your knowledge or permission.
Their stated purposes seem innocent enough. Some, called adbots, display banner ads in associated programs and attempt to tailor the advertising to your interests. Others collect usage statistics for their clients. All of the known spyware programs claim to respect your privacy, and under scrutiny, these claims appear to be true. The nonpersonal information gathered by these programs could be misused, however, and the presence of spyware might compromise your system.
I have now removed this annoying and intrusive program from my system twice. I know this is "old news" but it is trully annoying and given it looks like I purchased a piece of software (0n cd, in a reputable store) that has this stinker on it! I'll be contacting that vendor for confimation of my suspicions and if they prove so, there goes my business to someone else.