Identify Spyware Threats

You can spot spyware by looking for certain spyware traits on infested systems. This section will show you what to look for. Some of the traits include the follwing:

• Toolbars

If you see many (or any) toolbars in Internet Explorer or in Windows folders, and they aren't from big reputable companies, then chances are, they are spyware Toolbars. Only Toolbars that are legitimate are the ones from big companies like Google, MSN, Yahoo, etc and some from smaller companies, but they may be harder to tell apart from spyware (or whether they come bundled with spyware) if the company isn't very big.

• Popup advertisements

Some websites can produce popups too but if you repeatedly see the same popups from different websites, or even pornagraphic popup advertisements, then it is a possible sign of a spyware infection (unless you are visiting a dodgy website). Official websites are unlikely to have many popups. If they do, then they would usually be for products or services relating to the topic of the website. If you encounter popups even when you're not browsing the web, then that is a definite sign.

• Home Page

In Internet Explorer, if your Home Page changes from what you set it to, then it could mean that you have a browser hijacker on your system. Your Home Page will change back no matter how many times you change it. If the Home Page is some sort web search page that you've never heard of, then the system is probably infected with spyware.

• System Tray Icons

If you pay extra attention to the System Tray Icons (bottom-right, next to the clock), you may find some peculiar programs running. Hover your mouse pointer over each icon to display the program name. Some of them may be spyware programs.

There are other visible signs of spyware infections but the symptoms depend on what spyware has infected the system.

Spyware titles to look out for

There are a number of spyware titles that pop up frequently. If you see any signs of them, whether it's in the Start Menu, Desktop, System Tray, Program Files, etc. then you know that the system has spyware installed.

• 180 Solutions
• Aurora
• Bonzi Buddy
• Clock Sync
• Comet Cursor
• Date Manager
• eDonkey
• Gator
• Grokster
• Hotbar
• iMesh
• IncrediMail
• KaZaa Media Desktop
• MarketScore
• Morpheus
• New.net
• Precision Time
• Shopping Reports
• Time Sync
• Webhancer
• Websearch
• Wild Tangent
• WinAntiSpyware Pro
• WinAntiVirus Pro
• WinFixer
• Zango

There are many more but the above are ones that pop up frequently. If you see a program running that you're unsure of, simply do a search on it. If you spot any of the above, remove them.