On average, each PC contain 28 Spyware. [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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Smokey
04-18-2004, 08:47 PM
That is from a new study (done from Jan thru March) by Earthlink.

PCs 'infested' with spy programs

Do you know what is lurking in your hard drive?
The average computer is packed with hidden software that can secretly spy on online habits, a study has found.
The US net provider EarthLink said it uncovered an average of 28 spyware programs on each PC scanned during the first three months of the year.

Spyware is a broad term for programs that hide on a person's computer without their knowledge.

It has become so pervasive that lawmakers in the US are looking into ways to prevent or regulate it.

Hidden away

The Spy Audit by EarthLink reflects the results of scans involving over one million computers between January and March.

While most spyware is adware-related and relatively benign, it's disturbing that over 300,000 of the more serious system monitors and Trojans were uncovered

Matt Cobb, EarthLink.
It uncovered more than 29.5 million examples of spyware. These are parasite programs sometimes come attached to software downloaded from the web.

The details are often included in the license agreement small print that most users click through without reading.

But sometimes they do not even need your permission to download, but just bury themselves on a hard drive as you browse the net.

With the exception of pop-up ads or a slower computer, people may not notice anything different when spyware programs are present, say experts.

Insidious software

EarthLink said the most common type of spyware it found was adware. These are programs that display ads on an infected computer and also send data about surfing habits.

But it also found examples of more insidious spyware.

"While most spyware is adware-related and relatively benign, it's disturbing that over 300,000 of the more serious system monitors and Trojans were uncovered," said Matt Cobb of EarthLink.

"This figure represents how real a threat identity theft or system corruption is for users."

System monitors can surreptitiously watch what you do, steal personal information and despatch it across the web, while Trojans can allow malicious hackers to get access to a computer and steal information.

"By tracking and publicising the growth of spyware, we can better educate consumers of its risks and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their families while online," said Christine Stevenson of Webroot, which conducted the scans.

People concerned about what might be lurking on their machine can download software such as the popular SpyBot to disinfect their computer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3633167.stm

karl k
04-21-2004, 06:58 PM
there's spyware on our beloved AR site? I've been running Spybot for several weeks now and recently set it up to notify me of spyware when it tries to download and is blocked. Everytime I go to the HT forum, "Avenue A" tries to download onto my computer and is blocked.

You never know what's out there... and just when you think you can trust your home away from home to take care of you! :(

Smokey
04-22-2004, 04:15 PM
He Karl

I am not surprise of your experience. You might have got the spy thru link that AR provide thru advertisement. That is why I turn off my Java and Script in IE when surfing the net. It also help block Pop ups.

I also notice when Java is off, AR load much faster :)