Internet Security
Protect yourself... from spyware
What is a spyware?
Spyware is a free or paid-for program created for the purpose of gathering personal information on its user and sending it to the program author through the Internet or any other computer network.
This type of program can install on your computer without your specific and informed consent causing you to send confidential information without your knowledge. To survive, this software often contains advertisements that can become overwhelming.
Even when the user is informed of the information that is gathered on him when he installs a program, private information may sometimes be gathered without his knowledge. Some spyware can even analyze websites visited (religious, political, racial) in order to produce a consumer profile of the user.
Rest assured though that not all software that tracks your online activities is malicious. You can intentionally choose to subscribe to a service with a trustworthy company, such as for music downloading or banking, and accept their usage terms and conditions in exchange for commercial advertising or gathering of information on you.
Spyware and Cookies
Spyware shouldn't be confused with cookies. A cookie is a small text file installed in a directory in the user's Web browser that allows the visited site to store certain information on your hard disk so that it can be used again on your next visit. The information gathered with your consent allows a web site to recognize you and display the information you need to exchange data with this site. The data gathered is only used by the site concerned.
Spyware is hidden in programs, often distributed free and voluntarily installed by users. These shareware or freeware programs are distributed on a free trial basis and the authors ask for a voluntary contribution from regular users. Spyware can also install without your knowledge when you download music or photos.
Unfortunately, these programs sometimes conceal subroutines (commercial spyware, also known as adware) that surreptitiously gather information on the user. This data, often encrypted during transmission to reduce detection, allows tracking of Web surfing habits, focuses of interest and purchasing behaviour for the purpose of subsequently sending users advertising banners, pop-ups or unsolicited e-mail. Spyware can also monitor the activity on your computer, copy information such as credit card numbers or passwords and track of the websites you visit with the intention of causing you harm.
The terms and conditions on the use of software sometimes contain an explanation on the information gathered, but the explanation is often vague. Furthermore, many people fail to read these long and fastidious legal terms in their entirety and agree to this intrusion into their privacy without being aware of it.
How to protect yourself
Spyware can conceal itself in your computer's programs list or hide outright elsewhere in order not to be detected. Installing a good firewall, such as the one included with NorthernTel's Internet Security Services, among other things allows your computer to recognize and block any connection attempts between an application and an external site.
The firewall included with NorthernTel's Internet Security Services:
- monitors your computer and ensures that your information remains private by automatically blocking any intrusion attempts;
- filters incoming and outgoing traffic according to your chosen settings and keeps a log of activities;
- is regularly updated on new spyware in circulation;
- includes a remote access control tool that blocks automatic diallers (these malicious programs disconnect your computer from your regular Internet Service Provider and reconnect you to an international number, often without your knowledge, resulting in substantial long-distance charges on your phone bill).
Spyware Security Tips
- Carefully read the terms and conditions of use for the software you are installing. Most of the time they explain if there is commercial spyware (adware) present, but often with misleading words and expressions. If you do not understand the language used, preferably you should not install the software.
- Before installing a program or utility, make sure that you clearly understand how it will affect your computer; it could affect its performance or even cause repeated crashes.
- Think carefully before providing personal information. Do not provide your primary e-mail address for your Internet account; instead give an e-mail address for a free account.
- Refuse the installation of additional programs included with the software. Uncheck the appropriate boxes.
- Install an efficient firewall and be vigilant when it detects an application attempting to connect to another server. Do not systematically accept all connection requests.
- Since spyware is not a virus, scanning your computer with an antivirus program will not necessarily detect spyware. Anti-spyware lets you scan your hard disk to detect spyware, mainly after a program has been installed.
- Get NorthernTel's Internet Security Services which includes a very efficient firewall.