Re: Internet Privacy for the comming year

From: Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] (lanwench_at_heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmail.atyahoo.com)
Date: 11/27/04 

Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 14:09:41 -0500

Nicole wrote:
> One may ask why I would start this discussion about spyware under the
> Security topic. Simple, I see spyware as a possible security threat.
> If not now, certainly in the very near future.
> The term "spyware" is becoming more and more ambiguous. At it's
> conception, spyware was nothing more than a cookie placed on your
> computer to collect rather benign information about your system and
> your preferences on how a page was displayed when you visited a
> website. This is no longer the case. The only true distinction between
> viruses and some spyware is that the spyware does not conatin a
> "harmful" payload that could damage your system. Once spyware does
> carry a harmful payload it is then reclassified as a virus or a worm.
> Even this distinction is becoming muddied because spyware can have a
> direct effect on system performance and your ability to use your
> computer reliably.
> So what do we do about it? We are not limited in what we can do to rid
> systems of spyware. One at a time. We can do this by using the very
> valuable and very free tools we can download off the intenet.
>
> I use Privacy defender (http://privacydefender.911Free.com) to keep my
> system clean. You can check your computer free for adware, spyware,
> trojans and worms.
>
> Makes my computer much faster .. and I don't even use kazaa much.
>
> What about as members of society? What can society itself do to combat
> the onslaught of spyware? This will take legislation. Strong, very
> effective legislation. Society will need to decide what is just
> treatment for those that invade and take over our computers. I have my
> own proposals but, I can not speak for society.
>
> Nicole

In addition to Karl's sage reply: you wrote "I don't even use kazaa much" -
you still use it too much if you use it at all. Keep all such software off
your computer(s). Viruses, trojans, deity knows what...as well as
legal/copyright issues. It is to be avoided.

Also, don't log in as an administrator - use a limited user account.
Increase your IE security settings as high as you can stand them. Keep your
computer patched regularly. Use WinXP SP2. Keep your firewall enabled at all
times. Keep good antivirus software updated & run regular scans.

I'd say that most spyware problems exist because people erronesouly believe
they can just plug in their old Win9x computer directly to the Internet and
never worry about it again.

Relevant Pages

  • [Full-disclosure] Cringelys FUD-spreading leads to broken workarounds being suggested
    ... FUD, and had provided no evidence to back up his claim. ... Cringely can claim to know whether there's anything spyware or not ... particular how they relate to security reporting and disclosure. ...
    (Full-Disclosure)
  • Re: High Cpu usage at 100%
    ... update.exe is a process belonging to the Spyware Doctor Internet Security ... update.exe is a process belonging to Spyware Doctor Internet Security ... How to start Windows in Safe Mode Windows XP ... removal programs flag Update as spyware, but also because a number of users ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • RE: Smiley central Active X controls
    ... security setting was selected. ... It still will not allow me to download ... Does NOT monitor behavior on the Internet ... Why some spyware services may mistake Fun Web Products and its MyWebSearch ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Service pack 2 (XP)
    ... I have a 'theory' that SP2 has a LOT to do with firewall and new browser ... besides those security features. ... The operative word is SPYWARE. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsupdate)
  • Re: Xnews and NZB files
    ... having spent HOURS helping friends pull spyware off their ... > that beneath all the crap that Microsoft puts in XP, ... Hardly a week goes by that you don't hear of a new security hole ... Windows XP has added a bunch of silly user interface ...
    (news.software.readers)