PDA

View Full Version : Spyware explodes as virus writing declines


Jose_R.A.M
06-12-2006, 04:50 PM
Spyware increased by 213 per cent last year as malware programmers shifted their sites from viruses to more lucrative forms of programming, says security firm Aladdin.

Trojans increased by 142 per cent. In comparison, 'traditional' viruses and email worms grew by just 47 per cent over 2005.

'We continue to see a tremendous upswing in spyware and extremely vicious Trojans,' said Shimon Gruper, vice president of technologies for the Aladdin eSafe Business Unit.

'Electronic threats are becoming much less of a game and more of a concentrated effort designed to steal identities and data.

'The swelling amount of spyware is a direct representation of the fast-growing network of organized criminals that empower themselves through computers rather than physical theft.'

An earlier Aladdin survey from September last year estimated that 15 per cent of all spyware threats are designed to steal passwords and log keystrokes .

carcomptoy
06-13-2006, 12:18 AM
So what can the consumer do to protect themself?

Jose_R.A.M
06-13-2006, 05:20 AM
Clean up exposure:

Install and update anti spyware programmes (if their anti-virus doesn't have it)

Adaware is a nice one: http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

Prevent exposure:

Via an up to date and online anti-virus/firewall.

Some web browsers like firefox enable installation of plug-ins like Adblock/No script along with the built in blockers.

Reduce Exposure

Be aware that Spyware comes in all shapes and forms through

Bundled software/Freeware/software that some sites make you download...
P2P Clients
Email attachments
Most annoying imo, the Pop up ad. When online, maintain high level of security.
Don't download files unecessarily; see where those files are coming from?
Do you trust that source? If not, dont download.
Manage your browser's security settings, your cookies, delete the history/clear the cache after browsing.