Everyone has dealt with annoying computer problems at one time or another – from spyware to adware and everything in between - so how can you avoid these predicaments, and what is the best way to eradicate all types of malware and approach the process of spyware removal? How do you deal with something that seems to be taking over the online world and bogging down your enjoyment and use of the Internet?



First, before you can successfully deal with malware, you must know your enemy. Most people have direct experience with computer invasions, but don't understand the root causes of the problem and why their computer acts as a breeding ground for ads and other virtual nasties.

So what is malware, adware, and spyware? Who creates it and how does it end up on your computer? Basically, malware is a generic term used to describe any type of malicious software designed to infiltrate, destroy, disrupt, or damage the infected computer system without your knowledge or consent. Trojan horses, viruses, and worms fall under the category of ‘malware.'

Spyware (software that infects a computer against the user's knowledge for the purpose of obtaining private information) can also be categorized as malware. Spyware may be set up to monitor your keystrokes, website visits, form submissions, e-mail addresses, passwords and bank account information.

Adware is a form of software that displays advertisements by bombarding you with pop-ups. Though seemingly innocuous, adware also poses risks to your privacy. The reason? Advertisers install adware on your system without your permission (just like spyware and any other kind of malware) and may track your online movements for the purpose of gathering marketing information so that ads can be targeted directly to you.

These unwanted programs, once on your computer, have the potential to spawn a whole slew of problems. For example, after becoming infected, you may notice an unwanted toolbar on your PC displaying ads, or in the case of browser hijackers, your homepage or favorites list may suddenly change to sites you don't recognize, replete with ads and paid links. A sign that adware specifically is installed on your system: an increasing amount of pop-ups that continually harass you with advertisements.

Other signs of infection include a slow running computer, search requests that get automatically redirected to another search engine, unexplained calls on your phone bill to 900 numbers, problems with security programs on your system, and difficulties with your modem's send and receive lights which may blink even when you aren't doing anything online.

How does malware latch onto your computer without your permission? Often, this type of malicious software stealth installs by drive-by-download or comes bundled with freeware. Or, you may unwittingly download it by clicking on a pop-up window or suspicious e-mail attachment.

Unfortunately, even if you're smart enough to stay away from spam attachments and never click on aggressive pop-up ads, there are other, more sneaky ways for malware to hitch a ride on your PC. For instance, rogue anti-spyware, anti-virus, and registry cleaning programs use Trojans to infect computers. Once these rogue programs are on your system, fake Windows system alerts or System Tray balloon pop-ups warn users of a virus or spyware infection, and scare people into purchasing a so-called anti-spyware product that contaminates your computer with the exact thing you were trying to avoid: malware.

Why it's important to fight malware

When it comes right down to it, malware impacts all of us. Businesses and individuals alike waste time and money ridding their computers of rampant pop-ups generated by adware and spyware. For many people, too much unwanted software hampers their online experience and endangers the prospect of the Internet's growth as a tool of communication.

Society as a whole should not tolerate the proliferation of malware across the Internet. It is an abuse of technology and violates the rights of citizens and businesses to keep their personal information private and out of the wrong hands. Many criminals use the technology to steal your private information, your identity, and your money. It's just not right.

The good news is that the more people who speak up and voice their concern about these issues, the more regulatory bodies such as the government and companies that combat spyware will do to eradicate the problem. We have the opportunity to make malware a thing of the past, especially as people learn more about it.

What is the government doing to stop malware?

In 2005 the Federal government enacted the I-Spy and Spy Acts as a way to fight against spyware. Specifically, the I-Spy Act (Internet Spyware Prevention Act) imposes stricter jail sentences and multi-million dollar fines on those convicted of distributing. The second SPY Act (Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act) also has stiffer penalties, and calls for more stringent policies regarding opt-in notices and consent agreements.

Although these acts are a step in the right direction, many believe they don't do enough to deal with the malware problem. One of the main concerns is that affiliate marketing is really at the heart of the issue. Companies and individuals spread adware across cyberspace trying to rake in the financial benefits. Even though adware is used for marketing purposes, it operates in the same manner as spyware, is just as invasive, and causes a lot of headaches for the average computer user. It's a very thin line that separates adware and spyware, and unfortunately, current legislation isn't designed to handle the complexities of the spyware/adware dilemma.

Another weakness is that the acts don't deal with the fact that companies producing spyware and adware are in the habit of opening frivolous lawsuits against the very businesses that create software designed to fight malware invasions. Until anti-spyware companies are given full freedom to eliminate malware threats, the I-Spy and Spy Acts won't have the strength to deal with what's causing the crisis in the first place.

How can technology control the problem?

The best way to cope with malware, in addition to exercising vigilance and caution while online, is to install anti-spyware software to detect and destroy unwanted programs on your computer. Popular firewall and anti-virus companies produce anti-spyware products – unfortunately, like the United Nations, these programs are too diplomatic and weak to truly protect your system from outside threats. For good anti-spyware software, you might want to consider products from lesser-known companies whose specialty is adware and spyware removal. More successful in attacking new variants of problematic malware, they are a better defense against the perils that lurk in the online world.

What can you do?

You may feel powerless in the face of malware, but there are steps you can take to stop the malware pandemic. First off: think globally, act locally. If you've experienced the negative consequences of a spyware infection, be proactive and write to your local senator explaining the impact malware has had on your enjoyment of the Internet, how it has wasted your time, and hindered your productivity.

Install and run a high-quality anti-spyware program. Keep on top of the game by setting up automatic scans and updates on a daily basis, just like you do with your anti-virus software. New variants are unleashed all the time, so it's extremely important to keep your system up-to-date so it can adequately deal with new threats and remove spyware as it appears.

If you become infected, take notes and capture relevant screenshots before removing the infection. Go one step further and write an official complaint letter to the businesses mentioned in the ads that pop up. It's a waste of time to contact the adware-maker or advertising agency because adware often lifts paid ads and listings from syndicated search engines and affiliate networks – this means most businesses are unaware they're paying to show up in adware programs.

By contacting the business directly, you have the chance to let them know their ads are showing up in adware displays. A reputable business will investigate your claim and remove their ads. This cuts into the revenue stream of the adware makers, so spread the word! Get the adware companies where it hurts the most and we'll be on our way to a spyware free tomorrow in no time.

Malware is a nuisance, it's invasive and a threat to your privacy. Defend your rights and take a stand against it. In addition to utilizing technology designed for spyware removal, let your voice be heard by putting pressure on the government to more effectively discourage the dissemination of malicious software and contacting businesses to let them know how you feel about the issue. Only when everyone affected by malware rises up against it will we move closer to abolishing it forever.