Scumware, Spyware, Adware and Malware

What are Scumware, Spyware, Adware and Malware?
What Do They Do?
How Do You Avoid Them?
Checking Your Computer for Scumware

What are Scumware, Spyware, Adware and Malware?

It is tempting (and sometimes done) to roll up all of these terms under the umbrella “scumware,” refering to a broad range of invasive applications that can be installed on your computer, with or without your knowledge. As you’ll see below, the distinction among the terms are often blurred.

Many of these programs are installed automatically when you download and install “free software” from various Web sites. Sometimes you’ll be warned that the free program will also install these other applications. Sometimes the application will install without warning.

Scumware - Software (either scripts and programs) designed to redirect you from the Web site you intended to visit to another site, designated by the scumware. Scumware usually contains spyware that collects and transmits personal information. Scumware is often installed without your knowledge and is often bundled with popular file sharing programs.

Spyware - Software used to gather information about an individual computer user or an organization without the user’s knowledge. Sophisticated spyware records keystrokes and transmits sensitive personal information, such as Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers and passwords, back to a central server.

Adware - Software that displays advertising banners and/or pop-up windows. It most cases, adware also installs software that transmits marketing data, such as where you browse, to central servers, then customizes the advertisements you see base on that data.

Malware - Various kinds of malicious software, usually containing viruses, worms, and trojan horses. Malware is specifically designed to damage your computer components, systems and files.

What Do They Do?

Three of the four scumware programs are directly or indirectly related to marketing and advertising. Each (except malware) does one or more of the following:

Makes changes to your Web browser or your Windows software that redirects you to a specific sponsor's site Web site.
Causes multiple pop-up windows to open while you are browsing Web, or even when you are not browsing.
Tracks what Web sites you visit and sends the information back to marketers.
Collects your personal data when you fill in forms on the Web and transmit the information back to criminals who resell it or use it for identity theft.
Records the email or chat sessions of boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, children, etc., and sends the results to another person.

How Do You Avoid Them?

When downloading programs from the Web, make sure it comes from a trusted source. Following are some of the seemingly innocent programs that could install hidden scumware on your computer:

Audiogalaxy
Bargain Buddy
Bonzi Buddy
Cydoor
DoubleClick
FlashTrack
Gator
GoHip
GoZilla
iMesh
Internet Optimizer
KaZaa
Limewire
Onflow
SaveNow
Top Moxie
Top Text
Web3000
WebHancer

Before installing any program, read the License Agreement. Many people agree to the license without reading it, not realizing they are agreeing to the installation of scumware on their computers.

When you visit a Web site, and you see a message requesting that a plug-in or application be installed to view the content, proceed with caution. This may be an attempt to trick you into installing scumware. Ask yourself: Do you really need the information on that page? Do you know that the download you are being asked to install is safe?

Checking Your Computer for Scumware

For the most part, scumware programs are aimed exclusively at computers running the Windows operating system. Here are some programs that can check your Windows computer.

Note: Like antivirus software, definition files for scumware detection software must be kept up-to-date to be effective. See your specific scumware software for updating procedures.

Free Software (Personal Use Only)

Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com) This is the easiest program to use. It works very much like a virus scanner, and can quarantine and delete scumware. Free for use on non-University computers. Do not install this on UNM-owned computers.

Spybot Search and Destroy (www.safer-networking.org) A powerful detection and removal tool, but the interface is not as friendly as Ad-Aware. You will feel comfortable with this tool if you are technically savvy.

SpywareBlaster (www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html) Prevents the installation of many Active X spyware programs.

For-a-Fee Software

PestPatrol (www.pestpatrol.com) Provides a large arsenal of detection and removal tools, including a detector for keystroke loggers . There is a free trial version available, but you must buy the product to continue using it.