White Papers

Spyware Sneaks Into the Desktop

• Tags:
• programs,
• spyware,
• channel,
• targeted

Overview Spyware programs discreetly install themselves on PCs, establish a back channel over which to download information about the user and typically upload advertisements - often over HTTP Port 80. Programs designed specifically to deliver targeted advertising are also called adware. But adware and other types of software that installs without the user's explicit consent and establish background communications - including surveillance programs, key loggers, remote control tools and Trojans - are also described as spyware. Companies have traditionally viewed spyware as a nuisance that's best handled by desktop support groups. But IT organizations are beginning to view it as a security risk as well because spyware is becoming more common and the programs are growing more sophisticated.

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