Top 5 Examples of Spyware

Did you know that advertising companies and individuals have the ability to watch and track your every move on your personal computer? Did you know that you could be targeted by these groups or individuals to push advertisements based on information that has been breached from your computer? Most importantly, did you know that you could be a victim to identity theft and fraud due to these technologies? To me this is very scary, the fact that a company or individual can gain access without my knowledge to my computer and personal information and take it without me even knowing. To hack into my property to gain an edge in advertising is one thing, but to be able to steal personal account information such as bank account information is a hair-raising feeling.

I want to provide you with the top 5 examples of spyware on the web today. These may not be the official names that the creators of these evil technologies call them, but these are what they have been labeled by the anti-spyware community. Getting familiar with these 5 groups is something I highly recommend so you can protect yourself from fraud that can snatch away your identity and drain your wallet.

Here is a list of the top 5 spyware groups to watch out for:

1.) CoolWebSearch. This is a group of programs that has the ability to exploit the weaknesses of Internet Explorer. This spyware can manipulate direct traffic to advertisements on coolwebsearch.com. Also, it has the ability to display pop-up ads, manipulate search engine results, and alters your computer's host files to direct DNS lookups to these sites.

2.) Internet Optimizer (also known as DyFuCa). Ever see an error page by internet explorer? Well this spyware takes you to advertisements instead of the error page. For example, when a user follows a broken link or enters a wrong URL, they are directed to a page of advertisements that are strategically placed. However, one weakness of this spyware, is that it can't access password-protected sites because of HTTP Basic authentication.

3.) Zango (formerly 180 Solutions). This spyware transmits detailed information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. Also, it has the ability to alter HTTP request for affiliates linked from a web site, so the advertisers can make unearned profits. It can smother any competitor by opening pop-ups that cover over competitor websites. Therefore you may never get to visit a website of one of their competitors because they can cover them up.

4.) HuntBar (also know as WinTools). Used by ActiveX, which is downloaded at affiliate websites, or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. This is a prime example of how spyware can install more syware. These spyware can add toolbars to internet explorer, track your browsing behavior, and redirect you to affiliate references, which display even more advertisements.

5.) Zlob Trojan. This spyware downloads itself to your computer via ActiveX code and reports your information back to control server. Some of this information that is stolen from you can be your search history, keystrokes, and the Zlob Trojan can hijack routers set to defaults. Now can you see how easy these people can easily snatch important personally information from you.


I hope you will find this information useful and will protect yourself from the evils of spyware. Last year alone over 27.3 million Americans fell victim to identity theft. I want you to be fully aware of spyware and its capabilities so you can become educated on this ever-growing problem. The last thing I want to see is your wallet become light due to expenses caused by a spyware program that is running on your personal computer. My advise to you, "never let your guard down," because spyware is a very powerful threat, one in which you can't ever see coming if your not prepared.

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