How does a computer get spyware?

Question

Does the computer get it by just visiting a site, or does one need to click on something or download something?
Also, are different types of computers more susceptible than others (Mac v. PC)?

Answer 1

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.



In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers.



It's pretty simple to understand why there are more viruses on Windows than on OS X: more people use Windows than OS X. Hackers generally target the biggest nail in order to reach a much larger audience.



A lot of people say Mac's are free of threats but Macs are becoming mainstream and used by hundreds of thousands of people, they have now become 'an untapped target'.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

The "black-hats" use both methods (and others).



A website usually will attempt to compromise (infect) a computer by one of two means.



A. By exploiting vulnerabilities (defects) in Windows or Internet Explorer, without any user intervention. This is called a "drive-by download"



B. By tricking the visitor into downloading some virus or spyware. Often a site will claim that a "codec" or an Active-X control is needed to make that site work correctly. If the visitor agrees to download and install (big mistake), he will actually be downloading a trojan or another type of malware.



A computer that is 100% patched and updated with all critical updates from Windows Update, will be pretty much immune from A. And good old-fashioned common sense will prevent B.



The cyber-criminal gangs that make a (very good) living selling this crap, generally code their malware to target Windows, mostly because it has over 90% of the market...it's a bigger target.

Answer 4

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.



Spyware does not directly spread in the manner of a computer virus or worm: generally, an infected system does not attempt to transmit the infection to other computers. Instead, spyware gets on a system through deception of the user or through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.



Most spyware is installed without users' knowledge. Since they tend not to install software if they know that it will disrupt their working environment and compromise their privacy, spyware deceives users, either by piggybacking on a piece of desirable software such as Kazaa, or by tricking them into installing it (the Trojan horse method). Some "rogue" anti-spyware programs masquerade as security software, while being spyware themselves.