Spyware A Warning about Identity Suicide

Cheshire based Duenna Media Services (DMS) reports that from February 2006 every computer system that they have been asked to work on, had been subject to a spyware infection. 90% of the computer owners had no idea about any infection on their computer. Many had continued with online banking other financial activities using the Internet, leaving themselves open to identity theft.

In all, 150 computers were tested from business and domestic customers, only 15 users had prior knowledge that their computer had a problem with spyware. 90 of the systems had multiple infections, most of which included Trojan horses and viruses. 70% of the computers tested had leading brand Anti-virus and Anti-spyware software installed. Often the active part of such software has been disabled by the spyware. When scanning the system the user is tricked into thinking that everything is working correctly.

The causes of the infections varied, however most could be attributed to how the computer was used. Multiple user accounts were an issue. Parent's8217;s user account would be used for researching the family tree or editing photographs. Whereas the children use the computer for downloading music files from peer to peer networks. Many infections stemmed from the children's8217;s user account. When logged out the peer to peer software still allowed access to the rest of the Internet for file sharing. Legalities aside, peer to peer networks are known for the possibility of infection and slowing Internet connections. One popular peer to peer sharing program installs with four spyware programs. User accounts also enable spyware to re generate and make it harder for Anti-virus/Spyware programs to fully scan the system.

Some computers became infected during visits to websites that download software directly to your computer. Normally found on the 's8220;darker's8221; side of the Internet. The website would display a pop up box stating 's8220;your computer is infected with spyware, click here for more information's8221; or similar. The pop up box is actually asking the user to agree to download software. The click disables a security function in the web browser and the spyware installs. There are anti-spyware products that purport to rid a users system of such programs that are actually spyware. Although widely covered in the media, spyware is a broader term for a range of problems that can affect computers. From a simple tracking cookie; designed to collate where and how you use the Internet to 's8220;invisible's8221; diallers programmed to dial an international premium rate number if the computer connects to the internet with a modem or is used a fax machine. 's8220;Spyware's8221; on its own is just annoying but its presence on a computer can lead to Trojan programs that log keyboard entries and send the information to a remote computer. A recent type of spyware will hold files to ransom by encrypting them, until a purchase is made on a specific website. DMS removed all infections and gave advice on avoiding re-infection. One computer owner stated 's8220;I had no idea that my computer was at risk by downloading that program and I bank online's8221;. Spyware also opens computers to viruses and worms hunting for ports left open by the spyware.

Identity theft is known to occur months after the information has been stolen. Not knowing about spyware on a computer can be identity suicide. 's8220;This level of negligence about spyware and the inherent threat of identity theft, leads me to concern over a potential of online crime to epic proportions and my fear is that the damage may have already been done. 's8221; proprietor David Kitchenham Duenna Media Services.

Help is at hand, there are a number of free online scans that can detect and remove spyware. DMS provides a free computer support website and free active online anti-spyware scan at www.dmscs.co.uk they also provide free diagnosis from their shop in Marple, Cheshire. Call 0845 450 7377.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Duenna Media Services runs a free computer support website at www.dmscs.co.uk where there is a free active anti-spyware scan. DMS provides computer services to homes and business. They also offer a free diagnosis service from their shop in Marple, Cheshire. New computers, repairs, upgrades, web design, networking and free help.

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