Spyware and additional Internet threats can infect your computer by various
means. The most common ways to distribute spyware are:
It comes bundled with
freeware programs, or with new operating system or service components.
Peer-to-peer file-sharing programs such as Kazaa and Grokster are well
known sources of adware, as are many search bars for Internet Explorer.
It uses Internet
Explorer's ActiveX installation option. This is used by legitimate Web
sites like Windows Update to install software without requiring that an
installer be downloaded. However, it can also be used to install other,
less desirable software. If an ActiveX control is used, a screen will
display a message asking if you want to download the component. There is
no guaranty the information on the screen is correct. Clicking
Yes allows the software to run, and
carry out any functions it has been designed to perform.
It exploits unpatched
security vulnerabilities in Windows or Internet Explorer. These are
methods of getting the operating system or browser to perform in
unexpected ways or bypass security measures. One popular technique is to
allow ActiveX controls to be downloaded without requiring the user to
click to confirm the download first.
