While a computer virus can come into your system and corrupt your entire network, there are other looming threats that can, sadly, do even more damage. Not only can they damage your network, but they can also steal your most precious information. As a business, that puts you, and more critically, your customers, in a compromising position. According to McAfee, a computer security company, spyware and other unwanted programs are quickly becoming the number one threat to business systems.

So who exactly are these uninvited intruders into your computer network and what are they doing there?

• Spyware: This is any type of software designed to slither into your system and convey your personal information to a third party without you realizing or allowing it. Think of it as a virtual peeping tom. Spyware software might log your keystrokes, monitor your email and instant messaging traffic, or keep track of your passwords, login IDs and credit card information. This gathered information is sent to a person or organization. They might use the information to access your computer system from wherever they may be, make charges on your credit card, or attempt to steal your identity as well.
• Adware: This is a type of software that serves to tailor-make advertising to the computer user in hopes of making money. Adware collects information about what type of Web sites you visit, what you like and what you don’t. This marketing information is then sent to a company who has commissioned the adware to do its dirty work. The company then sends you advertising messages, like pop-ups or special toolbars, based on the information they’ve gathered about you. Though adware may not be as dangerous to your business as spyware, it still is a violation of your privacy and an unauthorized and unwanted intrusion into your system.

How do these programs make their way onto your system?

1. Bundling: When you knowingly download a program, adware may be bundled in with it. Some programs will let you know what is bundled in with them when you download them, and some will not. Of course you would have to read the license agreement to know, and nobody does that! Chances are if there are a lot of excess, free files included with the program, adware may be part of the bunch. Maybe it is just a game, toolbar, emoticon or other “fun”� internet program, that you invited onto your computer.
2. Drive-by Installation: McAfee uses this term to describe when spyware or adware is downloaded onto your computer simply by visiting a dubious Web site. The program automatically installs when you visit the site without even asking you to accept.
3. Spread by a virus: Some viruses have been known to install spyware and adware as part of their package of ruin.

However these programs make their way onto your computer, once they get there, the trouble begins. If you do find a suspicious program, alert an IT professional immediately.