How Is Remote Computer Spyware Installed?
Computer spyware is a common problem faced by computer users. There are many types of spyware, ranging from simple browser cookies that are meant to track browsing habits to advanced and malicious software that can track keystrokes and even take over a computer remotely. Spyware can be a serious problem, but before it can cause issues it has to install itself on the target computer.
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Browser Cookies
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Cookies are text documents stored in a computer by a Web browser. They are installed automatically and seamlessly and typically without the permission of the user. Cookies can track browsing activity, store online shopping cart contents, and be used for authentication purpose on secure websites. Cookies are a form of spyware but are also a double-edged sword because the reduction in the user's privacy allows for an improved Web experience. For example, without cookies it would be impossible to store items in the cart of an online store and then come back to check out those items the next day because there would be nothing keeping track of what was put in the cart.
Viruses
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Traditional computer viruses are usually installed when a user runs an executable file containing a virus. The virus then installs itself on the target computer and executes whatever it has been programed to do. This sometimes, but not always, includes the automatic installation of spyware. Viruses can also install themselves through exploits in Web browsers and spreadsheet software, although these forms of infection are less common.
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Trojan Horses
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A Trojan Horse is named after the Trojan Horse from the Greek story about the fall of Troy because its installation method is similar to the way in which the Trojan Horse caused the downfall of Troy. In order to do any damage a Trojan Horse must first be installed by a computer's user. It is often disguised as a legitimate program, but might also run automatically without permission as would a computer virus. Once inside, the Trojan Horse allow a remote user to access the computer that is infected. The remote user can record anything the infected computer's user is doing and can even take the computer over.
Computer Worms
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A particularly dangerous form of infection, computer worms spread by using flaws in Internet hardware and software to spread without the knowledge or permission of any party involved. Worms, unlike other forms of infection, do not require the user to take any action to begin the infection. They can install themselves without the user opening any particular file or going to a harmful website. Once installed they can perform many malicious actions, including the installation of spyware, without detection.
Keyloggers
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A keylogger is software that spies on an infected computer by recording all keystrokes that are made and sending that information to be stored in a location where a remote party can access it. Keyloggers are small programs that are sometimes installed by viruses and worms as a secondary attack on an infected computer. Keyloggers can also disguise themselves as legitimate programs as would a Trojan horse. There are some keyloggers that are installed on a hardware level, usually by modifying a computer. However, these keyloggers don't allow a third party remote access.
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References
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