ACTIVELY PROTECT AGAINST SPYWARE

ACTIVELY PROTECT AGAINST SPYWARE

the essentials in brief
Anti-spyware is security software for the protection of personal data.
A spyware tool scours the computer for spies and puts an end to their activities.
The finds are deactivated and moved to a quarantine folder.
Digital spies are a risk to data security.
With simple preventive measures, users actively protect themselves against infestation by spyware.
Our test winner
Due to its wide range of functions, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus receives particularly good grades. The software is especially convincing due to the tools for protection against phishing programs and the reliable scan functions, which only marginally burden the system performance through the cloud system.

The anti-spyware Kaspersky Anti-Viru s secures very good marks. For a comparably affordable price, the user receives excellent applications for the defense against Trojans, viruses and adware. In addition, the software has a pleasantly clear user interface.

Many PC users should also be familiar with McAfee Antivirus . As one of the oldest virus scanners , the program was already distributed in the 1990s as shareware. Even today, the software is one of the best when it comes to the removal of spyware, Trojans and other malware.

1. At best annoying, often really harmful
For almost every imaginable task and every problem there is a solution in the form of a useful, small program. However, some of these programs have a very different agenda than the user thinks.

Its actual purpose is not to provide the user with helpful features. That's just camouflage. In fact, they want to spy on him. These sham packages are just a form of spyware. Other variants can also reach the computer via manipulated websites without the user being aware of it.

Spyware: A serious threat
Access data is spied relatively frequently. Almost a quarter of all Internet users are affected within a twelve-month period. This is what a survey of the IT association Bitkom from 2016 says .

What is spyware and what does it serve?
The essential feature of spyware is that it unnoticed and without the consent of the user collects information and sends it over the Internet. The information can reach both the manufacturer of the software and third parties. Put simply, spyware is software that snoops the user. Frequently the usage behavior is the target of this spying. In particular, data about the surfing behavior on the Internet can be used commercially well.

Not every spyware has the same damage potential. It's annoying, but largely harmless, when the data collected is used to wrap those concerned in unwanted, personalized advertising.

 Antivirus spyware Enlarge
Spyware is nasty, small programs that steal data from the computer.
It becomes much more critical when sensitive data such as passwords and access codes get into unauthorized hands.

Who spreads spyware?
Spyware can get to the computer in several ways. For example, she likes to disguise herself as an application. The spyware will also be installed on the computer together with the program. That's why it's important to only install software from known and trusted sources. However, adware often hides behind websites like gambling or adult portals. Here the spyware lurks on unsuspecting visitors and enters the computer when they visit the homepage.

What happens to the stolen information?
In most cases, personal information ends up in the hands of companies that use it to create a buying behavior profile. This explains the personalized advertising in the form of pop-ups and banners, which the user encounters while navigating regularly. However, the dangers of spyware often exceed this comparatively harmless area. Among other things, hackers and identity thieves use malicious programs to gain passwords and PINs or plunder online bank accounts.

2. The different types of spyware
The goal of spyware is to spy on the user's personal information and transmit sensitive data to unauthorized third parties. Espionage programs use different approaches . The type and risk potential of malware often defines the route of infection. Accordingly, there are also different ways and means to eliminate the threat.

In the case of a spyware infection, the correct assessment of the problem is crucial. Only with the right diagnosis, the user can remove the malware in a timely manner and prevent their activity on the computer. The most common types of spyware are:


ADWARE
The term "adware" refers to programs that create annoying online advertising. Frequently, such applications hide in freeware and unfold their potential after their thoughtless installation. Adware often modifies the toolbar and changes the home page of the internet browser.
 Biohazard symbol
BROWSER HIJACKERS
To penetrate the system, browser hijackers use browser vulnerabilities and manipulate system settings. Often browser hijackers have other malicious programs in tow, such as worms or Trojans.

KEYLOGGER / PASSWORD THIEVES
After installation, such an application logs all inputs. In this way, cybercriminals get passwords and PINs of the user.

POTENTIALLY UNWANTED PROGRAMS (PUP)
So-called "Potentially Unwanted Programs" ("PUP" for short) is software that fakes false alarms with fake virus messages. These pests make themselves felt on the computer with messages like "A virus infected your computer". In most cases, however, there is no danger to system and data. Such notifications are not only annoying. A PUP often behaves like spyware: it changes the settings without authorization and interferes with the function of the computer.
3. Indispensable protection against spyware
The perfidy of spyware is its supposed harmlessness: Once installed, the program hides under the guise of a useful application . Especially for computer newbies it is then very difficult to distinguish the danger of the useful application and to expose the spyware as malicious software.

There are now programs that are suitable for finding and removing spyware and similar applications. With the help of various tools, the digital assistant scours the computer for the unwanted intruders, exposes suspicious actions and initiates appropriate countermeasures.

Few manufacturers offer anti-spyware tools as a separate product. Usually they are part of the portfolio of anti-virus programs or security suites . An integrated scan tool scans the computer and notifies the user in case of a potential spyware infection. The dangerous finds are then deleted directly or collected in a special quarantine folder . This folder allows the user to take a look at the finds and decide on the whereabouts of each file in each case.

 Bitdefender scan Enlarge
Anti-virus programs and Internet security suites (here Bitdefender) also protect against spyware.
With just a mouse click, he can then restore the useful applications and finally remove the really harmful files.

Do free programs also protect reliably?
In addition to paid products, the Internet also includes free anti-spyware, such as the product SUPERAntiSpyware . Once installed on the PC, these free protection programs promise maximum effectiveness against spyware, adware, malware, worms, and other types of viruses. If you want to get your spyware protection at no financial cost, such an alternative seems attractive at first glance. For free, the user receives all important defense tools, which also make paid programs available. A firewallTo protect against unauthorized network access or a scan mode for regular control of the stored files are also included with free anti-spyware as standard. But what about their efficiency? Can freely downloadable antivirus programs stand up to comparison with their paid counterparts?

Free antispyware is often itself spyware
Users who opt for a free program should be informed about the respective software before installation. Many products just do not hold up to what they promise. For example, the firewall has large security holes or important features have to be purchased separately. Free anti-spyware can even be harmful to the computer . Adware and keyloggers hide behind their functions.

The protection is poor or does not work properly
Under the free anti-spyware programs are rarely found solid products. In addition to the paid competitors, these programs also have a very limited functionality. The malware scanner often works with an outdated signature database, and the quarantine folder also serves its purpose at best.

The consequences are uncomfortable for users:

 Anti-spyware injection Enlarge
A system scanner notifies the user about spyware infestation.
The protection system does not detect the true threats, instead useful functions are disabled without a valid reason.

4. Detect and combat spyware
Although spyware operates in the background, there are clear signals that indicate an infestation. Among other things, a slow CPU operation or unexpected perturbations in the browser are the usual consequences of a pest espionage action. These typical signs indicate an attack by spyware:

 THE COMPUTER
THE COMPUTER
Often spyware slows down the working speed of a computer noticeably. Some functions do not respond to the input of the user, the operating system crashes regularly. Even new applications in the system tray that were not installed by the user can be a sign of spyware infection.
 BROWSER AND INTERNET
BROWSER AND INTERNET
Other symptoms also show up in the way the browser works. It may happen that he does not load the desired web pages or that strange results are displayed during a web search. Not infrequently, spyware also changes the homepage of the browser. Also, strange links to websites that do not match the rest of the page in terms of color, font, and size can be signs of spyware on the machine. As a result of a spyware attack, navigating the Internet is often extremely slow. Activities such as downloading programs and upgrades are affected.
Spyware on mobile devices
Even smartphones and tablets are spared by spyware attacks. The symptoms are similar on mobile devices to the desktop. An infected smartphone works slowly, for example, because the malicious programs use its processor heavily. Also, too much data consumption indicates a possible attack. Spyware uses the phone's internet connection, so the available gigabytes are used much faster than expected .

If such inconsistencies occur, it is advisable to delete suspicious programs. It also makes sense to install an anti-spyware app on the mobile device. For mobile phones and tablets there are now numerous protection programs that guarantee security.

Active content
The term "active content" refers to programs that enable the execution of online animations and videos. These applications are sometimes exploited by dubious websites to smuggle spyware and other malware unnoticed on the computer.

How to avoid spyware
Not only for real diseases, but also for digital viruses and malware applies: prevention is better than aftercare . Preventative measures help the user to increase the security of the computer and reduce the likelihood of a spyware attack.

Installation of a reliable protection
Good and up-to-date anti-spyware is indispensable. Before buying, the user should pay attention to the program equipment. An anti-spyware scanner is especially helpful for detecting potential dangers early on. A firewall is also useful. It notifies the user when an application connects to the Internet.

Installing a firewall
Usually, every good Internet security suite includes a firewall . If properly configured, it will reliably prevent a spyware program from passing the collected data. To be able to pursue their spy activity, spyware must not only collect data, but also send it. To do this, she must connect to a server on the Internet. Firewalls control which programs on the computer are allowed to communicate with the Internet.

However, one hundred percent security can not guarantee a firewall. As so often in IT security, the biggest uncertainty factor is the user. Because an exemption for a program that wants to connect to the Internet, set up quickly - who does not look closely, suddenly allows the spyware Internet access. Especially Trojans who hide behind seemingly useful programs are hardly distinguishable from legitimate software.

Update operating system and programs regularly
It is important for the protection against spyware to keep up to date all programs installed on the computer . This applies to applications as well as to the operating system. Because spyware and other malware is also like to be placed on computers using known security vulnerabilities. The updates of the manufacturers close these security gaps.

Careful surfing
As with other cyber threats, the general rule applies to spyware: the less dubious the site is, the higher the likelihood of infection. When surfing, the user should therefore call only safe and trusted websites in the best case . If, on the other hand, an unknown website is called, it is recommended to deactivate the execution of active content. These features are often responsible for activating a spyware.

 Anti-spyware prevention Enlarge
A good anti-spyware allows safe browsing the Internet.
A regular update of the web browser and the operating system helps to keep the risk of computer security gaps as small as possible.

Avoid peer-to-peer file sharing
Although file exchanges based on the peer-to-peer principle such as BitTorrent have lost much of their popularity right now, they are still popular among many users. For cybercriminals, these platforms prove to be beneficial. In principle, every user can upload files there. Nobody prevents people with criminal intentions from uploading a spyware-infected version of a program, which is then installed by thousands of unsuspecting users.

Check Terms of Use
Spyware and spy apps often hide behind free plug-ins. Downloading such programs and other tools often results in the activation of dangerous malicious software. Before each installation users should therefore first consider whether the application is actually necessary. In addition, it is advisable to take a look at the license agreements, as they usually provide important information about the privacy policy of the software manufacturer.

That's how we test
Inexperienced users looking for anti-spyware for the first time have many factors to consider when searching. Some products have extensively customizable anti-spyware tools, but require more in-depth computer skills from the user to be effectively deployed. Other applications are highly user-friendly, but have limited scan configurations. Last but not least, compatibility with the operating system is another aspect customers need to consider when purchasing anti-spyware.

Our test system
To rule out differences in performance, we tested each software on the same PC system. Our PC has the following specifications:

Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i5-6500T 2.5 GHz Quad Core
8 GB RAM
SSD
To provide general guidance to those interested, we have reviewed the best anti-spyware solutions and compared them. In our tests, readers will quickly learn which functions and applications to protect the computer offer the various programs.

From the grading of the individual categories - in each case a maximum of 5.00 points can be achieved - we calculate an overall grade for each product. This results in the placement of the software in our ranking. However, the reader should not forget that the comparison merely serves as a guide. On which aspect of a good anti-spyware software each interested party attaches the greatest value, he must ultimately individually weigh for himself. In order to analyze and assess the various products as objectively as possible, we set ourselves the following four evaluation criteria:

protection functions
In our anti-spyware test, we first examine the various tools that make the software packages available to protect the PC. Of course, the focus here is on anti-spyware features, such as the scan system. With the help of independent test laboratories such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives , we document the efficiency of the various search functions.

The best anti-spyware solutions are able to search even large amounts of data for potentially harmful files in just a few minutes. On our test PC, we perform a full computer hard disk check several times, measuring the average time it takes the software to do this.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus scored particularly pleasing results in terms of scanning speed , which examined our SSD hard drive with a data volume of 100 gigabytes in less than five minutes.

Add-ins such as anti-spam protection and anti-keylogging feature that prevents spying on sensitive user data should be a staple of high-end anti-spyware software. A good program also gives users a precise overview of PC operations so they can easily disable anyone they find annoying or dangerous. Particularly well-equipped anti-spyware programs - again Bitdefender is positive - also have an online banking tool for hedging financial transactions on the Internet.

In addition to a reliable basic equipment against spyware quality programs also include various protection features against other threats such as Trojans, worms, viruses or phishing programs. So the user removes all malicious software from his computer.

performance
The technical requirements must fit into an anti-spyware program for each end device for the software to function smoothly. In this evaluation criterion, we first check whether the security software causes noticeable delays in the system. For each product, we measure the load on computer resources and gather information about what percentage of the CPU and how many megabytes of memory use about a system scan.

If the programs are also equipped with a real-time scan, the test reports also provide information on the resource usage in a normal web search. In comparison, the software Panda Antivirus Pro proves to be particularly resource-saving. With a 25 percent CPU utilization, computer resource utilization is extremely low during a full system scan.

The evaluation criterion also deals with the technical requirements of the respective antivirus programs. Here, the reader learns whether the software is only compatible with Windows or the provider also provides a version for Mac systems. We list the different versions of operating systems that the anti-spyware software supports. In addition, the installation process influences the rating. An installation must be quick and easy and must not interfere with other computer processes.

service
The third point of evaluation focuses on the handling and user interface of the programs. The various interfaces of the program must be clearly and clearly structured, so that even computer novices can use all functions.

Certain comfort features also influence the rating. For example, some programs provide a backup folder that provides an overview of the files that have been removed by the anti-spyware. Rescue functions help the user to recover deleted files if they are not dangerous.

Lastly, like any antivirus software, an anti-spyware requires regular updates of its protection features; good products such as Norton Security or Kaspersky Antivirus install the necessary updates early on system startup, resource-saving and automatically without user intervention.

Help & Support
Even with a very intuitive software, questions or problems may arise on the part of the users. The last test aspect addresses the support of the different manufacturers. First, the focus is on the homepage of the provider. In addition to detailed information about the tools, an FAQ button for first aid is essential. Some manufacturers also provide a community forum where users can seek advice from other users. For some products, such as McAfee AntiVirus Plus, there is an extensive set of helper tools available that help resolve the issues quickly.

If the issue can not be solved in these ways, direct contact is of particular importance. For this purpose, good providers provide an e-mail support or a telephone hotline, which help seekers can fall back on in case of emergency. In our test we contacted the customer service of the different software manufacturers either by phone or by email. Whether the support responded to our suggestions with a helpful advice or fed us with standard answers, readers learn in the relevant reviews