Guide to Spyware

US-CERT is charged with providing response support and defense against cyber attacks for the Federal Civil Executive Branch (.gov) and information sharing and collaboration with state and local government, industry and international partners. US-CERT interacts with federal agencies, industry, the research community, state and local governments, and others to disseminate reasoned and actionable cyber security information to the public.

All IT Downloads from US-CERT » | Visit US-CERT »

From US-CERT | Sep 18, 2009

Spyware is becoming more widespread as online attackers and traditional criminals use it as a tool for crimes against individuals, businesses, and governments. Statutes banning spyware exist in a number of states and Congress is considering national legislation.

Spyware can lead to financial loss, as in identity theft and credit card fraud, and it can also reduce consumers' confidence in online safety and their willingness to participate in modern electronic commerce.

One approach to combating spyware is to make it less profitable for the criminals using it. Technical solutions that combat spyware focus on finding, blocking, or removing spyware.

This research guide gives an overview of spyware and outlines some practices to defend against it.

The attached Zip file includes:

• Intro Page.doc
• Cover Sheet and Terms.pdf
• Guide to Spyware.pdf

Related IT Downloads

• 

  Information Security for End Users

  POLICIES

  Questions about protecting your information? Check out this overview of security from prevention to choosing a strong password.

• 

  Guide for Security Configuration Management of Information Systems

  RESEARCH

  Setup and config management is the first step in ensuring a secure computing environment.

• 

  Guide to IPsec VPNs

  RESEARCH

  Learn the basics of the leading standard for securing TCP/IP tunnels.