Different types of malware have caused issues for computer users throughout the years. One of the most worrisome types of malware is called spyware. Its main threat is how it can remain undetected while causing havoc. There have been quite a few troublesome spyware types over the years, which can still cause trouble for computer users to this very day. It is of the utmost importance to have an anti-spyware solution installed on your computer or mobile device.
#5 CoolWebSearch
As intriguing as this spyware type may sound, CoolWebSearch should not be underestimated by any means. This is a collection of malicious programs which takes advantage of older Internet Explorer vulnerabilities. In the case of CoolWebSearch, the spyware will redirect internet traffic to advertisements hosted on websites to increase ad earnings. Moreover, CWS also modified the computer’s DNS lookups and rewrote search engine results. A nasty piece of spyware, to say the least.
#4 Finfisher
Finfisher is a spyware type commonly used by law enforcement agencies all over the world. This high-end surveillance suite offers a wide range of services to spy on internet users all over the world. Moreover, the people responsible for developing and selling this malware include a training course and technology updates free of charge. Finfisher is also known as FinSpy, and is still being used by some intelligence agencies today.
#3 Movieland
Consumers who want to illegally download movies and TV shows are a prime target for spyware-laden files. Movieland, also known as Popcorn.net and Moviepass.tv, is a film download service which caused the FTC to receive thousands of complaints. In most cases, the spyware would create large pop-up windows on computers, in which payment is demanded to get rid of it.
These popups in question usually revolved around a service costing at least US$29.95. However, adult advertisements were represented through these popups as well, creating a whole set of new problems. Movieland settled the complaint filed by the FTC, as coercing consumers to pay for a service they did not sign up for is against the law.
#2 WeatherStudio
On first glance, the WeatherStudio application seems quite innocent. The plug-in displays a window panel close to the bottom of browser windows. On paper, it should be easy to uninstall the WeatherStudio spyware from a computer. However, users have to rely on the proprietary uninstalled bundled with the program itself to do so. WeatherStudio is a toolkit most people wouldn’t recognize as spyware, which makes it very dangerous if not uninstalled quickly.
#1 Zango
Not to be confused with Zynga, Zango is a spyware kit transmitting detailed user information to advertisers. To be more precise, the malware collects information related to which sites one visits. Zango also modified HTTP requests, allowing criminals to earn a profit from displaying their own ads to site visitors. Most types of spyware, are designed to let criminals make money through advertising, yet it also creates a backdoor vulnerability waiting to be exploited.
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