Who's Looking In on You?
by Gary Woods

There is a new class of software that's been causing a lot of controversy lately. It's called spyware and can reach your PC without your knowledge or explicit approval. We've all heard about cookies, but this new subclass is a formidable foe.

For instance, key loggers can record anything you type, including your passwords, e-mail messages, real-time chats, and credit card numbers. They can even spy via Web cams attached to your PC. This information can be stored locally or silently sent out via e-mail.

One of the most bothersome is called Xupiter, which is an advertising and marketing program that launches pop-up ads. It adds bookmarks to your browser's menu, and hijacks your browser's home page to serve ads and sites tailored just for you.

The amazing part is that spyware isn't always illegal. State and federal anti-hacking statutes state that without a contract, no one is allowed to deploy this sort of software. But, certain types of file-sharing services used for trading MP3s and other files across the Internet come bundled with spyware. There's a long list of "terms and conditions" you must accept on installation, but of course, almost no one reads the contract.

The good news is that there are a couple of pieces of software that can find and eradicate the spyware on your computer. First, there is Ad-ware 6 http://www.lavasoftusa.com/, and second is Spybot Search and Destroy http://spybot.safer-networking.de/. Both are a free download, so check 'em out.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910