According to data gathered from scans performed by the Panda ActiveScan, the online anti-malware solution, spyware and adware represent 60 per cent of all examples of malware detected between January and March 2005.

After spyware and adware, the malware most frequently detected in the computers of Panda ActiveScan users were Trojans, accounting for some 18 per cent. Of these, five per cent belonged to the Downloader family, designed to download other malware -mainly spyware- onto infected computers.

Computer worms on the other hand, a type of malware that has traditionally been highly active, were only detected in 11 percent of cases. Other well-known types of malware were far less prevalent, such as a backdoor Trojans (two per cent) or dialers (0.3 per cent). Of all the new examples of malware detected during the first quarter of 2005, 42 per cent were Trojans.

Spyware Defined

A general term for a program that secretly monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use spyware to gather data about customers and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. It has many implications to your system's daily operation and in some cases can even be more difficult to remove than a virus.

Your PC is probably infected if you ever performed any of the actions listed below:

• You have downloaded music online
• Your PC is running extremely slow
• You are bothered by constant popup ads
• Your homepage is set to a page you never asked for
• Toolbars in your browser you don't want
• You receive additional SPAM emails
• You have installed any software from the internet?
  
• If you have answered yes to one or more of the actions listed, then chances are good that your system is infected and should be scanned for spyware.

There are many ways to remove the infections, including free software, but keep in mind that it does not always mean free as it may result in additional problems or it might even be the source of further spyware.

Please feel free to use our online Trend Micro Virus/Spyware Scanner. * Please read disclaimer before using service.

PCTECH offers Spyware Removal Services, click here to contact Technical Support or call 604.676.9000 for an assessment.

Panada Active Scan artricle reprinted by permission of Integrated mar.com integratedmar.com), © Copyright 2005 Integratedmar.com Corporation.