Spyware Downloaders

Spyware Downloaders are utilities much like other strains of spyware: software that appears to offer the end user a great benefit, but in reality creates a malware scenario that is initiated by the end user accepting the oft verbose "User Agreement." Basically, in that long-winded text box you should read before installing a piece of software, you are accepting the fact that you are willingly installing spyware or adware on your computer.

How an explanation of vaguely worded user agreements relates to Downloaders is that these pests are often part of the "useful software add-ons" promised by the software manufacturer. Two varieties of spyware downloaders are the Trojan Species and the Stand Alone Species. Try a free spyware downloader scan from Webroot Software and see what spyware downloaders have been installed without your knowledge.

The Trojan Species is often part of the "payload," or the chaos accompanied by a Trojan Horse. The Downloader can place spyware on your computer, other viruses, more Trojan Horses, Keystroke Loggers, and adware, or attempt a browser hijack. Signs of this sort of attack are computer crashes when running Internet Explorer, slowing of the computer's performance, or the appearance of strange "useful and fun" utilities on your desktop.

The Stand Alone Species falsely bears the gift of assisting your download time and offers to act as a file manager. When in reality, the Stand Alone Species (Sas or more aptly ASS) logs when and where you download your files and transmits that information, along with your IP address, to a third part server. You will find yourself "riddled" with this kind of Spyware when using Kazaa, or AudioGalaxy.

As usual, a good defense is a good spyware downloader removal tool and solid web browser vigilance via a higher security settings.