What Can Spyware Programs Do?

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks.   

Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:

1.            Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.

2.            Scan files located on your hard drive.

3.            Snoop through applications on our desktop.

4.            Install other spyware programs into your computer.

5.            Read your cookies.

6.            Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.

7.            Change the default settings on your home page web browser.

8.            Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to           eradicate.

9.            Cause your computer to run slower.

10.        Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.

11.        Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid.  Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate’s settings.

12.        Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove. 

Spyware Examples

Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs.  Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use. 

CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through “holes” found in Common browsers. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. 

This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.  

Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
 

180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit.  It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site.  

 Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they’ve altered.

HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs.  

 It’s a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware. These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing behavior, and display advertisements.

18 Steps To Promote Your Recycling Business As A Good Corporate Citizen

Here are 18 steps that will help start your help your business as a good corporate citizen:

 1.   Make the decision to start. Believing that a recycling program is positive and beneficial to the business must exist as the foundation.

2.    Get “buy-in” from other management and employees.

 3.   Decide if you need a “designated” recycling coordinator. 

This could be a volunteer who feels strongly about the subject.



 4.  Find a mentor or model.  Find a business similar in size that has a successful program and ask for help.

   5. Create a program plan.  This should include goals and measurable objectives.

    6. Know what can be recycled – what to collect and what to toss.  There are regulations as to what can and cannot be recycled.

  7.  Understand recycling and educate the team.  Tell your employees why you want to recycle, why it’s important and what’s expected of each employee.

   8.  Determine a collection method. Decide from the beginning whether recyclables will be commingled or separated by source.

  9.  Make recycling convenient and easy. Don’t skimp on collection bins, for example.  If a bin is easier to find than a trash can than your program is bound to work.

   10. Choose a method for removal. Here in Santa Clarita we’re fortunate to have our own trash companies alert about recycling and willing to assist citizens.

  11.  Establish program guidelines.  Keep it simple and foolproof for employees.

   12.  Launch your program and get team “buy in”.  Make it fun.  Schedule a kick off program, or even a company-wide contest to name the program.

    13. Implement!  Now it’s time to put the program into practice.  Purchase and place bins, label recycling areas/bins.

14 Make sure you place signs about what is recyclable and what isn’t in the same vicinity as the collection bins.

   15.  Promote and market your program.  Keep the momentum going among your employees.

Some companies even offer incentive programs to recognize individuals or departments for their efforts.

    16. Evaluate the program periodically.  Analyze your program’s effectiveness and let team members know the result.

How much waste is being saved? Is it reducing costs? Are supply expenses lower?

  17.  Keep it going and build on the program.  If you started with just paper, now extend it to plastic/ink cartridges, for example.

    Publicize successes.  Internally promote the program with workers via a newsletter or email.

  Externally, use it for a PR boost by sharing results with local and trade publications with a Press Release. Hey, great advertising!

    18. Close the loop.  Buy recycled content products for your business, reduce waste in the office, and reuse materials when possible.

The start of a new business year is the perfect time to start a recycling program in your business.

 It’s just what’s needed to re-energize holiday-worn workers, and make them feel like a part of your company’s planning team.  

Happy Recycling!