Spyware Severity

For a definition of Spyware, please see: What is Spyware?

When STOPzilla detects Spyware, it displays the severity of the Spyware threat in the THREAT MANAGER dialog.

 

 

STOPzilla categorizes Spyware from Low to Critical as follows:

 

 

Low

  

  • Used to deliver targeted advertising.
     

  • Shows non-intrusive (occasional) ads of an inoffensive nature.
     

  • Cookies
     

 

Mild

  

  • Tracks non-identifiable personal information (browsing and search information.)
     

  • Installs other potentially harmful components without user consent.
     

  • Adds URLs to the user's Favorites menu and desktop.
     

  • Peer-to-Peer applications (typically, music and games) that can install Spyware.
     

 

Moderate

  

  • Uses intentionally misleading tactics to trick the user into installing some software.
     

  • Aggressively displays advertisements (frequency of display impedes computer usage and performance.)
     

  • Premium rate dialers (Can initiate expensive 900 calls automatically.)
     

 

High

  

  • Installs without user consent.
     

  • Hijacks search pages or homepages.
     

  • Displays frequent unwanted pornographic or otherwise offensive pop-up ads.
     

  • Adds URLs to the user's Favorites menu and desktop, that direct the user to pornographic Web sites.
     

  • Infects a computer's hosts file and/or modifies the TCP/IP settings to send the user to a different Web site.
     

 

Critical

  

  • Transmits sensitive data to third parties without user consent (banking info, passwords, Windows product ID and CD keys.)
     

  • Provides no uninstall (removal) capability.
     

  • Defends itself from being uninstalled (removed.)
     

  • Hijacks desktop or homepage.
     

  • Disables anti-virus and firewall applications.
     

  • Prevents anti-virus programs from receiving updates.
     

  • Reduces system security.
     

  • Allows access to remote users.
     

  • Spreads to other computers on the local network.
     

  • Downloads and installs other Spyware applications.
     

  • Sends Spam.
     

  • Performs a denial of service attack.
     

 

Related Topics