Spyware is one of the newest and most insidious threats to Internet users. It poses a growing risk to individuals and businesses alike, endangering privacy as well as the security of financial data and other types of proprietary information.

What is Spyware?
Spyware is computer software that collects and reports information about the use of the system it is installed on without the user's knowledge. Spyware comes in a variety of forms with intentions that range from Internet usage tracking to outright theft.

For home users, spyware installations can have a number of effects, including anything from the annoyance of increased spam to larceny and the very real threat of identity theft. Decreased system performance may also be an issue.

For businesses, spyware often compromises customer data and other proprietary business information that affects the company's image and bottom line. In addition, the impact of multiple spyware applications running on network and computer resources can result in decreased productivity.

Spyware applications are delivered through a variety of mechanisms, including e-mail, Web sites, pop-up ads and images. One of the most sophisticated and alarming methods of spyware installation involves a combination of phishing and social engineering that tricks users into divulging sensitive information.

Alarming Statistics
Spyware is a top of mind security concern for all types of computer users and administrators. A recent IDC survey of 600 corporate IT managers listed spyware 4th on the list of the biggest security risks.*

Results from other studies:

• In an October 2004 study, AOL and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) found an average of 93 spyware applications on users' computers.**
• For every 1,000 users in an organization, conservative estimates put the costs of fixing spyware-related problems at $83,000 per year.***

If spyware is a concern for you and your organization, read on to learn how you can combat this pervasive and growing problem.

Fighting Spyware
There are three types of software used most often in the battle against spyware: search and destroy, blocking install and blocking execution. While each of these options has its strengths, no single method or technology provides adequate protection on its own.

For truly effective spyware protection, you will benefit most from a layered approach to security that preemptively protects your company at three levels:

1. Gateway
2. Network
3. Host

Multilayered Spyware Protection
Internet Security Systems offers the Proventia Enterprise Security Platform (ESP), which includes a complete line of products and services that block spyware and other network threats before they can impact your organization.

In the battle against spyware, Proventia ESP protects you where you need it most.

Gateway and Network

• The intrusion prevention system blocks unwanted traffic from entering the network and prevents unapproved applications from transmitting information outside of the network.
• The Web filter blocks access to Web sites with unwanted or unapproved content, including spoofed Web sites, reducing the danger of spyware installations.

Host

• The Virus Prevention System is next generation technology that stops viruses and blocks Trojan programs such as keyloggers and browser hijackers.
• Application control allows the installation of only approved applications while preventing the installation of undesirable ones.
• Communication control uses organizationally defined policies to manage information transfer.

X-Force Research and Development
Vulnerability research conducted by Internet Security Systems' X-Force research and development team is at the heart of Proventia ESP. By protecting vulnerabilities in software applications, Proventia ESP can prevent attacks that would otherwise harm your business.

Learn More
Learn more about Proventia ESP and how it can help you combat spyware and other Internet threats.