IT executives ranked spyware as this 2005's top security concern in a recent Information Security Magazine survey. This presentation will give the audience a demo-driven overview of spyware and spyware remediation.  Topics covered:

• Definitions: Spyware, Malware, Phishing, Viruses, Adware, Trojan Horse, Spam, etc, etc, etc.

• Threat levels of different types of spyware

• History and impact of spyware

• Infection Vectors

  • Browsers

  • Email

  • Evil Popups

  • Activex/Java

  • Instant Messaging

  • Why is detection so hard?

• Spyware Controls

  • Prevention

    • EULAs

    • technical controls

    • desktop management

  • Detection

    • symptoms (sluggish computer, odd icons...)

    • available software detection tools

    • KAZAA demonstration

  • Correction

    • searching and editing the registry

    • restore points

    • evil tricks spyware uses to hide itself from you

Demos Include:

• Infecting your computer with KAZAA
• VMWare - Virtual test environment
• Restore Points - How to go back to square one
• Registry Hacking - Desperate times require desperate measures
• Anti-spyware tools - Microsoft Defender