Spyware

What is spyware?

Spyware, also sometimes known as tracking software, is an application that gathers information about users without their knowledge. Such applications are most often downloaded onto a computer when users are visiting websites or downloading software. The primary function of these applications is to collect personal information stored on your computer or monitor websites you visit and items you purchase online. This information is transmitted largely to advertisers and used for marketing purposes. Spyware has become a leading security problem for Internet users and is now more widespread than spam or virus infections.

How does spyware work?

Once downloaded on your personal computer, spyware can monitor your keystrokes, scan through the files on your hard drive, read cookies or open applications and transfer information over the Internet to an unknown third party. Profiles set up by the spyware allow for pop-up advertisements to appear on your computer without a browser being open.

Spyware uses the memory and resources (like your bandwidth to access the Internet) on your computer to function, collect data and relay information over the Internet. This results in a loss of system stability on your computer. If you have spyware on your computer, you may experience the following:

The system performance may be affected which will slow down your computer.
Your computer may crash or freeze.
You may also have difficulty accessing the Internet.
Your Internet browser will have changes to its toolbars and could be re-directing your site choices.

Spyware vs. adware

Adware and spyware are similar in that they both intrude on the privacy of individuals by installing themselves on users' computers without users' knowledge, usually via downloads or viruses. Adware displays advertising messages or banners to the user, but also secretly gathers information about their use of websites and relays it back to the program's originator, usually for advertising purposes.

Spyware, on the other hand, may not be visible at all but will run in the background recording keystrokes and relaying this information to another computer. It may become visible, however, in the form of pop-ups or other changes in the usual function of users' applications. As an example, suppose you enter your banking credentials into a sign-on page and receive an unexpected pop-up screen, which says there was an authentication failure and demands further personal information. In this example, the spyware is trying to lure you into providing further information that it can store and relay to another computer.

Spyware vs. viruses

Spyware may be sent to you within a virus. While spyware and viruses may have similar effects on your computer (such as slowing down your system), they have different purposes. The main purpose of a virus is to cause deliberate damage to your software or data. In contrast, the main purpose of spyware is to gather secret information and relay it to others - any damage that it causes is incidental.

How CIBC protects you

At CIBC we go to great lengths to protect your personal information and ensure CIBC Online Banking is secure. If you feel like your CIBC online banking service has been compromised, please call CIBC Online Banking at 1-888-872-2422.
Find out more

CIBC has implemented measures to ensure your security. The Saved Card feature, found on the sign-on page to CIBC online banking, allows you to save your CIBC Convenience Card number using an encrypted cookie that is stored only on your own personal computer. This information, once saved on your computer, is automatically generated each time you sign in to CIBC online banking. Spyware that monitors keystrokes cannot identify your card number using this feature because you will not be required to type in the number each time you login.

What you can do

CIBC wants to help you stay informed. By knowing how to protect yourself, you can avoid becoming a victim of online scams: for more information, see What you can do.

Spyware removal tools

It is important to note that the regular anti-virus programs will not necessarily detect spyware on your computer. To best ensure your computers's security, you should be using a firewall, an anti-virus detection/removal program, and a spyware detection/removal program. For example, Webroot Software, provides a number of web-based spyware tools, both free and for a charge.*
Download Webroot Software spy audit for free

CIBC customers who visit the Webroot site through this link will be entitled to a 25% discount on the online purchase of the SpySweeper 1 year subscription.**
SpySweeper special offer
Please note that prices listed on the Webroot website are in U.S. funds.

* CIBC is not responsible for the Webroot site or the products or services of Webroot Software, Inc. Discount may be withdrawn without notice.

** Discount may be withdrawn without notice.