Spyware.Agent

Spyware.Agent is the latest PC threat to watch out. This worm tends to spread itself quite easily. Another category Spyware.Agent can fit into is the Spyware category. All of which are unwanted applications on any PC system.

As a worm infection, Spyware.Agent displays similar qualities found in virus malware application, complete with dangerous and destructive codes.

Spyware.Agent has the following affiliated aliases:
- cwhwont.exe
- NETXZ.EXE
- POHAEK.exe

Infections, the likes of Spyware.Agent, are highly capable of mutating and are extremely difficult to find and remove from any infected system.
Spyware.Agent is no exception – it will hide itself and may further propagate itself onto a network of systems, if given half the chance.

Spyware.Agent may not copy itself into the file attachment to infect the emails; instead it is accompanied by a component which is able to download other malicious programs via the Internet.

Once embedded within a computer system, Spyware.Agent will continue to send infected messages to all the email addresses harvested from the victims’ machine.

Spyware.Agent tends to install itself onto a computer system, in some instances employing Rootkit tactics, this way ensuring it remains hidden from all spyware detectors (legitimate ones).

Spyware.Agent may enter into a computer via other malware applications or via pornographic websites or other dubious type sites, or via gambling related websites.

Spyware.Agent tends to display the following characteristics:

* Found on infected systems and resists interrogation by security product
* Uses low level functions to hide itself from the user and from system/security processes
* Created as a process on disk
* Deleted as a process from disk
* Added as a Registry auto start to load Program on Boot up
* Created as a new Background Service on the machine

The following steps can be taken to ensure the prevention of any infections onto a computer system:

• Enable a firewall on your computer
• Get the latest computer updates for all your installed software
• Use up-to-date antivirus software
• Use caution when opening attachments and accepting file transfers
• Use caution when clicking on links to web pages
• Avoid downloading pirated software
• Protect yourself against social engineering attacks
• Use strong passwords.

The best way to ensure your computer system is not compromised by the presence of this dangerous application is to delete Spyware.Agent and all its components from the infected system as soon as it has been detected.