Spyware Information: BackWeb
This application is a downloader. Downloaders get other programs from the Internet and install them on your computer. Although there are legitimate uses for downloaders, those that persist on your computer after an installation is finished (or those that you don't recognize) could be used to install spyware, viruses, or other malicious software.
Downloaders have the advantage (for a malicious software writer) that they are not viruses themselves, so they may not be recognized by anti-virus software. This gives the virus a peephole into the computer through which it can travel once the downloader is in place.
- Size: 3,462,144 bytes
- Threat level: Low (more info...)
- Detections: 143,410 this month: 18
- Author: BackWeb Technologies
- Appeared: Variants from February, 2000 to January, 2003
Research
- Method of infection: BackWeb is included with the software for many computer peripherals. Most installations of BackWeb are legitimate; companies such as Dell, Logitech, and HP. However, it is listed here because it can silently and automatically update your computer without your permission.
- Advertising: BackWeb can be configured to display advertisements by popups, browser windows, wallpaper changes, screensaver changes, or Flash.
- Privacy issues: BackWeb is frequently installed on new PCs and configured to automatically download and install updates without permission.
Spyware Detection Stats
- Spyware Fingerprints: 91,859
- Detections: 6,792,650
- Detections this Month: 797
Spyware Search
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