Specifications

Trend Micro™ OfficeScan™ 10 Administrator’s Guide
5-6
Potential Risks and Threats
The existence of spyware and other types of grayware on the network have the potential
to introduce the following:
Reduced Computer Performance
To perform their tasks, spyware/grayware applications often require significant CPU
and system memory resources.
Increased Web Browser-related Crashes
Certain types of grayware, such as adware, often display information in a browser frame
or window. Depending on how the code in these applications interacts with system
processes, grayware can sometimes cause browsers to crash or freeze and may even
require a computer restart.
Reduced User Efficiency
By needing to close frequently occurring pop-up advertisements and deal with the
negative effects of joke programs, users become unnecessarily distracted from their
main tasks.
Degradation of Network Bandwidth
Spyware/Grayware applications often regularly transmit the data they collect to other
applications running on or outside the network.
Loss of Personal and Corporate Information
Not all data spyware/grayware applications collect is as innocuous as a list of Web sites
users visit. Spyware/Grayware can also collect user credentials, such as those used to
access online banking accounts and corporate networks.
Higher Risk of Legal Liability
If computer resources on the network are hijacked, hackers may be able to utilize client
computers to launch attacks or install spyware/grayware on computers outside the
network. The participation of network resources in these types of activities could leave
an organization legally liable to damages incurred by other parties.