Spyware: Detecting, Removing, Preventing
Spyware can be installed on your computer without your knowledge and can use keystroke logging techniques to collect passwords you enter, your bank account numbers and PINs, your credit card numbers, and other personal information. The effects of this identity theft can be costly and very time consuming to rectify. Everyone should take steps to detect and remove any spyware running on their computers, and to guard against its future installation.
A related category of software, adware, may cause pop-up advertisements to appear on your screen, change your home page, disrupt your network access, and reduce the stability and usability of your system. The products mentioned below can help you detect, remove, and protect your computer from both these types of attack.
Spyware is a significant problem for all Windows users. If you use Windows, you must install at least one spyware detection program on your computer (in addition to your virus protection program and your firewall). At this writing, adware and spyware are not significant issues for Macintosh users.
Detecting and Removing Spyware
The IT Help Center suggests these programs for anyone who uses Windows. You can install one or more of them and should make sure you update and run your spyware detection program at least once a week.
Free Download:
- Microsoft's
Windows Defender
Defender comes built in to Windows Vista and 2007 but XP users will need to download it. - McAfee AntiSpyware Module for VirusScan 8
- Malwarebytes - highly recommended by IT Help Center student staff
- Spybot
- Ad-Aware
- SpyWare Blaster
Commercially Available:
Warning: A few of the other programs that claim to remove spyware are themselves spyware. Never install "spyware-removal" software that you see advertised on pop-up windows without checking it out first. See the spywarewarrior page for a list of suspicious products.
Avoiding Spyware
Most spyware is installed without your knowledge, through file-sharing programs like Kazaa, through some (but not all) Web sites that prompt you to install special software in order to view the page, or through e-mail messages that lure you with tempting links. If you are not sure about a specific piece of software you are being asked to install, you should search Google for more information to help make your decision. You should make certain you know the reason any software is being installed and that you trust the source it's coming from.
Be Cautious with Pop-ups
If you are prompted to install software you don't recognize and don't want to install: be cautious. Even when you select "Cancel" or "No" in these windows, the software may still be installed, without your consent. The best way to dismiss these prompts is to click the X in the upper right side of the window. If you think you may have made the wrong choice when prompted in the past, please run a good spyware detection program now.
Do you run AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)?
If so, please see the AIM Online Safety/Security FAQ.
Commonly Found Spyware
The Web site at cexx.org offers a comprehensive and often updated list of known spyware for you to consult.
For More Information
If you would like to learn more about adware and spyware, the CEXX Web site is an excellent resource, as is the GetNetWise site. If you need help using Spybot S&D or Ad-Aware on your computer, call the IT Help Center at 617/353-7272.