What is Spyware?
Spyware, or malware, can be defined as "a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer’s operation without the user’s informed consent."
What does Spyware do?
Spyware frequently attempts to remain unnoticed, either by actively hiding or by simply not making its presence on a system known to the user. Spyware can be downloaded from the websites (typically in shareware or freeware), e-mail, and instant messages. Additionally, a user may unknowingly receive and/or trigger spyware by accepting an End User License Agreement from a software program linked to the spyware or from visiting a website that downloads spyware with or without an End User License Agreement. (Information provided by Symantec)
Commons symptoms of a Spyware infection:
- Decrease in the computer’s overall functionality
- Programs running slowly, freezing or crashing
- Lots of annoying pop-up advertisements
- Unwanted redirects of your web browser
- Additional toolbars you did not purposefully install
- Strange icons/programs on your desktop
- Anti-virus program picks up a Trojan, Trojan Horse or Worm
How do I remove malware from my computer?
- Make sure you have one updated anti-virus program (multiple programs conflict with each other). If you’re on the Emerson network, visit http://rx.emerson.edu to obtain your free copy of Symantec Anti-Virus. Remember to use this program to scan files before downloading them!
- Go ahead and turn off System Restore. If your PC is in rough shape this feature essentially functions as a virus-restore, which you clearly don’t want. To turn off System Restore, right-click on My Computer and go to Properties. Choose the System Restore tab, and check the box next to "Turn off System Restore."
- If you think your computer has a virus, try running an anti-virus scan in Safe Mode (that way, only essential programs will run – i.e. not viruses). Just tap the F8 key as the computer boots up and select "Safe Mode" when prompted. Be sure to delete the files it quarantines!
- Routinely clean out your Temp, Cookies, and Temporary Internet File folders. These are places where spyware likes to hang out. CCleaner is a great program for deleting these files automatically - CCleaner (download.com)
- You can remove a good deal of spyware and adware from your computer by using free programs available on the web. Don't trust banners or pop-up ads that say "Free spyware removal" or "Scan your computer now!" They are almost always ploys that adware companies use to dupe you into downloading their malware.
- The IT Help Desk recommends using the following to remove and prevent malware (please keep in mind that these are just recommendations, the Help Desk does not support these applications):
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How can I prevent this from happening again?
- Always make sure your computer is equipped with the latest Windows Updates. This is the only way your PC is truly protected from the latest security threats. Don’t forget to turn on Automatic Updates (located in Control Panel). By doing so, Windows will download your Critical Updates for you, and notify when they are ready to be installed.
- When surfing the web, try using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Firefox is a more secure browser, with a built-in pop-up blocker and fewer security loopholes than I.E.. Visit http://getfirefox.com to download it.
- Never click on pop-ups or flashing advertisements. Ever. This is the easiest way to get tons of irritating spyware. Remember, if you want to close a pop-up windows, be sure not to click on anything besides the X in the upper right-hand corner.
- Advertising-supported adult-themed websites contain ridiculous amounts of spyware. Let’s just say nothing is really free! Exercise common sense caution when surfing the web.
- Stealing software applications is not only illegal, but also an excellent way to obtain extremely harmful viruses and worms. Peer-to-peer networks are typically riddled with spyware and viruses. Remember, just because a file is called “photoshop.exe,” for example, doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Besides, there is a wealth of software and media available on the Internet that is open-source, freely licensed or in the public domain. There’s no reason to do something illegal that may compromise your computer’s safety.
