Spyware & Adware: How to Protect your Computer
This notice is intended to inform you about the onslaught of spyware and adware that is attacking university computer systems.
- What is Spyware and Adware?
- How does it get on your computer?
- How do you know if you have spyware?
- What do you do if you suspect that your machine has been compromised?
- What can you do to help prevent it?
What is Spyware and Adware?
Spyware is the general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use spyware to gather data about customers. Spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. This is also known as "adware" which also is a hidden software program that transmits user information via the Internet to advertisers in exchange for free downloaded software.
How does it get on your computer?
The most common way for spyware and adware to get installed on your computer is by downloading some "free" software and installing it on your machine. This can include screen saver software, free greeting card software, casino gaming software, internet coupon software like Gator, instant messaging software, various media players, various search toolbars, and the list goes on. Often, the unwanted spyware is installed while these "free" programs are being installed.
How do you know if you have spyware?
Two of the most common symptoms of spyware include not being able open web pages and a general slowdown in the performance of your computer.
What do you do if you suspect that your machine has been compromised?
If you suspect that your machine has been compromised call the HelpDesk at 4029! Depending on the severity of the spyware, it can either be removed easily or it can be as serious as having to completely reformat and reinstall your machine.
What can you do to help prevent it?
Prevention is possible by being careful of the type of websites that you visit. Websites that offer free software, games, travel discounts, and other "internet specials" should not be used on a USM owned machine. These types of websites are rarely work-related and should be avoided. THESE PROBLEMS ALMOST ALWAYS RESULT FROM WEB BROWSING THAT IS NOT WORK RELATED.
Spyware is often distributed as a result of a vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer. In fact, the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), a division of Homeland Security, has recommended that we no longer use Microsoft Internet Explorer to browse the internet. One possible alternative browser is called Firefox and can be downloaded from www.mozilla.org. This browser should be used if you must browse non-university related websites.
The HelpDesk recommends you use Windows Disk Cleanup weekly or at least on a monthly basis. This is generally located in Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools. This scans your disk and deletes internet temporary files, the recycle bin and other un-necessary files. Again, call the HelpDesk at 780-4029 if you have any questions about this.
The HelpDesk further recommends you run the Symantec Virus scan weekly or at least once a month.
Tip: During your weekly staff meeting leave your computer running Disk Cleanup or Symantec Anivirus.
