What is spyware?Spyware is software, planted onto your computer without your permission, to gather information about how you use your computer. This information can include which websites you visit, what applications you're using or any other information about your computer specification. But the software can also transmit the usernames and passwords you've typed in online using keylogging technology. The information gathered about you can then be used to send advertisements to your computer in the form of annoying pop-ups, to hijack your home page and replace it with something more sinister, to send you spam email which can include links to bogus websites to infect you with more viruses, trojans, malware and keyloggers, or even to impersonate you online. What is adware?Adware is software that displays advertising on your computer. Often spyware and adware are part of the same program. Adware, in theory, is harmless on its own (some programs are free because they show adverts which pay for the developer's time). By clicking 'I agree' when installing these you are often agreeing to see the adverts in return for the free software. But often the software starts silently spying on you, at which point it ceases to be harmless. How does spyware and adware get onto your computer?Spyware and adware programs are often installed due to security holes in your browser or operating system which is exploited by a malevolent website. It can also be installed through a piece of freeware (some free P2P software for example) which installs spyware alongside the legitimate advertising. Removing spyware and adwareBefore you protect your computer from spyware and adware you must first remove any that may already be on your machine. There are lots of programs which claim to remove spyware and adware, but BEWARE OF THE MANY HUNDREDS OF PROGRAMS WHICH CLAIM TO DO SO BUT WHICH ARE, IN FACT, SPYWARE PROGRAMS THEMSELVES. We have found the safest and most effective solutions to be Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy, which are both free: Once you've installed them, the first thing you should do is to download the latest updates as they provide the most up to date details of the latest spyware and adware programs. This is easily done though the interface provided with both programs. (You will, of course, need to update these definitions each time you use the programs to scan your PC) Run each program in turn to scan your computer and remove any spyware and adware they find. You can also turn on any immunisation options to protect your computer in the future. Instructions with each program will show you how to carry out these tasks. If you have any problems removing spyware, you can ask for help on the forums provided by the Spybot and/or AdAware forums - both are fantastic resources. In addition to the free AdAware Personal SE, there is AdAware Plus with enhanced functionality. Preventing spyware attacksTo prevent your computer from spyware/malware/adware/browser-hijack infection in the future, you need to:
Pop-upsMozilla-ThunderbirdTo block pop-ups and allow exceptions go to Tools > Options > Web Features Additional guidance available at: http://www.nidelven-it.no/articles/introduction_to_firefox_3 Internet ExplorerOn Windows XP SP2 (the latest version) there is automatic pop-up blocking set by default.
To adjust the default settings and allow exceptions: Go to: Tools > Pop-up Blocker > Pop-up Blocker settings Further information is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_popupblocker.mspx |
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SECURITY Spyware