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spywareThere's problem software out there that you may have heard about, Spyware. The most common way to get it on your computer is when you are downloading something that looks normal but has a hidden, unwanted payload. |
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What is spyware?Spyware is software that collects personal information from you without first letting you know what it's doing and without letting you decide whether this is OK or not. The information spyware collects can range from all the Web sites you visit to more sensitive information like usernames and passwords. You might be the target of spyware if you download free software programs from an unknown source. Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements, called adware. Some advertisers may covertly install adware on your system and generate a stream of unsolicited advertisements that can clutter your desktop and affect your productivity. The advertisements may also contain pornographic or other material that you might find inappropriate. The extra processing required to track you or to display advertisements can tax your computer and hurt your system performance. This is not to say that all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. If you sign up for a free music service and in return for that free service the company offers you targeted advertisements, it might be a fair tradeoff. Likewise, tracking online activities can be useful when displaying customized search content or personalized preferences at an online retailer. The key is whether or not you (or another user of your computer) have been properly notified of what the software will do and that you have provided consent to have that software installed on your computer. In other words, is the software being deceptive in what it does or how it gets onto your computer?
What is deceptive software?Spyware and unauthorized adware are two examples of "deceptive" software. Deceptive software includes programs which take over your home page or search page without first getting your permission. There are a number of ways deceptive software can get on your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of adware in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement. Sometimes deceptive software gets silently installed on your system without any warning at all. If you use Internet Explorer as your Web browser, this can happen if your Internet Explorer security setting is set to its lowest value. Make sure to keep this setting at the medium level or higher. Doing so will help you control what is being installed on your computer. Have you ever had an experience where you were repeatedly asked to accept a download even after you said "no"? Creators of deceptive software often use such tricks to get you to load their software. If this happens to you, do not click "yes". Instead, try to close the Web page that first asked you to accept the download by hitting the "X" in the corner of the window. Alternatively, quit Internet Explorer and restart it to begin browsing the Internet again. If you visit a Web page that continually displays these tricky pop-up windows, that Web site may not be worthy of your trust.
What is a Browser Helper Object?A Browser Helper Object, or BHO, is a small program that runs automatically every time you start your Internet browser. What do BHOs do? The technical answer is "just about anything", but generally, it will have something to do with helping you browse the Internet. BHOs are not necessarily bad things, and most of them are well-intentioned and beneficial, however, some BHOs are placed secretly on your system, and they can be programmed to send information over the Internet about your system, your logon and passwords, delete files and run programs. Many people are extremely concerned about them because of the privacy issue, and BHOs have a history of being installed without the users knowledge (fine print notwithstanding). There is now a tool called BhoDemon which will scan for BHOs on your system. See the Useful Sources section below. |
Steps to help protect your PC from Spyware
1: Adjust your Internet Explorer 6 security settings By default, Internet Explorer 6 strikes a balance. When you first install Internet Explorer, it classifies all Web sites into a single zone (the Internet zone) and assigns everything medium level security. When you are using this level of security, Internet Explorer should ask you to confirm that you want to download a file, unless you have previously indicated that the Web site or publisher is trusted. If you change the security level to "low," Web sites will be able to download software to your computer without telling you, so be careful when using this setting. If you need to change the security level to low for some reason, change it back to medium or higher as soon as possible. 2: Don't accept downloads from strangers The best defense against deceptive software is not to download it in the first place. • Install software only from Web sites you trust. If you aren't sure, do some research, such as asking friends or checking other resources you trust. • Read the fine print. When you install any program make sure you read the message on each window before you click "Agree" or "OK." You should also carefully read any license agreements or privacy statements associated with the software. You may discover behaviors you find objectionable. If the window will not let you click "No" or "I do not accept", close the window by clicking on the "X" in the corner. Never click "Yes" or "I accept" just to get rid of the window. 3: Look for signs of deceptive software on your computer • When you start your Internet browser, does it open to a page you've never seen before? When you select "search", are you taken to a page you do not recognize? Some deceptive software will alter these settings without your knowledge. • Do you see a sudden increase in advertisements on pages where you've never seen them before? Deceptive software sometimes bombards you with pop-up ads no matter what page you visit. These ads are often for adult or other Web sites you may find objectionable. • Does your computer seem sluggish? Deceptive software uses your computer resources to track your activities and deliver advertisements. You may also see your PC try to connect to the Internet without you asking it to. 4: Use a tool to help detect and remove unwanted software Several companies offer free software that will check your computer for unwanted software. See the Useful Sources below. If your Internet provider doesn't offer a spyware removal (or similar) tool, ask people you trust for a tool they recommend. Keep in mind that removing unwanted software with these tools may mean you will no longer be able to use a free program that may have come with it. 5: Keep Windows up to date Make sure your Windows software is always current. You can do this by visiting Windows Update.
Useful Sources1. Buy F-Secure Internet Security Software 2. Buy McAfee Anti-Virus & Security Software 3. Microsoft Windows Update 4. Microsoft Office Update 5. Lavasoft Ad-aware Free Edition |
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