Protecting Your Computer From Spyware

What is Adware/Spyware?

Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. The justification for Adware is that it helps recover programming development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user.

Adware has been criticized for occasionally including code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This practice has been dubbed spyware and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates.

How do you get Adware/Spyware on your computer?

Adware and spyware can be loaded onto your computer any number of ways without your knowledge. Free programs like weather programs, games, or file sharing programs that you download and install frequently contain spyware. Spyware can also be installed using Internet Explorer's ActiveX. Active X is Microsoft's equivalent to Sun's Java program and is sometimes required to view certain pages on the web. It allows web sites to install software on your computer without your knowledge or consent.

What does Adware/Spyware do?

• Tracks personal information such as web browsing history
• Generates pop-up ads associated with sites you frequent.
• Generates spam e-mail associated with sites you frequent.
• Slows down your computer or causes your computer to freeze.

What is the worst Spyware and Adware?

According to Computer Associates, the top five Spyware threats right now are:

1. Trymedia
2. Nuvens
3. Estalive
4. HotBar
5. New.Net.Domain.Plugin

What tools can I use to remove Spyware and Adware?

SpyBot Search & Destroy

• Download from http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10122137.html
• Run in "Easy Mode", make sure to check for updates before running
• NOT LICENSED for use on College-owned computers; can be used for free on student computers and faculty/staff home computers

Ad-Aware

• Download from http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10045910.html
• Check for updates before running
• NOT LICENSED for use on College-owned computers; can be used for free on student computers and faculty/staff home computers
• Can be run in combination with SpyBot Search & Destroy

Click here for additional tips on how to protect your computer from Spyware and Adware.