Spyware / Adware / Malware

• What are spyware, adware and malware?
• How do I protect my computer from spyware?
• What is a spyware removal program?
• Where do I find spyware removal programs?
• How do I use these removal programs?
• How can I block pop-ups?

Spyware
Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of other programs downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from you by using your computer's resources and bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via your Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system slowness and instability.

Adware
A form of spyware that collects information about the user in order to display targeted advertisements based on the information it collects from the user's browsing patterns.

Malware
Malware is short for malicious software. It is a form of spyware specifically designed to damage or disrupt a computer system.

Information Technology uses the term "spyware" for all types of spyware, adware, and malware.

How do I protect my computer from getting spyware?
A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download peer-to-peer (P2P) file swapping software. Common examples include KaZaA, Limewire, Grokster, eDonkey, Blubster, Direct Connect, Gnutella, Warez, BearShare, eMule, iMesh, and Ares. Software downloaded using any P2P software can also be a source of spyware (including torrents). The source of the file could have changed it to include a keystroke recorder or destructive virus.

Avoid the risky parts of the Internet, free adult websites typically try to install keystroke recorders and trackers to follow your online surfing habits.

Install a program that detects spyware before it can be installed on your computer. Windows Defender is a free solution.

The best weapon against spyware is prevention. Once your system has been compromised you never know what has been changed. Working through our jump start guide will help protect you and your computer.

What is a spyware removal program?
Spyware removal programs are designed to search for and remove software known to contain spyware. Information Technology only recommends three FREE spyware removal programs as some other "free" removal programs have been known to contain spyware! Webroot's SpySweeper is a recommended commercial removal application.

Where do I find spyware removal programs?
Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.04
Windows Defender (Beta 2)

How do I use these removal programs?
Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.04
Windows Defender (Beta 2)

How can I block pop-ups?
Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera have pop-up blockers included with the browser.