Bits'n Bytes
Editor’s note: Information Technology Support and Services offers technology tips in this column. To submit questions or suggestions for topics, contact Becky Rogers, manager of customer service for ITSS, at ext. 1-3668.
Spyware 101
The term ‘spyware’ is a general reference for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information or changing the configuration of a computer –typically without the computer user’s approval. Symptoms of active spyware include:
Frequent pop-up advertisements - Some unwanted software bombards users with pop-up ads unrelated to a particular Web site being visited. Pop-up ads that appear immediately after turning on the computer, or when you're not even browsing the Web, may indicate spyware or other unwanted software have been installed.
Settings have changed - Some spyware can change your home page or search page settings. If the page that opens when you start your Internet browser, or the page that appears when you select ‘search’ are pages you do not recognize, your machine may have spyware. Even if you know how to adjust these settings, they may revert back every time you restart your computer.
Web browser contains additional components - Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your Web browser that you don't want or need. Even if you know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time you restart your computer.
Computer seems sluggish - Spyware is not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer. Errors in the software can make your computer crash. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of times a certain program crashes, or if your computer is slower than normal at performing routine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your machine.
How did my machine get infected? Spyware can get on your system several ways. A common trick is to covertly install the software while installing other software, such as a music or video file-sharing program. When installing something on your computer, carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement.
The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few tips to minimize downloading unwanted software:
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Download only programs from trusted Web sites. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask ITSS or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
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Read all security warnings, license agreements and privacy statements associated with any software before downloading.
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Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs. Read and understand all of the software packaged with those programs.
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Have a good anti-spyware program loaded and kept up to date. The standard at MCG is Microsoft Anti-spyware.
For spyware assistance or questions, call the HelpDesk, at ext. 1-4000.