What is Spyware and How Can I Prevent it?
Spyware and adware are programs that install themselves without your knowledge, usually through other programs that you download onto your computer. These are generally also called malware. Some browser add-on toolbars or programs like Weatherbug are common examples. The "harmless" programs usually only report back to someone else behind the scenes about your browsing habits, and are usually used for targeted advertising, like pop-up ads. The more sinister examples will change settings, record keystrokes, capture credit card information or even allow remote control of your computer. Excessive spyware and adware will cause a computer to slow down drastically, due to the demand that the malware places on the computer's resources.
There are two programs that I have been using lately to scan for spyware: MalwareBytes, and the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, which is contained in later versions of Windows, or available here. The MSRT is updated through Windows Update. I have previously recommended other programs such as Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search & Destroy by PepiMK Software. These are still OK, but I've had better luck lately with the former.
Visit here to learn how to use the Malicious Software Removal Tool.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ANTI-SPYWARE PREVENTION SOFTWARE!!! There are many programs out there posing as software that will scan for and get rid of spyware on your computer. MANY of these are NOT legitimate, and in fact will install their own spyware and adware. This software is known as "ROGUE SPYWARE". DO NOT buy software from a pop-up window on your computer.
ZDNet posted an article in December 2005 describing what rogue spyware is and the top 10 worst offenders of 2005.
These programs make themselves available when you visit a website by using a popup ad that tells you that your computer is infected with spyware. These ads can look just like a Windows OS window, so you may think that it's Windows telling you that you need it.
They can also piggyback into your computer on another download or program installation, so make sure about what you agree to install when you install a program. Pay attention to every page of the install routine.
A complete and updated list and information about this type of malware can be found at Spyware Warrior.
