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.

The software with the best track record for finding and removing spyware and adware are Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, Spybot - Search & Destroy by PepiMK Software, and Windows Defender by Microsoft. These are free programs, though there is a paid version of Ad-Aware that provides real-time monitoring for new adware. I personally only use the free versions. I recommend a weekly scan using each program; that's right- I use all three programs. They don't conflict with each other, and one will usually find something that the other did not. Windows Defender does provide real-time scanning. It is available for download at Microsoft, and comes with Windows Vista. The following pages explain in detail the use of Ad-Aware and Spybot.

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.

 

So how do you know what programs to use? Stick with the recommendations on these pages: Lavasoft Ad-Aware, Spybot-Search and Destroy, Windows Defender, Sunbelt Software's Counterspy, and JavaCool Spyware Blaster.

NOTE: It is possible that there may be malware running on your system at the time of the scan, and the programs will not be able to shut it down. You can perform the scans in Safe Mode, and it may be desirable to do so. If not done in Safe Mode, the worst that would happen is that you would possibly have to rescan after a restart of the computer. The software will ask for that if it is needed.

The easiest way to get each of these programs is at CNET's Download.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you will find a box labeled "Most Popular". You will find both programs listed there. The alternative is to type "Spybot" or "Adaware" into your browser's address line.

 

To learn how to install and use Ad-Aware, go here

To learn how to install and use Spybot, go here