Spyware: Warning Signs of Infection

Spyware is software that gathers information about you, your browsing habits, and other personal data without your knowledge or consent. At best, spyware companies use this data to send advertisements targeted to you. At worst, criminals use your information to gain access to your computer, online accounts, and bank accounts.

Adware is software that displays advertising banners, re-directs you to websites, and otherwise conducts advertising on your computer. Adware is often integrated into software that you download from the Internet and is provided “free of charge” with the software that you download. Adware is typically a slightly less malicious form of spyware which usually only displays unwanted advertisements.

Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally install spyware or adware when downloading other programs. Many popular peer-to–peer (P2P) applications and other software packages include adware and spyware. Even seemingly innocent programs, such as special cursors, can contain spyware.

Doug Couch, an ITaP Security Engineer, says that most computers infected with spyware and adware experience performance issues. “Your computer may seem sluggish or slow down significantly,” says Couch. “It also might ‘lock up’ more often than usual, or your browser program may not work appropriately.” Other signs of infection include pop-up advertisements that appear even when you are not browsing the Internet, web browser home page settings that seem to change automatically, or unexplained new toolbars in your browser program.

Spyware and adware can be very difficult to remove manually, so prevention is the best course of action. Do the following to keep spyware and adware off your computer:

-  Be cautious when downloading and installing free software programs found on the Internet.

-  Set your Internet browser security settings to “high,” and adjust downward as necessary for your Internet use.

-  Install, use, and update anti-virus software, some of which can prevent some instances of spyware.

-  Install, use, and update anti-spyware software.

-  Use a hardware or software firewall to help control which applications can send or receive data.

If your computer does become infected with spyware or adware, use a spyware removal tool. Some popular products are Ad Aware and Spybot S&D, both of which have free versions you can download for personal use.