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Spyware Protection
What is spyware? The term spyware generally refers to any program that
collects and transmits information about a users internet browsing or
other computer habits. Originally, spyware was relatively benign. Some
of the original tracking cookies allowed websites like Yahoo to
customize page ads based on your search terms or by tracking which ads
you actually clicked on. Over time, spyware became more malicious. Some
spyware now reports back to a central server every link you click and
also any information you key into web forms - including address, phone
number and credit card information. Additionally, if
enough spyware gets on your machine, you may have trouble accessing the
internet because the different spyware agents fight for control of your
connection. We have never had a computer brought to the helpdesk for
service that did not have at least a few pieces of spyware. Many have
thousands of pieces of spyware when they are brought to us. Fortunately,
there are products available, many of which are free, which will help
control spyware on your machine.
The current version of Sophos
Anti-virus provided by the university to students has an
anti-spyware component, but it is not nearly as thorough as some of the
specialized anti-spyware programs. Unlike anti-virus software, it is
recommended you use more than one anti-spyware program to keep your
computer clean. We recommend the following free programs:
Ad-Aware 2007: One of the original free programs and still a very
good choice. This program does require interaction from you to keep your
machine free from spyware. You should update and run the program at
least weekly. Download is
here. Installation instructions
here. Usage instructions
here.
Spybot 1.4: Another of our favorites. This program also requires
interaction with you to clean the machine, but the problems it generally
finds is well worth the effort. Download
here. Installation instructions
here.
Usage instructions
here.
 Note:
We generally use both of these programs at the helpdesk to diagnose
and remove spyware. Each one is effective in discovering spyware the
others do not. There are many other programs which remove spyware, but
we have found these to be the most effective free options.
Avoiding spyware takes some discipline and practice. When downloading
and installing programs (especially free programs) you must read each of
the installation screens carefully. Many times, spyware-laden programs
are installed with other programs we download. For example, for several
years, Weatherbug (spyware!) was installed with AOL Instant Messenger if
you did not change the default installation settings. You must carefully
read each of the screens when installing new software. Currently,
Instant Messenger will add the AOL toolbar and change your homepage to
AOL unless you take the time to read each installation screen and change
the default settings.
Additionally, you should only download programs from reputable sites.
I generally use Google to try to find out if a program is spyware BEFORE
I install it. For Example: If you Google the phrase
smiley
central spyware you will notice that many of the hits indicate that
the program is spyware or installs spyware components.
Note:
If you have never used an anti-spyware program before, don't be alarmed
when you run your first scan. Whichever anti-spyware program you use
will probably find many pieces of spyware. We have had machines brought
to us at the helpdesk with thousands of pieces of spyware.
Note:
Yahoo Toolbar - The yahoo
toolbar has an anti-spyware component. Although this product might be
useful as added protection, we do not recommend that you use this as
your sole means of protection. Yahoo has a version for Internet Explorer
and Mozilla Firefox.
Note:
Mozilla Firefox - An
alternative to Internet Explorer. Highly recommended. Can be customized
easily using plug-ins. Allows customization of many features. Plug-ins
include ad blockers and RSS readers.
Note:
How to
avoid Spyware - Good article from PC magazine.
Note:
Snapfiles - A good freeware
download site. All programs are tested and rated before being placed on
the site.
Note:
McAfee SiteAdvisor - A great
add-in for Internet Explorer and Firefox which lets you know if a site
is reputable while you surf the internet. It also adds page safety
ratings to searches in Google and Yahoo.
Note:
SpywareGuide - A
comprehensive list of programs which install spyware. Programs include:
Weatherbug, Hotbar, Smiley Source, and many others which might surprise
you.
Contact Info:
Computing Services Helpdesk ~ Baldwin Hall ~ Email:
helpdesk@campbell.edu
Phone: Local: 910-893-1208 ~ On-Campus - ext. 1208 ~ Toll-Free:
800-334-4111
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