Spyware, also known as "adware", is a term for a hidden software programs that monitor your online activity and
gathers information about you without your knowledge. Spyware can transmit this collected information via the
Internet to advertisers or other interested parties.
To view a 3-minute video on spyware click on one of the following links:
(Note: Macromedia Flash Player 7.0 is required to view this video).
There are things to watch out for if you think your computer may have some spyware on it. If you notice any of the
following symptoms on your computer, you most likely have some sort of spyware on your computer ... maybe even more
than one occurrence.
popups - extra windows come up when browsing the Internet
changed web browser settings - your web browser isn't behaving as usual or your home page changes on its own
web browser has additional features - there are extra toolbars and you don't know how they got there
slow computer, especially when online (browsing the web) - you feel like you are using a computer from the dark ages
Additional information on signs of spyware infection can be read by
clicking here.
How to get rid of spyware and other unwanted software
There is free software available that will allow you to check your computer for spyware and remove it. It is a good
idea to use both of the software products below because they each find spyware that the other one doesn't find. It
is also important to remember to "check for updates" (there is an option in both programs for this) to see if there
is new spyware to check for.
For information on using these programs click here.
Additional information on getting rid of spyware can be read by
clicking here.
How to prevent spyware
You can do a lot to prevent spyware infection on your computer. Make sure to carefully read the End User License
Agreement (EULA) for any software you install on your computer. If you see a Security Warning window pop up when
browsing the web make sure to take note of the Publisher and/or Distributor; if it doesn't match the site you are
visiting then its probably a good idea to close the window.
An example of a good Security Warning window
This Security Warning window is seen when doing an online virus scan at
Symantec. The Security Warning window comes up
because there are bits of code that need to be placed on your computer in order for the online virus scan to
function properly. Notice the distributor is also Symantec (the site where the window popped-up at). In this case you must click on Yes.
An example of a bad Security Warning window
This Security Warning window is seen when browsing several sites, one of which is
I-Lookup.com. The Distributor is Browser Plugin and the site is
I-Lookup. Since these do not match and "Browser Plugin" is not a well-known or reputable company it is probably spyware. In this
case you must click on No or close the window by clicking on the x in the top right hand corner of the
window.
Spyware can also be prevented by doing the following:
Printable Version
An example of a good Security Warning window
