Difference between revisions of "Spyware"

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(Created page with 'Spyware is a term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first, such as advertising, collecting persona…')
 
(I am aware that PC Tools software's tactics are not dissimilar to "rogue" programs.)
 
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Spyware is a term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first, such as advertising, collecting personal information, and changing the configuration of your computer. Spyware is often associated with Adware or software that tracks personal information. [http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/whatis.aspx]
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Spyware is a term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors without appropriately obtaining your consent, such as advertising, phishing & pharming, and changing the configuration of your computer. Spyware is often associated with [[Adware]] or software that tracks [[Personally Identifiable Information (PII) | personal info]].[http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-whatis.aspx]
 
 
  
 
== Dangers of Spyware ==
 
== Dangers of Spyware ==
  
Some kinds of Spyware make annoying changes to your computer that can cause your system to slow down or crash. Spme Spyware programs can change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. They also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them.[http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/whatis.aspx]  
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Spyware may make annoying changes to your computer that can cause your system to slow down/crash, change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add unwanted components to your browser. They also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them. [http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-whatis.aspx]  
  
  
 
== Steps to Help Prevent Spyware ==
 
== Steps to Help Prevent Spyware ==
  
'''Use a firewall''': Although most Spyware (and other malicious software) come bundled with other programs or originate from dangerous web sites, a small amount of Spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall or using the firewall decreases your chance of obtaining any kind of Spyware.[http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx]
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'''Use a firewall''': Although most Spyware (and other [[Malware]]) come bundled with other programs or originate from dangerous web sites, a small amount of Spyware can actually be remotely placed on your computer. Installing or using firewalls decreases your chance of obtaining any kind of Spyware.[http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-whatis.aspx]
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'''Keep your software up-to-date''': Use Windows Update (Start -> All Programs -> Windows Update) to make sure that you've downloaded and installed all the latest updates and patches needed to keep your computer safe.
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'''Adjust your browser's security settings''': In Firefox, click on Tools, then click the options; go to the security tab and make sure "Block reported attack sites and web forgeries" are checked. In Internet Explorer, adjust your security settings by clicking on Tools > Internet Options; select the Security tab and adjust the security level to Medium-High or High.[http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-whatis.aspx]
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'''Never open "free deal" offers''': Most "free deal" offers are entirely fake, and will only damage your computer with scumware when you click on them.[http://us.norton.com/security_response/spyware.jsp]
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'''Read the EULA''': All programs that you install should have an End User License Agreement; you should always read this before installing the programs, because sometimes other "programs" will be installed, when you only want one program.[http://us.norton.com/security_response/spyware.jsp]
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'''Tips to surf the web more safely''': Only download programs from [http://www.filehippo.com trusted websites.] If you're not sure whether to trust a program, enter the name of the program into a search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains Spyware. Read all security warnings, EULAs, and privacy statements associated with any software you download. Click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press Alt + F4 on your keyboard (CMD + Q in MAC) to close a window. Be wary of torrents, and understand all of the software packaged with those programs. Use a standard user account.[http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-whatis.aspx]
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== Removing Spyware ==
  
'''Keep your software up-to-date''': Use Window's Update (To find it on Vista, click Start and search for "Windows Update") to make sure that you've downloaded and installed all the latest critical and security updates and patches needed to keep your computer safe.  
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Most kinds of malicious software, are designed to be difficult to remove. If you try to uninstall this software, you might find that the program reappears as soon as you restart your computer. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free consumer anti-malware solution that will help you remove Spyware. It's available as a no-cost download for Windows XP SP2 and higher Windows OSes.[http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials]
  
'''Adjust your browser's security settings''': In Firefox, click on Tools, then click the options; go to the security tab and make sure "Block reported attack sites and web forgeries" are checked. In Internet Explorer, adjust your security settings by clicking on Tools and click Internet Options; select the Security tab and adjust the security level to Medium-High or High. [http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx]
 
  
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=== Popular Spyware Removal Tools (Windows only) ===
  
'''Tips to surf the web more safely''': Only download programs from web sites that you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains Spyware. Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download. Never click "Agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press Alt + F4 on your keyboard to close a window. Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you understand all of the software packaged with those programs. Use a standard user account instead of an administrator account. For more information, see Why use a standard account instead of an administrator account.[http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx]
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* Microsoft Security Essentials - [https://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials visit] (Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials.)
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* Spybot S&D - [http://www.spybot.info visit]
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* SpywareBlaster - [https://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html visit]
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* SUPERAntiSpyware - [https://www.superantispyware.com visit]

Latest revision as of 16:33, 15 February 2012

Spyware is a term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors without appropriately obtaining your consent, such as advertising, phishing & pharming, and changing the configuration of your computer. Spyware is often associated with Adware or software that tracks personal info.[1]

Dangers of Spyware

Spyware may make annoying changes to your computer that can cause your system to slow down/crash, change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add unwanted components to your browser. They also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you had them. [2]


Steps to Help Prevent Spyware

Use a firewall: Although most Spyware (and other Malware) come bundled with other programs or originate from dangerous web sites, a small amount of Spyware can actually be remotely placed on your computer. Installing or using firewalls decreases your chance of obtaining any kind of Spyware.[3]

Keep your software up-to-date: Use Windows Update (Start -> All Programs -> Windows Update) to make sure that you've downloaded and installed all the latest updates and patches needed to keep your computer safe.

Adjust your browser's security settings: In Firefox, click on Tools, then click the options; go to the security tab and make sure "Block reported attack sites and web forgeries" are checked. In Internet Explorer, adjust your security settings by clicking on Tools > Internet Options; select the Security tab and adjust the security level to Medium-High or High.[4]

Never open "free deal" offers: Most "free deal" offers are entirely fake, and will only damage your computer with scumware when you click on them.[5]

Read the EULA: All programs that you install should have an End User License Agreement; you should always read this before installing the programs, because sometimes other "programs" will be installed, when you only want one program.[6]

Tips to surf the web more safely: Only download programs from trusted websites. If you're not sure whether to trust a program, enter the name of the program into a search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains Spyware. Read all security warnings, EULAs, and privacy statements associated with any software you download. Click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press Alt + F4 on your keyboard (CMD + Q in MAC) to close a window. Be wary of torrents, and understand all of the software packaged with those programs. Use a standard user account.[7]


Removing Spyware

Most kinds of malicious software, are designed to be difficult to remove. If you try to uninstall this software, you might find that the program reappears as soon as you restart your computer. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free consumer anti-malware solution that will help you remove Spyware. It's available as a no-cost download for Windows XP SP2 and higher Windows OSes.[8]


Popular Spyware Removal Tools (Windows only)

  • Microsoft Security Essentials - visit (Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials.)
  • Spybot S&D - visit
  • SpywareBlaster - visit
  • SUPERAntiSpyware - visit