Spyware

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. [1]

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.[2]

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.[3]

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.

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. [4]

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

Read the End User License Agreement: 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 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.[7]

Removing Spyware

Most kinds of malicious software, including Spyware, are designed to be difficult to remove. If you try to uninstall this software like any other program, 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 Vista, and Windows 7.[8]