Handling Spyware
The Internet brings us connectivity, companionship, information, and freedom to express ourselves. Unfortunately, like the real world, there is also a downside to online life. First there were unruly viruses, then unwieldy spam. Now spyware has become the scourge of the average computer user.
Spyware, also called adware or malware, is software that is installed on a computer without the owner's full knowledge. In most cases spyware piggybacks on other programs that are downloaded from the Internet, but your computer can also be infected through malicious Web sites and e-mail.
This parasitic software is often completely transparent to the end-user, so your computer can be infected without your knowledge. Spyware programs or bots, as they are often called, are downloaded to your computer to gather information that is usually used for marketing purposes. Some bots are fairly innocent, while others are extremely invasive. Spyware bots almost always track the Internet browsing habits of the user. They often can also monitor keyboard strokes and eavesdrop on instant messenger communications. Some can even capture passwords and personal information. At their worst, spyware bots can take complete control of a remote PC and can be inside agents for electronic industrial espionage. Since many are not well-written, they can also make your computer behave very badly. For more information on spyware, see my Scary Spyware article.
Spyware is everywhere. Chances are that your computer has already been infected. So the first step in dealing with spyware is to download a good anti-spyware program and use it to scan your computer for spyware. Two of my favorites are Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Both are free programs. It is not unusual for these programs to find hundreds or even thousands of spyware programs on any given computer. If your computer is badly infected you can use both programs. Some spyware that is found by one program may be missed by the other. Scan with one first and then, a day or two later scan with the other. You may want to perform these scans as often as weekly. Certainly, at least monthly.
These anti-spyware programs will try to eliminate all the spyware on your computer, but using them may be confusing. You will be asked if you want to eliminate the spyware after it is found. You are best to purge all the spyware that the program detected, but every now and then, a necessary program or part of a program may be affected. If you are lucky enough to be using Windows Me or XP, you can set a system restore point before you run the anti-spyware program. If anything goes wrong, this will allow you to return your computer to the state it was in before you purged the spyware. Some anti-spyware programs do this for you automatically. If the program you are using doesn't, see the Windows Help file for instructions on how to set a system restore point. If your computer is badly infected and/or you have trouble with the spyware removal, remember that you can always take your computer to a professional who will be able to remove all the spyware.
Once your computer has been disinfected, you will need to initiate a few good routines to keep it spyware-free. First keep Windows updated. See my How to Update Windows article for details. Since, like viruses, new spyware is being introduced constantly, you must also keep your anti-spyware programs up-to-date. Every time you use the software, you will want to download updates from the manufacturer's Web site.
Use a good firewall. For more information, read my article explaining what a firewall is. One of the best free firewalls is ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs. Also use a good anti-virus program and keep it update regularly. This offers some added protection for your computer.
A few other precautions... eliminate spam from your computer as soon as it appears. There is a thin line between spammers and spyware creators, so don't ever click on an unsolicited e-mail or purchase anything from spam. Stay away from peer-to-peer sharing programs like Kazaa. Don't visit porn sites which are notorious for spyware. Watch the kids and grandkids and make sure they don't download suspect software. It would be great if you read the license agreements before downloading software, but given their complexity, most folks won't take the time to do that. A good alternative is to research a program before you download it. Visit message boards like the AARP Computers & Technology Message Board to read what others have posted about any given program and/or ask the Web visitors about the experiences they have had with the program you are interested in.
Since Internet Explorer is the most used Internet browser, it is also the one that many spyware programs use to distribute their malware. Consider using an alternative Web browser like Opera or Firefox. For more information, read my article on How to Switch Internet Browsers.
I have also successfully used a program called Spyware Blaster which, after you have removed the spyware, helps keep the spyware off your computer.
With spyware becoming a bigger and bigger problem everyday, many of the major manufacturers, like Symantec and McAfee are creating packages that include anti-virus software, firewalls, pop-up blockers, and anti-spyware software. Some Internet Service Providers like AOL and Earthlink are also offering similar software to their members for free. Even Microsoft is working on an anti-spyware program. Right now the Microsoft program is in testing and you can get more information and/or download it at the Microsoft AntiSpyware Web site.
As you may have already determined, dealing with spyware is a complex but necessary component to today's everyday computing. Unfortunately, as in the real world, we have to take the good with the bad. Hopefully, these instructions will help your computer avoid spyware and, in the near future, manufacturers like Microsoft, Symantec, McAfee, and others will find better ways to combat these vicious menaces.
AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.
