Spyware and adware
Spyware is a security risk because it compromises the privacy of your
computer files and e-mail communications.
Spyware and adware are small software programs that get stored on your computer without your permission, usually when
you visit a website, sign up for "free" mailings, or download "free" software. These programs gather information about your
computer use, web browsing, and online purchasing and send it to sites that may sell it to others.
Adware and spyware can also
- Make your computer run more slowly, crash more often, and take longer
to start up.
- Use valuable computer memory and hard disk space.
- Alter your computer's settings from what the manufacturer intended.
- Steal computing power from legitimate applications (up to 50 percent
in some cases).
What you can do
- Install a good spyware-prevention program, but realize that no removal program nets 100 percent.
- Spybot Search & Destroy (www.spybot.info)
is a powerful program that removes most known adware and spyware, and is free for personal and university use.
- Ad-Aware is a program from www.lavasoftusa.com that is
free for personal use but requires a paid license when used on university computers.
- Keep your anti-spyware tool updated by updating the software "signature" files
over the Internet every time you run the program. Spybot has an "innoculate" feature
that can protect your computer against future infection by spyware and adware.
- Be cautious when downloading anything. Many "free" games and programs contain spyware.
Resources