I Spy with My Little Eye

Spyware causes problems for your PC, annoyance for you

At first, it isn't obvious. Your computer seems sluggish, and a few more pop-up ads are littering your screen than usual.

By the time you figure out that a guy named Fred in Montana is using spyware to monitor your Amazon shopping preferences, your computer is as slow as a snail, and your Web browser crashes every time you try to go online.

If it's free, beware

Spyware programs are applications that collect personal information about you without obvious notification.

Most tag along with free software you download from the Internet. The installation program for the software not only installs the program you want, but also installs additional tracking software.

The spyware monitors your Web browsing habits anytime you're online and sends data about it to the spyware's publisher without your knowledge. They use this information to present pop-up ads and banners that supposedly match your interests.

The most common source of spyware is file-sharing software, such as Kazaa. It is also packaged with free download utilities, games and media players. In fact, if you come across any software offered for free on the Internet, it is best to assume spyware is attached.

Besides slowing down your computer and increasing the amount of pop-up ads you receive, spyware can also pose serious security risks. Spyware essentially opens a "back door" to your system, offering hackers the chance to secretly get in.

Reading the fine print

To prevent a spyware invasion on your computer, follow this advice:

• Only install software from Web sites you trust. If you aren't sure about a Web site's reputation, do some research, or ask friends and colleagues about their experiences with the site. Remember, if the software's free, it will usually contain spyware.
• Whenever you are installing software, carefully read all disclosures. Inclusion of spyware is often documented, but it is most likely vaguely written and buried at the end of the disclosure.
• Make sure your Web browser's security setting is at the medium level or higher. If it is on the lowest setting, deceptive software could be installed without any warning to you, using a process called "drive-by downloads."
• Be wary of tricks that attempt to get you to download software even after you said "no." If you are repeatedly asked to accept a download even after you said "no," never click "yes" just to exit the window. Instead, click the "X" in the upper-right corner.

How to remove spyware

OTS has identified two reliable programs to remove spyware: Ad Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. For a step-by-step spyware removal guide, go to wwwnew.towson.edu/knowledgecenter/article.aspx?article=252.