California State University, Los Angeles
Beware of Spyware
Malware, Spyware, and Adware: What Are They and How to Avoid Them
Move over, James Bond. You’re being replaced by the ever
increasing invasion of spyware.
Spyware is considered a form of malware (malicious software). Other examples include viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Spyware and adware are considered forms of malware, forms of data collection programs that are surreptitiously installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent. The terms “spyware” and “malware” are sometimes used interchangeably.
Spyware and malware allow unauthorized access by a third party to monitor keystrokes and Internet browsing patterns, read data, gather data and personal information, and/or gain control of the user’s computer. The information collected is sent to advertisers or others, also without the user’s knowledge or consent. Adware, often containing spyware, allows companies to display pop-up or banner ads on the user’s computer.
How Can I Avoid Getting Malware on My Computer?
Even those who diligently employ anti-virus scanning are astonished when malware is discovered on their computers. How did it get there? Users unwittingly download it when they click on various untrustworthy web pages, or when they download free programs or files, such as:
- Software utilities
- PC utilities
- News and weather bugs
- File sharing
- Internet explorer bars
Avoid getting vicious programs by being very cautious about what you download. Remember the old axiom: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Right along with that cool free PC utility might be malicious code that could control your computer or record your every keystroke, including usernames and account passwords. Download software only from trusted sites. And, consider purchasing anti-spyware software to scan and remove malicious software from your computer.
How Can I Get Rid of Malware?
You need special software to help prevent, find, and remove malware, spyware, and adware from your computer. Do your research to get the right software for your machine. Some well-known vendors offering anti-spyware programs include:
- McAfee: AntiSpyware (www.mcafee.com)
- Symantec: Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition (www.symantec.com)
- Sunbelt-Software: CounterSpy (www.sunbelt-software.com)
- Webroot: Spysweeper (www.webroot.com)
What’s the campus solution for combating spyware? The campus is working on a multi-layered solution to keep spyware off campus workstations. Anti-spyware on desktops and the network point of entry is in the testing phase, with implementation due sometime during the winter 2005 quarter.
Read more about keeping your information secure on the campus Are You Secure? Web site.