Just when you thought you were web savvy, another privacy, security, and functionality issue arises: spyware. Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware monitors or controls your computer usage. It can be used to send you pop-up advertisements, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet browsing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to identity theft.
Many experienced web users have learned to recognize spyware, avoid it, and remove it. According to officials at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, all computer users should be aware of the signs that spyware has been installed on their machines and then take action. suitable for removal.
Clues that spyware is on a computer include:
– a barrage of pop-up ads
– a hijacked browser, i.e. a browser that takes you to sites other than the ones you enter in the address box
– a sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet home page
– new and unexpected toolbars
– new and unexpected icons in the system tray at the bottom of your computer screen
– keys not working (for example, the “Tab” key might not work when trying to move to the next field in a web form)
– random error messages
– slow or downright slow performance when opening programs or saving files
The good news is that consumers can prevent the installation of spyware. Experts suggest that you:
* Update your operating system and web browser software. Your operating system (such as Windows or Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in your system that spyware could exploit.
* Download free software only from sites you know and trust. It may be attractive to download free software such as games, peer-to-peer file sharing programs, custom toolbars, or other programs that can change or customize how your computer works. Please note, however, that some of these freeware applications include other software, including spyware.
* Do not install any software without knowing exactly what it is. Please take the time to read the End User License Agreement (EULA) before downloading any software. If the EULA is hard to find, or hard to understand, think twice before installing the software.
* Minimize “drive-by” downloads. Make sure your browser’s security settings are high enough to detect unauthorized downloads, for example at least the “Medium” setting for Internet Explorer. Keep your browser updated.
* Do not click on any links within popup windows. Doing so may install spyware on your computer. Instead, close pop-up windows by clicking the “X” icon in the title bar.
* Don’t click on spam links that claim to offer anti-spyware software. Some software offered in spam actually installs spyware.
* Install a personal firewall to prevent uninvited users from accessing your computer. A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer and will alert you if information is being sent by spyware already on your computer.
If you think your computer might have spyware, follow these three steps: Get anti-spyware from a vendor you know and trust. Set it to scan regularly, at least once a week, and every time you start your computer, if possible. And remove any software that the anti-spyware program detects that you don’t want on your computer.
