Avoiding Spyware

How can you avoid spyware? You can't really. It's out there just waiting for you to latch on to it. Spyware is software that is designed to take control of your computer without you knowing it, and it does so for the benefit of someone else.

This site is devoted to Windows based PCs, specifically Windows XP computers. Visit a MAC site or a Linux site for other assistance.

What is Spyware?

You've probably heard of spyware and adware and wondered about the difference. Adware is software designed to run ads. If you take part in a free email service or other free service, you're probably getting it free because of the advertising that accompanies the service you are using. That's something you agreed to when you agreed to use the free service. Note that you are told what the software will be doing. Some people define adware as spyware, but there is a difference. Spyware, too, may be advertising, but you aren't told what it will do and are not given the option of refusing it. Spyware can be used to track your movements through the web to determine if the ads associated with the spyware are effective or to determine your online buying habits. It may include a program designed to display pop-up advertising that fits the profile they have created for you. That's one of the less malevolent forms of spyware. There are worse.

Since spyware usually requires you to install it, you have to be tricked into doing it. That funky screensaver you just love may have opened the backdoor to a spyware program that is now following your every action and reporting it to someone else. When you installed the screensaver, you also installed the spyware program. Sometimes you're warned that this will happen, so don't do a rapid click through install screens. Other times you won't know until your computer starts behaving in new and unfortunate ways. It's possible for your computer to be so overrun by spyware that you can't turn it on without tens of pop up advertisements being displayed. You can also get spyware by installing an anti-spyware program or some other seemingly beneficial program. That's called a Trojan horse where one type of software is disguised as something it is not. Computer viruses can also be spread through the use of Trojan horses. Of course, there's also the direct approach where the spyware distributor convinces you that tracking you is really of benefit to you, so you download and install the tool bar or other freebie offered on purpose.

The wise computer user might think it's possible to avoid all these types of spyware, but then there is also a version of spyware that you can be attacked by in what is known as "drive-by download." All those security updates that Windows or other software manufacturers want you to install and you procrastinate in doing are designed to eliminate some of the "holes" in Windows or other software that give spyware distributors the ability to force a download on you. All you need do is browse to a website the spyware distributor has set up to exploit one of these "holes" and you've downloaded spyware.

As spyware becomes more sophisticated, it is also becoming harder to remove. Many computer users will dispose of their computer after it has become overrun with spyware because they don't know how to remove it. There are ways of fixing even overrun computers, but the worst case scenario means losing all your data and starting from scratch.

Spyware can take on many more malicious tasks than just following you and sending you advertising that fits your browsing profile. Spyware has been used in identity theft and other fraudulent schemes such as causing your modem to dial up an access number different from the one given you by your provider in order to assess telephone charges against you. This type of fraud has also found its way to cell phones causing the infected phone to dial long distance and overseas numbers to rack up charges. Others use spyware to take over thousands of computers and use those computers in denial of service attacks on Internet service providers or websites they wish to attack.

What Can I Do About Spyware?

Inform yourself
Reading here is a great first step. You may also want to visit one of the following websites.

Microsoft Spyware Information
This site contains information about spyware and access to download the Beta version of Microsoft's Windows Defender software. "Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive." This is beta software meaning it is still in testing and you are the tester. You must decide if the possibility of experiencing problems overrules the possibility of greater security.

Adware Report
Reviews of spyware and adware removal products and information about spyware.

RATs: Remote Access Trojans and how to help avoid them
"Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are malicious software programs that enable criminals to control your computer through your Internet connection. A RAT can let a criminal view and change your computer's files and functions, monitor and record your activities, and use your computer to attack other computers. Additionally, RATs allow criminals to do these things without your knowledge."

Protect Yourself

Get and install one of the top rated anti-spyware programs. None of these programs offers 100% protection, but they are essential if you want to keep your computer clean. You can compare anti-spyware program features at The Spyware Warrior Guide to Anti-Spyware Programs.

Spyware Doctor 3.5: Adware Review PC Magazine Review

Aluria AntiSpyware 4.0: Adware Review PC Magazine Review

Spy Sweeper 4.5: Adware Review PC Magazine Review

Adaware SE 1.06: Adware Review PC Magazine Review

Free Programs: Windows Defender Beta, Ad-Aware SE Personal- Ad-Aware SE Personal is a spyware removal program that you must use regularly to keep your system cleaned.

Combination Programs:
Combination programs and suites offer additional protections. They may also include things you won't use or don't want. Windows XP provides its own firewall which may preclude the need for an additional firewall. In addition some of these programs are set to automatically turn off all Internet advertising including the non-invasive ads that support many informational websites. We favor the antivirus programs that contain spyware protection rather than going with the larger suites.

Norton Antivirus 2006 PC Magazine Review of Norton Antivirus 2005
Protects against viruses, spyware, and adware.

Norton Internet Security 2006 PC Magazine Review
Includes antivirus, antispam, a firewall, privacy controls, and parental controls.

McAfee VirusScan 2006 PC Magazine Review
Protects against viruses, spyware, and adware.

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006 PC Magazine Review

Zone Alarm Security Suite 6.0 PC Magazine Review
Antivirus, antispam, antispyware, firewall.

Disinfect Yourself

The Absolutely, Positively Best Way to Get Rid of Spyware
This Adware article helps you navigate through the perils of choosing programs or services to remove spyware from your computer. This is great advice and should be read before you decide to purchase any software to help you with your problem.

Anti-Spyware Software
Most anti-spyware software includes abilities for removing spyware. That's a good place to start. If your software is unable to remove a particular type of spyware, then it's time to look for other options. First read the article above, and then spend time googling for answers from legitimate sources. You might also try using the free program Ad-Aware SE Personal if you are using another spyware program. Programs differ and another program may offer the ability to remove spyware that yours cannot.