Securing your PC against spyware
What is spyware?
Spyware is software that installs itself, in combination with a free download, on your system without your
knowledge or explicit consent. Once it is installed, spyware tracks and transmits personal or sensitive
information, such as web-surfing habits, browser and system information and keystrokes.
Four tips for avoiding spyware on the Internet
1. Read online license agreements carefully. These agreements can contain small print about granting
approval to install a "monitoring application" on your computer.
2. Never download EXE files unless they are from trusted websites.
3. Don't click OK or I Agree to close a window on the Internet; instead, click the "x" in the upper right
corner of the window.
4. Be suspicious of free spyware cleaners; the cleaners themselves can be spyware.
Five preventative measures
1. Most important, install spyware detection and removal software and run it regularly, such as once a week.
2. Stay current with security patches for the operating system.
3. Install a firewall to block questionable incoming and outgoing messages.
4. Use a browser that blocks pop-ups; Google and other search engines can do this for free.
5. Adjust your browser's security settings.
Ten symptoms of spyware
1. Your PC hangs when it first comes up.
2. Your PC is slow to refresh a web page, especially if you have broadband.
3. You receive an alert that an application won't close. The application could be spyware.
4. Your computer is crashing more frequently.
5. Pop-up ads are out of context.
6. The homepage of your web browser changes to an advertising website.
7. A program or search page setting that you changed does not remain in effect.
8. The hard drive is working when you are not doing anything.
9. The CD drive and applications open and close.
10. Unfamiliar toolbars appear in the web browser.