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What is Spyware?

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Spyware

Spyware refers to a category of software that when installed on your computer may send multiple popup windows, redirect your browser, or monitor the websites that you visit. There are invasive versions of spyware that may record your keystrokes (called key loggers) and will capture your sign-in credentials for sites that you have access to.

The following symptoms may indicate that you have downloaded spyware and it is installed on your computer:

• You are getting endless pop-up windows

• You type in a web address and get re-directed to a different website 

• New unexpected tool bars are in installed on your browser, or new icons appear in the task tray on the bottom of your screen

• The search engine you use opens a different browser or page than what was intended

• Certain keys do not work in the browser (e.g., tab key doesn’t work moving field to field)

• Random windows error message, begin to appear

• Your computer suddenly seems very slow when trying to open documents or programs 

Preventive Measures for Spyware

• Don’t click on any links within a pop-up window. To close such a pop-up window click the X on the title bar instead of “click here to close.”

• Choose no or close the pop-up if an unexpected dialog (pop-up) box appears asking if you want to run a particular program or perform another type of task. Always close the dialog box by clicking the X on the title bar; if that is not available, answer no or cancel.

• Be wary of free software downloads. Many sites offer customized toolbars or other features. Never download software from a site you do not trust; you may be exposing yourself and your computer to spyware by downloading free software.

• Don’t follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware software – like email viruses, this may service the opposite purpose and will install spyware on your computer.

Removing Spyware

• Run a full scan on your computer using the anti-virus software that you or your network engineer has installed on your machine. 

• Keep your anti-virus software current by downloading updates from their site (e.g., Norton or Symantec)

• Run a legitimate product designed to detect and remove spyware. 

• Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is compatible with each other.

For more information on Social Engineer, Phishing, Spyware and other security threats please visit the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/