Tips

All about Spyware

What is Spyware?

Whether malicious or benign, spyware is software secretly placed on a computer that records and reports user activity.

How do you get infected?

Cookies: Many legitimate websites use cookies to function properly. Malicious website can however use cookies to collect and report user activity for dubious purposes.
Website installs: Malicious websites often disguise spyware as a helpful utility and prompt users to install the spyware when browsing the site.
Email Aattachments or links: As with viruses, spyware can proagate as an email attachment or link.
Application add-ons: Often bundles with popular software, such and peer-to-peer applications, free games, phony spyware removal tools, and the like; May or may not be discolsed during the host application's installation.

Signs of infection

Spyware Removal

Identify and end suspicious processes with Windows Task Manager
Identify and disable suspicious services with the Management Console.
Identify and disable suspicious service and startup items with the System Configuration Utility.
Search and delete registry entries associated with suspicious services or startup items.
Identify and delele suspicious files
Install and use multiple spyware detection and removal utilities.

Spyware Prevention

Regularly apply software patches and updates.
When possible, configure user accounts without download or install permissions
Prohibit the installation and use of unapproved software particularly peer-to-peer, file sharing networks.
Use only commercial and known-safe utilities.
Regularly scan machines with antivirus and antispyware programs.
Use a firewall to restrict outbound traffic on all ports except those used for http, POP3 and SMTP.
Adjust Web browsers cookie permission settings.