Spyware

What is spyware, adware, and malware, and how does it get on my

system?
Spyware is software that gathers information about you, your browsing and Internet
usage habits, as well as other data. Adware is software that displays advertising banners,
re-directs you to websites, and otherwise conducts advertising on your computer (not to
be confused with popup ads, which come from the websites that you visit). Malware is
malicious software that is intended to do harm to your computer or software. Malware
includes viruses, Trojans, and worms.

Many users inadvertently download spyware or adware when downloading other

programs. Many popular peer to peer applications and other software packages include
adware or spyware packages. Even seemingly innocuous programs such as special
cursors can contain spyware. In addition, many websites and advertising banners set
cookies on your system that track your web usage.

Why is it a danger?
Spyware and adware can gather information about you, your browsing habits, as well as
other data. Cookies set by websites can allow these applications to track which websites
you visit; this is especially dangerous as some cookies can contain user login and
password information for the website which created it. In addition spyware and adware
can slow your system down, hog system resources, and use network bandwidth. Some
spyware and adware can even be malware and open your system to attack or cause
system problems.

What can you do about it?

Download and run an adware or spyware removal program. Links to a number of

popular removal and protection programs are included below.

Set Internet Explorer (IE) browser settings to appropriate security levels and
disable or prompt for access for ActiveX and other dangerous content. Consider
using alternate browsers such as Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, or Safari (MacOS).

Use antivirus software and update it regularly. Purdue provides free antivirus
software for use by students, staff, and faculty. It can be downloaded at
the SecurePurdue Downloads page

Do not download suspicious programs, and check programs before you install
them. Websites that pop up messages asking you to download software should not

be trusted unless you know what that software is or unless you requested it. Often,
choosing the advanced or custom install for software will allow you to de-select
components and you can remove adware and spyware from the installation process.

Use a software firewall to help control which applications can send or receive
data. This can help you prevent a spyware or adware program from contacting its
owner and transmitting your personal information, and can also tell you if you are
sending that information.

Definitions

Spyware
Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or
organization without their knowledge.

Malware
Malware or malicious software is programming or files that are developed for the
purpose of doing harm. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, and Trojan
horses.

Adware
Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while
the program is running

Trojans
Trojan horses are malicious programs typically contained in otherwise innocent
seeming programs or data. These programs attempt to take control of a system or
attempt to do damage to the system or its data.

Software
Spyware and Adware removal tools

Ad-Aware
http://lavasoft.element5.com/software/adaware/
Ad-aware searches your system for adware, cookies, and some spyware programs,
and allows users to remove any files or programs found.
SpyBot-S&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/
SpyBot-S&D is a spyware and adware detection and removal tool.

OptOut
http://grc.com/optout.htm
OptOut is a spyware detection and removal program.

Pest Patrol
http://www.pestpatrol.com
PestPatrol is a commercial program that specializes in removing adware, spyware,
and malware.

Firewalls:

Zone Alarm
http://www.zonelabs.com
Zone Alarm is a commercial software firewall that also provides a free version for
personal use.

ICF
Windows XP includes ICF, the Internet Connection Firewall.

Directions for XP Home edition:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/using/howto/homenet/icf.asp

Spyware and Adware Removal Help Websites:

http://www.spychecker.com
SpyChecker offers anti-spyware tools, firewall software, snoop prevention tools such
as encryption tools, secure file deletion software, and Internet and cookie cleanup
tools. In addition, it has a database of spyware files, allowing users to determine if a
given file is spyware.

http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml
This page offers solutions for removing popular adware and spyware programs.

http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm
This page lists a large number of spyware and adware programs and includes
information about the programs as well as instructions on removing them.