Exposing the Truth about Spyware and Adware

My clients range from  the corporate CEO to the 16-year-old home user.  At one time or another, they all have the same concern:  how do I get rid of spyware and adware from my computer?   I show them how and explain that preventing these damaging pests is easier than removing them. Taking a few proactive steps can save many hours of headache.

What is spyware and adware?

Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party without your permission or knowledge, including information about web sites you visit or even your user names and passwords. Often, this information is used to send you unsolicited targeted advertisements.

Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer that randomly pop up on your screen, even when you’re not online.  Some companies provide “free” software in exchange for advertising on your display.  Companies generate profit this way.

Checking your computer

Many people may not notice spyware or adware but do notice a gradual slowdown in the performance of their computer.  Also, programs like Internet Explorer might not work properly anymore or your computer might hang more frequently.  Checking your computer and removing unwanted installations is straightforward but can be tricky if the infection is bad enough.  Specially-designed software can help detect and remove spyware and adware. I often recommend Adaware SE Personal from Lavasoft (www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware), which is free for individual users.  Update the software regularly as you do antivirus software to make sure the scanning engine is up to date.  If the spyware keeps coming back, the computer’s Registry could have entries that re-install the software at each reboot;  pesky stuff!  I recommend consulting a professional if cleaning the Registry is necessary, as changes made to the Registry can cripple the functionality of the computer and personal data can be lost.  Removing spyware successfully is difficult enough to make preventing it a priority. 

Protecting and preventing infections

Adware and spyware usually install on your computer covertly by using one of two methods:

1) Tricking you into clicking a link that installs it.  For example, a web site that’s trying to install spyware onto your computer might open a window that looks like a Windows dialog box, and then trick you by installing when you click a cancel button to close the dialog box.

2) Installing free software that includes it.  For example, you might install a free file-sharing program that installs spyware on your computer without notifying you.  Other culprits are the gambling sites that ask to install software on your computer in order to work with their site.  Make sure the programs you install don’t contain adware.  Many free programs do;  that’s how the publishers make their money.  Read the license agreement (theseare usually shown directly or through links as part of the installation process) and check the publisher’s website carefully.  If an unexpected installation window appears, stop the installation by closing the window.  Even if you have to shut down the computer by holding the power button down, do not let the installation finish!  A more advanced approach is to search Google Groups for the name of the program  and the keywords adware or spyware.  If you don’t find any postings about it, then you’re probably OK.  You can also install a blocker to prevent adware and spyware pop-up windows.  Most spyware installs after you click a deceptive link in a pop-up browser window.  Install a blocker, and you won’t even be tempted to click those links.  I recommend using a free pop-up blocker from Google (www.google.com/toolbar), which even keeps track of the number of pop-ups it has blocked. As long as there are computers, advertisers will tryto make money by tracking what you do and targeting advertising to you through the internet.  Now that you have a better understanding of spyware and adware and, most importantly, how to prevent its installation, you can check your computer for it, and  you are on your way to a more trouble-free computer experience. 

Still having trouble after following Tony’s steps (or don’t even want to TRY it yourself)?   Call Home Services and we’ll help you get in touch with my SbSa!

503-626-0393  1-877-849-8898  WWW.PRU-NW.COM  HOMESERVICES@PRU-NW.COM