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What is Spyware?

Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software) that acquires personal information from your computer and reports it to another computer system or user without your knowledge or permission. Usually spyware is used by online businesses for marketing purposes. They use the spyware to obtain information about what hardware or software you have and the manufacturers. Sometimes spyware can obtain personal information on what sites you visit and if you do business with any competitors. They can also obtain your email address to sell to other companies causing an increase of Spam. For ways to deal with spam, please see our What is Spam flyer located http://www.umflint.edu/its/helpdesk/flyers/spam.pdf

How is Spyware acquired?

¨ Usually spyware is placed on a computer system in the form of internet cookies or programs that are set to run when your computer starts. Spyware cookies can be avoided by disabling cookies within your browser, but a lot websites such as Hotmail and Online Stores require cookies to be enabled to login to the site.

¨ Some websites automatically install spyware on your computer when you visit them. A popup will display on your screen and then the installation will either prompt you to accept installation or it will automatically initiate without your consent.

¨ Some free software and ad-supported software are supported by spyware and install the spyware when you install the free software. One example is Kazaa’s default installation.

How to deal with Spyware?

Download and install Spybot - Search and Destroy. This is a free program that searches your computer for spyware, uninstalls it, and prevents anymore known spyware from being placed on your computer. This will need to be updated to look for updates for new spyware.

For On-Campus: Users will need to configure the proxy settings to successfully find new updates. See http://www.umflint.edu/its/helpdesk/support_centers/safecomputing/spyware/spybot_settings.htm for instructions.

¨ Spybot searches your computer for all possible spyware including hijackers (“hijacks” your browser by changing your homepage) and adware (generates ads or popups even without the supported program running). Spybot will display the originator, where it is located on your computer, and what kind of threat it is.

¨ You have the option to not remove a suspected if you want to keep the item. There is also a recovery option that recovers files you had previously removed in case you remove an item that was needed by a program in use.

You could also remove instances of the spyware manually on your computer, but this is time consuming since spyware is placed in many different files on your system. Spybot takes care of all instances of spyware by knowing the locations and uninstalling all entries which makes it easy for any user to remove spyware.

For more information about spyware, please visit our website at http://www.umflint.edu/its/helpdesk/support_centers/safecomputing/spyware.htm. Please contact the ITS HelpDesk with any questions or concerns at (810) 766-6804 or ITSHelpDesk@umflint.edu.