Spyware and your UCI Desktop Computer
Summary: Spyware is software that is downloaded
and installed onto your computer, often without your knowledge. Spyware monitors
and shares your information while you browse the Internet. Read the information
below for more details and removal tools.
What is Spyware?
Spyware (Ad-ware) is software that
is downloaded and added to your computer often without your knowledge or permission,
usually for advertising purposes. Typically spyware is bundled with
freeware or shareware software that you download from the Internet, although
the majority of shareware and freeware programs do not come with spyware. Typical
types of spyware would be toolbars, home page hijackers and monitoring applets
that watch where you browse on the Internet.
Legitimate software from major companies
such as Real Networks and Adobe may also include applications that connect
back to the vendor with your user information. These applications can
usually be uninstalled and modified, which sometimes is the main difference
between spyware and simple monitoring programs.
Why is it called "Spyware”?
Simply put “Spyware” is anything put on your system that hijacks
your information and shares it with someone else. Spyware can gather and send
information about you including what Web sites you visit, e-mail addresses and
even passwords and credit card numbers. It also uses memory and system resources
that can lead to computer crashes and general system instability. Dealing with
spyware and its effects can be equal to that of dealing with viruses
and worms. The fix for such issues can be problematic and painstaking, and there
is a never ending path of more efficient and stealthy problems to deal with.
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How do I know if I have Spyware?
Some clues to possible infection include:
- Different default homepage.
- Unusually slow Internet access.
- Slow down of your computer system.
- More frequent pop-up ads.
- New or different search toolbars.
- Anti-spyware or anti-virus software is turned off or malfunctioning.
- Unidentified toll charges on your phone bill.
How did I get Spyware?
There are many ways to get spyware including:
- Visiting Web sites that install Adware cookies. Some Web sites now issue
Adware cookies that allow multiple Web sites to store and access cookies
that may contain personal information and then share this information with
other Web sites. These cookies are installed and accessed without your knowledge
or consent.
- Downloading freeware or shareware software.
- Swapping music or photos with others.
- Opening spam e-mail or messages and attachments from someone you don't
know.
- Other people use your computer and do any of the above.
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Is Spyware illegal?
Spyware is not illegal in most instances. Law enforcement will not normally follow
up on such issues and proving where you got it would be impossible. While federal
mandates have been passed about outlawing spyware, it is something we have to
deal with for now.
How do I avoid Spyware?
Consider using a different browser other than Internet Explorer. Firefox and Opera both
have pop-up blockers, which are often the source of tricks that install spyware.
Also try to avoid visiting Web sites that might be problematic. Typical sites
such as www.cnn.com or www.uci.edu should
be safe. However, visiting unknown personal Web sites or downloading software
from “warez,
"peer to peer" sites and other unknown sites should be avoided.
How can I get rid of Spyware?
We recommend using tools such as Adaware and Spybot
Search and Destroy for removing existing spyware and keeping
your computer safe. However, in some cases removing spybots and spyware will
break your connection to the Internet. These spyware packages
will sometimes purposely damage the TCP/IP stack (Internet connection software)
in such a way that you need to rebuild it. Use these tools at your own risk
or get help from an experienced Windows user or technician.
Help. Removing sypware broke my computer!
If you are no longer able to connect to the Internet after removing
spyware, your TCP/IP stack (Internet connection software) may have been
damaged by the spyware. One solution for fixing this problem can be found
at - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;817571
For further details please contact the NACS Response Center at (949) 824-2222
or nacs@uci.edu.
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