Protect Yourself From Spyware Snoops!
Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one more privacy,
security, and usability issue springs up--spyware. Spyware is
the techno-version of a Peeping Tom. Installed on your computer
without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your
computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect
your computer to specific websites, monitor your Internet
surfing, or record your key strokes, which, in turn could lead
to identity theft and misuse of your private information--such
as credit card numbers. Why do so many computer users allow
spyware snoops to monitor them online? The answer is very
simple. They may not even know they are being watched.
Your best protection against this particular privacy invasion is
to learn about this hideous misuse of the Internet and act
accordingly, using software that is readily available and very
inexpensive--even free in many cases.
"Spyware is a technological disease that is proliferating each
day. It threatens the efficiency of our computers and Internet
services as well as the security of our personal information and
private transactions, " said Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-CA) when
explaining her introduction of H.R. 2929 in April, 2004. "The
Safeguard Against Privacy Invasion Act" (SPI Act) works to
protect individuals and companies from unknowingly downloading
spyware by requiring that "consumers receive a clear and
conspicuous notice prior to downloading spyware."
Many experienced Web users have already learned how to recognize
spyware, avoid it, and delete it. According to officials at the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC), all computer users should "get
wise to the signs that spyware has been installed on their
machines, and then take appropriate steps to delete it."
Clues that spyware is on a computer include: a barrage of pop-up
ads, being redirected to unwanted websites, a sudden or repeated
change in your computer's Internet home page, new and unexpected
tool bars, new and unexpected icons at the bottom of your
computer screen, keys that do not work (for example, the "Tab"
key that does not work when you try to move to the next field),
random error messages, and sluggish or exceedingly slow
performance when opening programs or saving files.
The good news is that computer users can prevent spyware
installation, readily detect that which is already installed,
and easily delete it from that system. Experts from the FTC and
across the technology industry offer these suggestions: update
your operating system and Web browser software; download free
software only from sites you know and trust; do not install any
software without knowing EXACTLY what it is; minimize "drive-by"
downloads; don't click on any links within pop-up windows; and
install a dependable personal firewall to stop uninvited guests
from accessing your computer.
If you think your computer may have spyware on it, experts
advise that you take three steps. First, get an anti-spyware
program from a vendor you know and trust. Next, set it to scan
on a regular basis--at least once a week--or perhaps even once a
day. Finally, delete any software programs the anti-spyware
detects.
A specific type of Spyware is referred to as
"Adware"--advertising supported software. Like Spyware, Adware
will usually install components on your computer that will send
marketing information whenever you are online. Unlike Spyware,
however, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that they will
be using your information. It is VERY important to read the
privacy policy when downloading Adware.
Run a systems check on your computer, use common sense when
downloading from unknown Internet sites and invest in some
reliable Spyware blocker software. Best wishes for safe surfing!