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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.

 

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.

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

Additional Resources

For further details please contact the NACS Response Center at (949) 824-2222 or nacs@uci.edu.