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Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one
more privacy, security, and functionality issue crops up —
spyware. 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 websites, monitor
your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn,
could lead to identity theft.
Many experienced Web users have learned how to
recognize spyware, avoid it, and delete it. According to officials
at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer
protection agency, all computer users should get wise to the signs
that spyware has been installed on their machines, and then take
the appropriate steps to delete it.
The clues that spyware is on a computer
include:
- a barrage of pop-up ads
- a hijacked browser — that is, a browser that takes you
to sites other than those you type into the address box
- a sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet
home page
- new and unexpected toolbars
- new and unexpected icons on the system tray at the bottom
of your computer screen
- keys that don’t work (for example, the “Tab” key
that might not work when you try to move to the next field in
a Web form)
- random error messages
- sluggish or downright slow performance when opening
programs or saving files
The good news is that consumers can take steps
to lower their risk of spyware infections. Indeed, experts at the
FTC and across the technology industry suggest that you:
- Update your operating system and Web browser
software. Your operating system (like Windows or
Linux) may offer free software “patches” to close holes in
the system that spyware could exploit.
- Download free software only from sites you know and
trust. It can be appealing to download free software
like games, peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, customized
toolbars, or other programs that may change or customize the
functioning of your computer. Be aware, however, that some of
these free software applications bundle other software,
including spyware.
- Don’t install any software without knowing exactly
what it is. Take the time to read the end-user
license agreement (EULA) before downloading any software. If
the EULA is hard to find — or difficult to understand —
think twice about installing the software.
- Minimize “drive-by” downloads. Make
sure your browser security setting is high enough to detect
unauthorized downloads, for example, at least the “Medium”
setting for Internet Explorer. Keep your browser updated.
- Don’t click on any links within pop-up windows.
If you do, you may install spyware on your computer. Instead,
close pop-up windows by clicking on the “X” icon in the
title bar.
- Don’t click on links in spam that claim to offer
anti-spyware software. Some software offered in spam
actually installs spyware.
- Install a personal firewall to stop uninvited users
from accessing your computer. A firewall blocks
unauthorized access to your computer and will alert you if
spyware already on your computer is sending information out.
If you think your computer might have spyware
on it, experts advise that you take three steps: Get an anti-spyware
program from a vendor you know and trust. Set it to scan on a
regular basis — at least once a week — and every time you
start your computer, if possible. And, delete any software
programs the anti-spyware program detects that you don’t want on
your computer.
For more information about protecting your
computer and your personal information online, visit ftc.gov/infosecurity.
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The FTC works for the consumer to prevent
fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the
marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot,
stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint
or to get free
information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov
or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY:
1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity
theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer
Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of
civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and
abroad.
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