Once a tech geek, always a tech geek. The spyware epidemic is beginning to calm down- but it’s taken years to do so, and make a note of the fact the government itself had to be called in to assist. I want to help all my mikull.com readers avoid getting spyware altogether- and it happens to the best of us, believe me. Our message board has not one, not two- not even three; but four nice threads about spyware and the like. Reading this article and visting the links to those threads should help if you want to learn about, avoid and remove any malicious apps that have infected your computer.

The best defense against spyware and other unwanted technologies is to prevent them from getting on your computer in the first place. Awareness is the best approach to protect yourself online, so staying up-to-date on current threats and safe surfing practices is essential. Here are some steps you can take to stay safe while still getting the most from the Internet and software programs.

Know thine enemy.

If you define spyware as any tiny cookie left behind by an innocent Web site, your frustration will never end. Scumware of all kinds will cause you grief, but the four major types are:

Spyware: an application surreptitiously gathering information about your computing habits that may send the data to some unknown site - aka “key loggers” or “keystroke capture parasites.” (Not to be confused with “malware,” which includes viruses, worms and Trojan horse programs.)

Adware: an application that pops up advertisement windows and banners randomly or based on current browser content - aka “pop-ups.”

Hijackers: applications that change your browser home page, default search engine and even redirect you from sites you try to reach - aka “jackers” or “switchers.”

Cookies: small files that track data such as Web site preferences and passwords for repeat visits. Spyware gathers and spreads this information without user knowledge - aka “tracking cookies.”

Adware is the most annoying, but hijackers and spyware do the most damage. Scumware purveyors claim we all “agree” to their garbage, but of course we don’t. Yet, a lot of this stuff is harmless; teach your friends to tolerate a few cookies and save the 911 calls for aggressive pop-ups, browser home page redirects and suddenly sluggish systems.

Keep security on your computer up to date.

* Update security patches:

Many malicious spyware developers exploit known security holes in essential software, such as operating systems and browsers. Update essential software frequently. Automate the process if your vendor offers the option.

* Security and privacy settings in Internet browsers:

Many Internet browsers have security and privacy settings that you can adjust to determine how much—or how little—information you are willing to accept from a Web site. Check the documentation or help file on your Internet browser to determine how to adjust these settings to appropriate levels. See GetNetWise.org for detailed instructions.

Download programs only from Web sites you trust.

* If you are not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware or other potentially unwanted technologies.
* Look carefully at the address of the site you are visiting to make sure it is not an obvious spoof.
* Be particularly suspicious of programs you see advertised on unrelated Web sites. If a maker of a screensaver, “smiley” inserter, or other program heavily promotes its purportedly-free product, the product may include extra software you do not want.

Beware the fine print: Read all security warnings, license agreements, privacy statements, and “opt-in” notices with any software you download.

* Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes important information such as aggressive installs or the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may be found only in the EULA. The fine print may be the only place consumers can find notice of potentially unwanted technologies. Unfortunately, careful consumers must read all the fine print.
* When given the choice of opting into something, make sure you understand fully to what you are agreeing.
* If you have doubts about the legitimacy of the software, do not install it, or go to a trusted source to find more information about the software. To be safe, you should never install software if you are uncertain about it.

Don’t be tricked into clicking: You don’t have to click “OK,” “Agree,” or “Cancel” to close a window.

* If you want to close a window or dialog box, consider the options provided by your operating system or Web browser, such as closing the window with the ‘x’ mark in the upper corner or typing Alt+F4 in Microsoft Windows.
* Pay attention when closing windows; some dialog boxes may have a prominent statement that says, “Click here to close window,” then in less prominent text adds, “and install software.”

Be especially careful with certain types of “free” programs.

* Many file sharing applications are bundled with other, potentially unwanted software.
* Similarly, screen savers, cursor enhancements, wallpaper bundles, “smiley” inserters and any other software promoted aggressively often include extra software you did not request and aren’t expecting. Be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.

Use available tools to detect and delete spyware.

* There are a number of security tools available from a variety of vendors that can help you identify spyware, stop the installation of it on your PC, and/or remove it.
* Anti-spyware and Anti-virus software:

There are a number of programs (available both free and for a fee) from reputable vendors that can help detect spyware, prevent spyware from being installed on your PC, and/or remove spyware if it is installed. (Some programs can be removed through “Add/Remove programs” or other standard operating system features.) Note that some software that claims to be an anti-spyware tool is actually adware or other potentially unwanted software in disguise. For this reason, you should read reviews to be sure any anti-spyware software you download is from a reputable publisher.

* Personal firewall:

Installing and using a firewall provides a helpful defense against remote installation of spyware by hackers.

I encourage you to learn more about how to protect yourself from spyware by visiting the US federal government OnGuard OnLine Web site at http://www.onguardonline.gov. Another link I liked while preparing this blog entry was http://www.networklifemag.com/reviews/2005/032805-stop-spyware.html. I hope some of you found this article useful!

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