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Is somebody watching me?
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 |
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The good news is that consumers
can prevent spyware installation. 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. |
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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 www.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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