Spyware: Simple steps to avoid infection06 December 2005
The Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC) has recently compiled the first definition of the term 'spyware' in order to assist all information technology users in identifying malicious codes and protecting themselves against the problem.
The group is made up of anti-spyware firms, software manufacturers and consumer groups all of which are committed to tackling the ever-increasing problem of spyware. According to a survey by the Ponemon Institute, 85 per cent of regular internet surfers believe they have had spyware on the computers at some point. What's more, Gartner has estimated that up to 90 per cent of computers are infected with such malicious codes.
Whether you believe the figures or not, it's clear that all internet users need to face up to the threat of spyware. We have put together some simple tips to help your business avoid falling victim to what the ASC calls "one of the most dire threats facing the internet".
Simple steps to protect your business
Spyware is a code which can infiltrate an individual computer from the internet, copy information and send it back out via the internet. They tend to be hidden within internet downloads or programmes, and they quite literally 'spy' on the owner's internet use. This can result in unsolicited pop-up adverts, the theft of personal details for financial gain, and monitoring visited sites for marketing purposes. Although the IT industry has now determined a definition for the problem, recognising that your computer is infected can be tricky - see our feature for advice.
Once spyware has infected your computer there are a number of free and paid for detection and removal solutions, about which you can find out more from our previous feature on removing spyware. But according to the ASC, the best protection is prevention and there are a few simple steps businesses can take to avoid spyware.
- Only download something from the internet if you are sure you can trust its origin. The ASC recommends a quick check in a search engine to check if the site has been reported as carrying spyware.
- Read the fine print before downloading, as it often details the possible installation of programmes or technology opt-ins.
- Be wary of free products that are aggressively marketed as they are likely to contain unwanted software.
- If an unfamiliar box appears on screen, simply close it using the cross in the corner rather than the offered boxes - by clicking these you may unwittingly agree to an installation.
- Keep security patches and programmes up to date. Installing a firewall will help to prevent spyware infection. BT's Internet Security Pack offers a combined firewall and virus protection package. In addition, Symantec and McAfee have added anti-spyware features to their well-known virus protection products.
- Most importantly, do not accept any downloads or programmes that you aren't sure about - if in doubt, reject it.
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