|
ChiliTech recognizes the problem our users are having with adware
and spyware being installed and causing havoc to their computers.
This guide will give an overview of adware and provide some solutions
on how to avoid and remove spyware.
What is Adware?
Adware, also known as spyware or malware, can do a number of
nasty things to your computer, from profiling your online surfing
and spending habits to popping up annoying ad windows as you surf.
Some types of spyware will hijack your browser, changing your
default home page or search page to pass all searches to a certain
site. Some malware will make it impossible to use the internet
altogether.
There is another strain of malware called a dialer. A dialer
is a program that without your knowledge creates a new or changes
your dial up connection settings so that instead of calling ChiliTech,
your PC calls some very expensive 0900 or international phone
number.
Common Spyware Symptoms
From the Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - Unexplained
computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
You may experience any one or more of the following symptoms:
- When you start your computer, or when your computer has been
idle for many minutes, your Internet browser opens to display
Web site advertisements.
- When you use your browser to view Web sites, other instances
of your browser open to display Web site advertisements.
- Your Web browser's home page unexpectedly changes.
- Web pages are unexpectedly added to your Favorites folder.
- New toolbars are unexpectedly added to your Web browser.
- You cannot start a program.
- When you click a link in a program, the link does not work.
- Your Web browser suddenly closes or stops responding.
- It takes a much longer time to start or to resume your computer.
- Components of Windows or other programs no longer work.
How does Spyware get on your computer?
In many cases adware has been bundled with different types of
software, often with peer-to-peer file sharing products, without
the user's knowledge or hidden in the fine print of a End User
License Agreement (EULA).
A EULA or End User License Agreement is the agreement you accept
when you click "OK" or "Continue" when you
are installing software. Many users never bother to read the EULA.
Another way malware gets on your computer is "Drive-by
downloads". Drive-by's are accomplished by providing a misleading
dialogue, pop-up box or by taking advantage of your Internet Browsers
or Operating Systems security flaws. Many times users have no
idea they have installed the application.
How do I get rid of Spyware?
Getting rid of spyware can be a difficult task. Often adware
makers make their application very hard to uninstall. There are
thankfully helpful utilities available that will scan your computer,
much like a Virus Scanner to detect and attempt to remove all
instances of spyware.
We often recommend the following programs to help route out your
spyware problems:
These programs are free to download and use for non-commercial
use. Most spyware scanning programs offer a more powerful pay
version that offers active scanning that is always running.
Additional Help
Sometimes, even after running one of these detection/removal
tools, additional steps are needed to completely remove all traces
of the unwanted software.
Some sites that can provide additional help and guidance for
removing spyware:
Spyware-Guide
Database - http://www.spywareguide.com
This site provides a searchable database for help finding the
specific spyware you are having problems with and steps on how
to remove them.
SpywareInfo
- http://www.spywareinfo.com
Provides a helpful community forum discussing spyware and overviews
of just about every spyware removal tool available.
Microsoft
on Spyware and Deceptive Software
Microsoft has ackowledged the problem with Spyware on their Trusworthy
Computing site.
Rogue/Suspect
Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
Be very careful what anti-spyware software you install! Some programs
claiming to be anti-spyware or spyware removal, actually install
spyware on your computer. If you are not sure, check out this
site that has a list of rogue and untrustworthy anti-spyware programs
GetNetWise
A wonderful way to learn how to get smart and stay safe on the
Internet.
(top)
|
