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Protect Yourself From Spyware Snoops!
By Larry Denton, Fri Dec 9th
Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one more privacy,security, and usability issue springs up--spyware. isthe techno-version of a Peeping Tom. Installed on your computerwithout your consent, software monitors or controls yourcomputer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirectyour computer to specific websites, monitor your Internetsurfing, or record your key strokes, which, in turn could leadto identity theft and misuse of your private information--suchas credit card numbers. Why do so many computer users allowspyware snoops to monitor them online? The answer is verysimple. They may not even know they are being watched. Your best protection against this particular privacy invasion isto learn about this hideous misuse of the Internet and actaccordingly, using software that is readily available and veryinexpensive--even free in many cases. "Spyware is a technological disease that is proliferating eachday. It threatens the efficiency of our computers and Internetservices as well as the security of our personal information andprivate transactions, " said Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-CA) whenexplaining her introduction of H.R. 2929 in April, 2004. "TheSafeguard Against Privacy Invasion Act" (SPI Act) works toprotect individuals and companies from unknowingly downloadingspyware by requiring that "consumers receive a clear andconspicuous notice prior to downloading spyware."
Many experienced Web users have already learned how to recognizespyware, avoid it, and delete it. According to officials at theFederal Trade Commission (FTC), all computer users should "getwise to the signs that has been installed on theirmachines, and then take appropriate steps to delete it." Clues that is on a computer include: a barrage of pop-upads, being redirected to unwanted websites, a sudden or repeatedchange in your computer's Internet home page, new and unexpectedtool bars, new and unexpected icons at the bottom of yourcomputer
screen, keys that do not work (for example, the "Tab"key that does not work when you try to move to the next field),random error messages, and sluggish or exceedingly slowperformance when opening programs or saving files. The good news is that computer users can prevent spywareinstallation, readily detect that which is already installed,and easily delete it from that system. Experts from the FTC andacross the technology industry offer these suggestions: updateyour operating system and Web browser software; download freesoftware only from sites you know and trust; do not install anysoftware without knowing EXACTLY what it is; minimize "drive-by"downloads; don't click on any links within pop-up windows; andinstall a dependable personal firewall to stop uninvited guestsfrom accessing your computer. If you think your computer may have on it, expertsadvise that you take three steps. First, get an anti-spywareprogram from a vendor you know and trust. Next, set it to scanon a regular basis--at least once a week--or perhaps even once aday. Finally, delete any software programs the anti-spywaredetects. A specific type of is referred to as"Adware"--advertising supported software. Like Spyware, Adwarewill usually install components on your computer that will sendmarketing information whenever you are online. Unlike Spyware,however, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that they willbe using your information. It is VERY important to read theprivacy policy when downloading Adware. Run a systems check on your computer, use common sense whendownloading from unknown Internet sites and invest in somereliable blocker software. Best wishes for safe surfing! About the author:Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 yearsat Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of ElfinEnterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing useful andvaluable information on a variety of timely topics. For acomputer room full of information, resources and advice aboutspyware, visit http://www.SpywareDesk.com
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