Spyware & Business Computers

I. BACKGROUNDSpyware is typically not a virus, so many anti-virus programs are not equipped to block, detect, or eliminate it. Spyware is not typically a cookie that you can simply delete through your browser tools.Often installed on your computer without your consent, spyware will:A. Monitor your computer activity and then report it to third parties.B. Actually and physically control your computer use.C. Send you pop-up ads.D. Redirect your computers automatically to undesirable websites.E. Record your keystrokes and report them to third parties as a prelude to identity theft.II. SPYWARE SIGNSAll business computer users should understand the signs of spyware, and then take the appropriate steps to delete it. The clues that spyware resides on your business computers include:A. A barrage of pop-up ads.B. A hijacked browser.C. A sudden or repeated change in your computer’s Internet home page.D. New and unexpected toolbars.E. New and unexpected icons at the bottom of your computer screen.F. Keys that no longer seem to work.G. Random error messages.H. Sluggish or slow performance when opening programs or saving files.III. IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPSIf a business suspects its computers might contain spyware, it should immediately take three steps:A. Get anti-spyware software, such as Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-Aware.B. Use the software to perform an immediate scan.C. Delete any software programs the anti-spyware program suggests.D. Set it to automatically scan on a regular weekly basis.IV. THE GOOD NEWSThe good news is that a business can prevent spyware installation. You should consider taking the following steps:A. Update your operating system and Web browser software. Your operating system vendor may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that spyware exploits.B. 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.C. 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.D. 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.E. 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.F. Don’t click on links in spam that claim to offer anti-spyware software. Some software offered in spam actually installs spyware.G. Install a personal firewall to stop uninvited users from accessing your computer.H. A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer and will alert you if spyware already on your computer is sending information out.Glen Littlejohn, Esq. http://www.mortgagemarketingtsunami.com

Glen Littlejohn