Unfortunately a large majority of computers
are infected by various spyware programs today. Spyware is a general term that
is frequently used to describe a large group of malicious software applications
that includes adware, spyware, trojans, hijackers, keyloggers, dialers and
worms. Modern malicious software applications apply numerous and often highly
sophisticated tactics to hide and spread. Their tactics range from
randomly-named files, mutation, and system file impersonation. Let's review the
most widely spread malicious groups: Adware and Trojans.
Adware programs are software applications (not
always malicious) that display advertisements on the infected computer.
Advertisements can be displayed through pop-up and pop-under windows, additional
bars or toolbars, underlined links or buttons that appear on a computer screen.
Adware applications include additional code that delivers the ads. Adware
authors earn money when users click on those ads. Occasionally, adware includes
code that tracks user's site visits and passes it to third parties without the
user's permission or knowledge.
Trojans are programs that install secretly,
quite often with sinister intent. Once installed, the trojan author (hacker) can
gain complete control over the infected computer. Trojans can be distributed by
unsolicited email attachments, or bundled with freeware and shareware programs.
Trojans are also often bundled with computer cracks.
Symptoms of Spyware/Adware
Your computer may
be infected with malware if you experience some or all of the following
symptoms:
Unexpected installation of
new browser objects such as toolbars or icons
New unknown desktop icons or
program menu objects
Change of and/or inability
to change browser homepage
Pop-ups continue to appear
after Internet browser is closed
Surfing/navigating with
browser is chronically slow
Computer is unusually
slow/unresponsive even with no programs open
Internet browser crashes
often
Internet browser ceases to
function or “locks” up
System generally running
slow - unexplained errors.
IF SO -
WE CAN HELP
General Virus Prevention Tips
Do not open any files
attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
Do not open any files
attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from
a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and
spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really
sent it.
Do not open any files
attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the
need to do so is there always save the file to your hard drive before doing so.
Delete chain emails and
junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are
considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
Do not download any files
from strangers.
Exercise caution when
downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and
reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the
download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download
the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
Update your anti-virus
software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want
to be protected. These updates should be at the least the products virus
signature files. You may also need to update the product's scanning engine as
well.
Back up your files on a
regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them
with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location
from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
When in doubt,
always
err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files
or email attachments. Not executing is the more important of these caveats.
Check with your product vendors for updates which include those for your
operating system web browser, and email . One example is the security site
section of Microsoft located at
http://www.microsoft.com/security.
How to
stay protected
Make sure to run an antispyware
application. Perform on-demand scans regularly to root out spyware that slips
through the cracks. Reboot after removal and rescan to make sure no ticklers,
which are designed to reinstall spyware, have resurrected any deleted apps.
Additionally, even though we are not overly impressed with any app's real-time
blocking abilities, activate whatever your app of choice offers; it's nearly
always better than nothing.
Give your antispyware some
backup. In addition to an antispyware app, make sure to run both software and
hardware firewalls and antivirus applications to protect yourself against Trojan
horses (and viruses, naturally).
Beware of peer-to-peer
file-sharing services. Many of the most popular applications include spyware in
their installation procedures. Also, never download any executables via P2P,
because you can't be absolutely certain what they are. Actually, it's a good
idea to avoid downloading executables from anywhere but vendors or major,
well-checked sites.
Watch out for cookies. While they may not be the
worst form of spyware, information gathered via cookies can sometimes be matched
with information gathered elsewhere (via Web bugs, for example) to provide
surprisingly detailed profiles of you and your browsing habits.
Squash bugs. Web bugs are spies
that are activated when you open contaminated HTML e-mail. Get rid of
unsolicited e-mail without reading it when you can; turn off the preview pane to
delete messages without opening them. In Outlook 2003, Tools | Options, click on
the Security tab and select Change Automatic Download Settings. Make sure Don't
download pictures or other content automatically in HTML e-mail is checked.
Don't install anything without
knowing exactly what it is. This means reading the end-user license agreement
(EULA) carefully, as some EULAs will actually tell you that if you install the
app in question, you've also decided to install some spyware with the software.
Check independent sources as well, as some EULAs won't tell you about spyware.
Protect yourself against
drive-by downloads. Make sure your browser settings are stringent enough to
protect you. In IE, this means your security settings for the Internet Zone
should be at least medium. Deny the browser permission to install any ActiveX
control you haven't requested.
General Help / Advice
Quick guide to Healthy computing.
Anti-Virus Tips
If you
use the internet or share software you are at risk from all kinds of problems
from virus's. Getting the right protection for your system is
essential. But don't be fooled into thinking that once you've installed
the software it will protect you endlessly. You must check that your
anti-virus and anti-spy ware applications are up to date - most will do this automatically,
but you need to know how to confirm it is working.
Windows Security
Keep windows in date
for critical updates monthly - Do this by logging onto the internet and then
selecting Tools - Windows update. You will be directed to the Windows website -
select 'Scan for Update'. Revue and install all critical patches that are
automatically selected. Windows XP with Service Patch 2 will automatically
install updates and prompt you when they are ready to be installed.
Anti-virus
Check
your Anti-virus has the latest update. Symantec (Norton) normally update on
Wednesday evening (USA time), so you should see your last update as the previous
Thursday unless a new virus has been launched in which case the updates will be
more regular. Most AV will automatically check for and install updates when
you are connected to the internet. However if you only switch on your
connection to check for mail then disconnect, the AV will not have time to
update and therefore you will be at RISK.
Click here for the
Latest Virus threats
Firewall
Ensure your firewall and AV start-up each time you start Windows
(your firewall will indicate OFF if you are using an alternative product e.g
Norton Anti-virus / firewall, as these products manage the firewall
protection).
Windows XP contains its own Firewall. Service patch 2 contains improved
security and switches on the Firewall by default and prompts you if your
security settings are incorrect.
You can check your
security (exposure to viruses/hacking) by
clicking here – Select Symantec security check – select either ‘Scan for
Viruses’ or ‘Security’. If a window appears mentioning certificates say Yes –
always allow…. Your system will be checked and a report given. Contact RDCS if
you require help with this
Free
Software – Spy ware / Malware
Avoid
free software unless you can be sure of its content. Be wary of free program
downloads on the internet as it may contain spy-ware/mal-ware which if unchecked
can cause more damage to your system than a virus.
Update and run your spy-ware remover program eg Microsoft Defender, Ad-aware SE
/ Spy bot search and destroy every two weeks. Make sure your Anti-virus
application is the latest version (older versions do not protect you from
spyware). Quarantine or delete all objects
detected (if using Windows ME or XP create a restore point before removing spyware).
Defragment
Defragment every two-three weeks. Tip. It is quicker to do this in safe mode
(if using Windows 98 or ME) (windows without start-up drivers) do this by selecting F8 when you boot the PC
(keep pressing until a menu appears). Select safe mode. Note: No graphics
driver will be loaded and you will have to reposition your desktop icons when
you later reboot back into windows.
System Restore
If
running Windows ME or XP you have the added bonus of System Restore. Create a
system restore point prior to installing any new software or hardware. If
things should go wrong after the installation use the last restore point to
repair the system.
Driver Updates
Check
for updates to your hardware/software by logging onto the respective
manufacturer’s website e.g. HP, Epson etc. Some downloads may be large. If you
find an update that you think will improve your system find someone who has an
ADSL connection to download it for you. We can help.
Backup
Backup, backup and backup. If you have a CDRW then use it to backup essential
files. Consider an external/internal Hard Disk storage system.
Windows 98/ME. Back up
My Documents and C:\windows\application data (this contains all your favourites,
email and address book etc). If you have more than one user who logs on the
machine you will also need to back up C:\windows\profile.
W2K
or XP - Back up Documents and Settings (this contains all user profiles).
If
you have image creation software such as PQI or Ghost then use these to back up
the complete system (you will need a destination drive such as a second
partition, external Hard Disk or CDRW to perform this)
