How do I remove and avoid spyware?

Spyware is similar to virii in that they arrive unexpected and unannounced and proceed to do something undesired. Normally spyware is relatively benign from a safety perspective, but it can violate your privacy by tracking the web sites you visit, or add "features" to your system that you didn't ask for. The worst offenders are spyware that hijack normal functions for themselves. For example, some like to redirect your web searches to other sites to try and sell you something. Of course some spyware is so poorly written that it might as well be a virus, given how unstable it can make your system. The good news is that, like virus scanners, there are spyware scanners that will locate and remove the offending software.

It's a modern scourge. It's certainly on the top 5 list of topics I deal with on a regular basis. Some actually live up to the name - "spy" ware that actually monitors what you do. Others are worse: acting almost like viruses, hijacking your web browser, popping up ads, or just generally wreaking havoc. Unfortunately the reality is that it requires vigilance on everyone's part to control it.

Besides taking normal precautions, you must scan for spyware.
There are three important steps:

1. Install and Run an Anti-Spyware Program

There are many out there, but popular recommendations usually boil down to:

• Windows Defender - Microsoft's entry has received good reviews and some are reporting that it's catching more spyware than other entries in the anti-spyware arena. It's free.
• Spybot Search and Destroy - Spybot is free and does a great job of ferreting out and removing spyware. Spybot is one of the most commonly recommended tools when people are dealing with spyware issues. It also includes options that will help "immunize" or prevent certain types of spyware issues from occurring in the first place.
• Lavasoft's Adaware - Adaware is the other most commonly recommended anti-spyware tool. Adaware's personal edition is free for non-commercial use.
  

Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.

2. Update the Spyware Database

Your first step should be to update the spyware database that came with the installation. New spyware is being created every day, and databases the anti-spyware programs use are being updated as well. You need to get the latest database for your anti-spyware program right away.

Most of the programs have update functions that will locate, download, and install the latest databases automatically. Microsoft's anti-spyware program will do it automatically for you.

3. Run Regular Scans

Some of the anti-spyware programs don't work automatically - you have to run scans regularly yourself. Do it at least weekly. Use that as an opportunity to make sure that the databases is updated as well. If your scanner supports scheduling, as some do, make sure to set that up
so that the spyware scans happen regularly.

Additional Notes

Some programs support advanced forms of protection that can prevent spyware from installing. For example they may lock your browser home page so that it cannot be changed, or can't be changed without your approval. These techniques are very valuable, and I recommend turning
them on.

Sadly, there is no "best" anti-spyware program. Each of them will miss some spyware that the others catch. That's one of the reasons I list several. The best advice is to use one, any one, and have the others "on call" for those cases when spyware sneaks past the one you use regularly.

Internet Safety - Keeping Your Computer Safe on the Internet
© 2008 - Leo A. Notenboom