Spyware/Malware
Spyware is programming that can be put into your computer to gather information about you without your knowledge as information to advertisers and other interested parties. Malware includes Viruses, Worms, Spyware, Adware, Browser hijacking, Web Bugs, and other software. If you are using a computer regularly you should become familiar with the wide expanse of malicious programs which can affect computers.
Spyware is programming that can be put into your computer to gather information about you without your knowledge as information to advertisers and other interested parties. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus, as the result of installing an infected program, a download, or as the result of clicking an option in a pop-up window.
How to detect spyware
If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, your browser crashes, or your browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your Internet surfing behavior to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to companies. Spyware can slow down your computer, as well as provide your email address for spamming purposes.
How to prevent and eliminate spyware
If you are on a departmental network, please contact your technical staff with any questions and recommendations to counter spyware. To prevent and eliminate spyware IPS recommends installing antispyware, available on the University's software portal to faculty, staff and students at no cost. Be sure to use a version supported by the university, as there are unofficial versions which may do damage.
Malware
Adware is advertising-supported software automatically displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.
Browser hijacking is the modification of a web browser's settings by malware. The term "hijacking" is used as the changes are performed without the user's permission. Some browser hijacking can be easily reversed, while other instances may be difficult to reverse. Various software packages exist to prevent such modification.
Viruses and Worms: If you have not already installed an antivirus program, it is advisable to do so now as antivirus/antispyware programs can protect you from viruses and worms. For more information please visit
A Web bug is an object that is embedded in a web page or e-mail and is usually invisible to the user but allows checking that a user has viewed the page or e-mail. One common use is in e-mail tracking.