Internet Safety: Spyware and Protecting Your Privacy

You've just upgraded to a new computer and a high-speed Internet connection. The antivirus and firewall programs are installed. Finally you're ready to cruise the information super highway in the express lane. For a few weeks you are NASCAR-certified. And then, it happens. Your way is suddenly blocked and you have to pull off to the side of the road.

What is "it" you ask? Pop-up and pop-under windows are in the way of Web pages you want to view or the email message you were reading or the document you were writing. You and your computer are the victims of spyware and adware.

Spyware and Adware Defined
Spyware monitors and collects information about a user's Internet surfing habits and passes that information on, often without the user's knowledge, to another party. Advertising companies use user’s surfing habits to create adware programs and directed advertising in the form of pop-up and pop-unders. Adware may lead you to a different Web page than you requested or even change your home page, the page you have directed to open each time you initiate your browser, to one of its choosing. Spyware can also be used more maliciously, for example, to access passwords and other confidential information. At the very least, these programs slow you down, disrupting your experience and your ability to run your computer without interference.

Where Does Spyware Come From?
Spyware comes from a variety of sources. The most common are downloads, viruses or worms, and unrequested installations. Downloads, especially free ones, may include spyware and adware, but these secondary purposes are not clearly disclosed. Or, bundled programs may contain these as well. You may also surf the Web and unintentionally install spyware or adware masquerading as plug-ins or corrective software that allow you to view a certain site. Viruses or worms all also culprits. Another way to become infected is through the companies themselves. They'll use ads to automatically install programs onto your computer. You often can stop this process, if you're aware that it is happening.

Protect Your Computer
Despite the sneakiness of spyware and adware and those behind them, you can surf safely and preserve your privacy:

• Maintain updated antivirus and firewall protection, as well as any other system security upgrades
• Use antispyware programs to clean your system regularly but watch that the program does not add its own spyware
• Keep your Web browser's security system at medium or higher and make sure it is set to warn you of any suspicious downloads.
• Read licensing agreements and privacy statements before installing any software and abort installations with questionable policies

Life in the Fast Lane
Today's Internet environment requires that you be aware of dangers around the bend. But with safe driving habits and an occasional pit stop, you'll be back in that express lane, cruising where you want to go at the speed you expect from your finely tuned Internet machine.