Are you bombarded with pop-up ads on your computer? Have your web browser settings changed, or do you have additional toolbars that weren’t there before? Is your computer sluggish?

If so, your computer may contain spyware. Spyware is a general term for software that is installed on your computer, generally without your knowledge or consent, which may push out advertising, track your online behavior, or modify your computer’s settings.

How Does Spyware Get Onto My Computer?

Spyware is downloaded onto your computer from the Internet. It is often attached to other files that you have chosen to download, or it can be downloaded when you click on banner ads on web sites. Types of downloads from the Internet that may contain spyware include:

• Games
• Music, movies, or other file-sharing programs
• Themes and characters for your desktop
• Screen savers
• Toolbars for Internet Explorer web browser
• Free pop-up blockers that appear while you are online

What Can I Do to Prevent Spyware?

The best way to prevent spyware from getting onto your computer is simply not to download it. It is against EOC policy to download non-business related material from the Internet. When at home, only download programs from websites you know and trust. Read all license agreements, privacy statements, and security warnings when downloading software to ensure that you are not agreeing to have the additional “spyware” software downloaded.

In addition, surf the web safely by never clicking on any links that say “I agree” or in response to any pop-up ads or messages.

What is the IT Office Doing to Prevent Spyware?

The IT Office is employing a multi-level approach to combating spyware. First, educating employees about spyware and how to prevent it is the best defense.

We are also combating it at the “gateway” level, where spyware can first enter the agency’s network, through the use of anti-spyware and intrusion detection software.

At the computer workstation level, we apply Windows security updates, the latest anti-virus software, and workstation anti-spyware software when necessary to clean up and/or prevent spyware infections.

Through the efforts of employees and the IT Office, let’s eliminate spyware altogether from our computers.