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Question: How can I prevent spyware from infecting my PC?

Tuesday, May 23, 2006


Answer: Most anti-spyware tools focus on removing spyware after it infects your system. But this is a problematic approach at best; many types of spyware overwrite or alter legitimate system files, and removing them doesn’t necessarily undo the damage the spyware has inflicted. Fortunately, you can take simple steps that will help prevent infection in the first place:

  1. Avoid pop-ups and supposed “spyware warnings” — Most spyware comes packaged with “free” software available for download. These are often screen savers, Windows themes, or free games, but some claim to be Windows updates or anti-spyware applications that have detected a problem on your system. In any case, never download any application that presents itself via pop-up, no matter how alarming the message. Obtain real Windows updates at windowsupdate.microsoft.com Download valid anti-spyware software at www.doit.wisc.edu/security
  2. Use a different Web browser — Internet Explorer is the most common Web browser, and spyware writers target its vulnerabilities. To protect yourself, use another browser (such as Firefox, Netscape, or Opera) for general browsing. You might still have to use IE occasionally, because many Web pages (e.g., email clients, banking sites, etc) work only with IE. Also note that using Firefox or a similar browser isn’t a guarantee of safety. You should still avoid clicking on pop-up ads.
  3. Don’t install peer-to-peer file sharing applications — Most peer-to-peer file sharing applications (such as LimeWire and Kazaa) also contain spyware. Likewise, many files disseminated on these networks contain spyware or virii, further exacerbating the threat they carry.
  4. Keep antivirus software up to date, and run regular scans — Make sure that you have up-to-date antivirus software installed and run regular scans. Increasingly spyware and viruses work in tandem, and an infection by one may cause the other.

If your computer does become infected, bring it to Equipment Service at 1210 West Dayton St. anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and pick it up virus-free by 8:00 a.m. the next business day. Rates are reasonable. See www.doit.wisc.edu/repair/virus_rescue.asp