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What is spyware?
How widespread is the problem?
Does spyware pose a threat to me?
Does spyware also affect Macintosh computers?
How does spyware get installed?
How can I tell if spyware is on my computer?
Removing spyware from a Windows-based PC
Removing spyware from an Apple Macintosh
What is spyware?
Spyware is a generic term for software that collects personal usage information from your computer. The term is also used to describe software that 'sneaks' onto a system and/or performs similar actions hidden to the user. Spyware is usually bundled with "freeware" programs that are downloaded via the Internet.
A common misperception is that spyware and viruses are the same thing. While they do share some basic characteristics -- causing network slowdowns and system instability -- they are not the same. Spyware, although annoying, is not a virus. Viruses are purposefully created to cause damage; spyware's adverse effects are, by contrast, largely unintended.
How widespread is the problem?
Extremely widespread, according to some studies. The National Cyber-Security Ailliance estimated in its report that spyware has affected 90% of home PCs... approximately 4 out of every 5 users!
Does spyware pose a threat to me?
Yes, on two fronts:
- Spyware can pose a threat to your privacy. It can track private data, such as your online surfing or shopping habits, and send that information to third parties without your informed consent.
- Spyware can pose a threat to your computer. Spyware often overwrites key system files and modifies the behavior of your internet applications. Since spyware piggybacks on your internet bandwidth and system resources, these programs can cause crashes, loss of internet connectivity, and other bizarre system behavior.
Does spyware also affect Macintosh computers?
Yes, but very rarely. The vast majority of spyware programs are aimed exclusively at the Microsoft Windows operating system.
How does spyware get installed?
Spyware commonly sneaks onto a computer in two ways:
- Web pages may attempt to run spyware installers while loading pages. You will usually see a prompt asking to install the program. Users may inadvertently click yes, not knowing what the prompt is for.
- Spyware often comes bundled with other programs, especially file-sharing programs... including Grokster, iMesh, Kazaa and Limewire.
How can I tell if spyware is on my computer?
A very quick method is to check your Add/Remove Programs control panel's list of installed programs against an up-to-date list of known spyware programs. Spywareguide.com maintains a current list.
A more thorough method is to scan your computer with a spyware removal tool such as Ad-Aware or Spybot.
Removing spyware from a Windows-based PC
There are many so-called spyware removal programs available online. Some are ineffective, some charge outrageous shareware fees... others are actually spyware themselves!
SUNY Oswego's Technology Support Center obtains the most effective results using a combination of the following programs (all of which are freeware and kept constantly updated by their vendors):
There is no harm in installing more than one of the above programs on a single computer; in some cases, one program will detect and remove spyware that the other program(s) missed.
Removing spyware from a Macintosh computer
MacScan is the only utility currently available to scan and remove spyware on a Macintosh. Updates are sporadic and the download link is often unavailable; use at your own risk.
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