Spyware

When a computer is connected to the World Wide Web it is exposed to many kinds of danger. The most common of these are viruses and spyware (also known as " malware "). In order to protect you from viruses, Auburn University offers McAfee Enterprise antivirus protection, free of charge to all students and employees. In keeping with university policy we at NaMS provide, support, & update McAfee Enterprise (version 7.1.0).

Most people are familiar with the problem of viruses. However, not as many people are aware of the existence or nature of spyware, or malware. Spyware is a kind of software propagated by unethical advertisers via the World Wide Web. It is designed to gather information about people connected to the web and their computers. Some of it is also designed to force advertising on these people. The creators of this software are not concerned about the welfare of the end-users' computers. In fact, this type of software is capable of rendering a new, state-of-the-art computer unusable. The creators of the software may even have created it in such a way that it is next to impossible to remove from your system without erasing all other data. Also, some types of spyware gather sensitive information about the host machine including passwords, making such software a security threat.

Spyware becomes installed on your computer while you are surfing the web. It can be downloaded and installed in different ways. First of all, many companies that offer "free" downloads do so in order to get spyware installed on your computer. The free software includes the spyware. Furthermore, some web pages ask the viewer to download specific software to properly view their pages. Some of this software is legitimate, some is not. If you are not sure if a program is safe to install on your computer, do not install it. Some spyware becomes installed on your machine simply by browsing certain web-sites. This variety exploits weaknesses in Internet Explorer and is self-installing. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any web-site that is of questionable origin and/or quality.

It is important to note that since spyware is propagated by web-sites that are of questionable origin and/or quality, it is a problem that can and should be avoided in the work environment. Please avoid questionable web-sites and/or questionable "free" downloads.

However, if your computer does become infected with spyware we, at Network & Media Services are able to remove it. Keep in mind that the removal process may cause data loss on the infected computer.

Symptoms

If your computer has become infected with spyware, you will likely notice one or more of the following symptoms: the computer becomes noticeably slower, pop-up advertisements begin appearing in greater quantity and may even appear when you are not browsing the internet, your homepage is changed without your consent, you are unable to bring up certain web-pages such as Google, unfamiliar icons appear on your desktop, generic "search bars" appear in Internet Explorer, or Internet Explorer may fail to function altogether.

The symptoms of a virus infection change depending on the virus.

If your computer become infected with spyware or a virus and you are unsure how to remove it please contact NaMS in Room 146 or call (334) 844-2963.