FAQ Malware, Spyware, Adware

Malware is synonymous to malicious software.

In the course of normal internet usage, it is possible for malware programs to get installed on your computer unintentionally. These programs are classified in 2 catagories:

• Spyware is a term used to describe software and tracking cookies that track your computer usage and reports it to a third party, often without your consent. Spyware often comes attached to Utilities such as a time and date manager, music download software, or "toolbar buddies"
• Adware is different than spyware in that it does not necessarily spy on the user. Sometimes working in conjunction with spyware, adware displays pop-up ads, or changes your home page.

How did I get it?

These programs are normally installed on your computer when you visit a website that contains an ActiveX control, a Java, or some other code in it that allows that website to install a file on your computer. This file is the malware program.

These programs can also be sent to you as an attachment via email.

We’ve also seen some programs that you intended to download (like a card game) come bundled with malware. So, when you install the card game, you also get the malware.

How do I know if I have it?

Sometimes, there are obvious signs that there is spyware on your computer, sometimes there is not. However, here are some common symptoms of malware:

1. When you open a browser or connect to the internet, unexpected pop-up ads show up. This is adware.
2. Your computer (not just your connection speed) slows down significantly whether online or offline. This is the result of spyware using up memory and bandwidth.
3. The homepage has been reset to something that you did not expect.
4. If you have installed software from the internet and it installed a second piece of software automatically, that second piece of software is often spyware.

How do I prevent it?

Most browsers have an option to allow or deny ActiveX controls and Java to be run on your computer. You can check the help files in the browser that you’re using on how to set those up.

You may want to disable utilities such as ActiveX or Java. At the very least, you may have the browser prompt you every time you go to a web page that has these controls with a message window similar to:

Select YES only if you trust the website that you’re going to.

Other ways to help prevent malware are:

• Don’t open email attachments that you’re not expecting
• Don't go to websites that you don't trust
• Don't install software when you're unsure what it does
• Many file sharing programs install a huge amount of spyware, avoid them.
• If a browser or instant messenger popup asks you to install software, unles it's specifically from your friend, it's probably not a good idea to install it.
• Research the program you want to install to make sure that it does not come bundled with malware.

What do I do if I have those symptoms?

There are some tools that you can download and buy on the internet which scan and remove Spyware and Adware. Some common websites for these tools are:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com - AdAware
http://security.kolla.de - SpyBot
http://www.stop-sign.com
http://www.mcafee.com
http://safespy.net/Spy_Hunter_2.htm
http://www.enigmasoftwaregroup.com/jump5.shtml
http://www.spychecker.com/spyware.html

If you need a consultant to help you download/install/use any of these malware removal tools, feel free to give us a call, and we can refer you to somebody who can help you out.

We’re sorry, but these kinds of problems are outside the realm of our normal phone technical support.