Spyware: How to Avoid, Detect, and Remove It

To keep your Windows computer free of spyware, Cornell's IT Security Office recommends that you install and regularly run at least two spyware detection and removal tools (spyware changes so rapidly that at present no single tool can detect and remove all of it). Cornell Information Technologies currently supports the following tools:

• Symantec AntiVirus (detects and removes spyware as well as viruses)
• Spybot - Search & Destroy
• Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition (for use on personally owned computers only)

Spyware protection is a rapidly changing field, with both new threats and new forms of protection appearing frequently. An anti-spyware product being developed by Microsoft is a likely candidate for future CIT support.

If you need additional spyware protection, it's wisest to choose tools that have been widely used and favorably reviewed. Don't accept tools that are offered in popup windows; these are often spyware in disguise. Some of the best review and download sites are listed here:

• SpywareGuide
• SpyChecker
• download.com's Spyware Center
• Network World Fusion's Anti-spyware buyer's guide
• Spyware Warrior Guide to Anti-Spyware Testing

Symptoms that may indicate spyware

If you observe any of the following symptoms on your Windows computer, spyware could be the cause:

• You may see many more pop-up advertising windows than usual
• Your web browser may go to sites you do not expect
• Several other symptoms could indicate spyware or another type of infection, such as a virus:
  • Your system may seem sluggish or become unstable
  • Network traffic on your system may increase

For more information

• Symantec's Expanded Threats site has "More info" links to detailed descriptions of particular pieces of spyware and other malware