How to prevent and remove spyware

The new buzzword circling around home computing circles is “spyware.” As
recently as four years ago, pop-up ads were nothing more than an annoyance
that added an extra two seconds to our web surfing in order to close the window.
Little did we know that it would spawn an entire underground industry. Although
spyware can be as benign as an advertisement for a miniature camera, it can
be as malicious as a virus. It can literally hijack your browser and bring
all of your computing activities to a grinding halt.

Spyware can be avoided if you’re prudent with your web surfing. Staying
in the “good neighborhoods” of the web – big-time sites like
CNN, ESPN, TLC, and a host of other acronyms – will virtually guarantee
a spyware-free surfing experience. Venture into the more questionable sites,
such as those offering free downloads of smilies and screen savers, and your
chances increase enough to warrant a cyber-raincoat. Crossing the tracks into
the red-light district of online debauchery will just about guarantee, at minimum,
an unstoppable attack of pop-up ads.

What are some ways to protect your computer from the advertising barrage?

First, make absolutely sure that your Windows operating system is fully patched
with the latest security updates from Microsoft. If you’re running Windows
XP, Service Pack 2 installation can help lock down your PC with enhancements
such as a built-in firewall. If desired, there are free firewall applications
on the web, such as ZoneLab’s ZoneAlarm, that do a great job with controlling
incoming and outgoing activity.

Second, ensure that your anti-virus software is up-to-date with the latest
virus definitions. In fact, configure the software to download updates automatically.
Although anti-virus software doesn’t help with preventing spyware, it
is essential to have.

Next, consider using an alternative web browser, such as Firefox or Opera.
Most spyware attacks the Internet Explorer browser and can attach itself like
a remora on a shark. Although Firefox isn’t completely immune to spyware,
its built-in pop-up blocker can help screen many potentially-dangerous ads.
Like any software, keep your internet browser of choice updated with the latest
available stable version. Even if you use an alternative browser, keep Internet
Explorer updated with the latest security patches as well. IE is so deeply
intertwined with Windows that an infected browser can affect other parts of
your computing environment.

Install and use anti-spyware software. Microsoft has an anti-spyware software
that does a pretty good job of detecting and removing those buggers. However,
no one piece of software can prevent, detect, and remove every type of spyware
on the internet. For the most comprehensive protection, install at least two
different software applications from different vendors. Some popular applications
include Lavasoft’s AdAware and Spybot. Don’t install too many,
however, as they can conflict with each other. In this case, more is not better.
It’s like wearing five diapers when only one is enough to keep your trousers
unsoiled.

What happens if you do end up downloading and installing spyware?

A multi-pronged attack is usually best to get back to clean. While spyware
removal techniques vary depending on who is at the keyboard, you can follow
some general steps and tweak them to your liking.

First, restart the computer in safe mode. This will allow only the most essential
processes to run so you can remove spyware without any access denied errors.
While in safe mode, uninstall or delete anything that’s obviously a stranger.
Be careful not to delete any applications that you actually use.

Second, use removal software such as the aforementioned AdAware or Microsoft
Anti-Spyware. Run at least two or three, rebooting in between sessions.

If you’re technically savvy enough, you can scan your registry for any
rogue entries. Beware with registry hacking, however, as you can end up with
a very expensive paperweight. You might want to consider hiring a professional.

If all else fails, back up your precious data and application settings, then
reinstall your operating system and start from scratch. Sometimes spyware can
be so embedded into the system that this is your only recourse.

Although spyware is the nemesis of the web surfer, being smarter and more
cautious about your surfing can minimize the chances of being attacked.