Skip global navigation
St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Personal Computer Protection:
Spyware and Popups

Symnatec Antivirus Download SCSU-provided Symantec AntiVirus for home

Spyware, also called adware, is software that is hidden on your computer that gathers personal information about you and your Internet use habits. The software then relays your information to advertisers, sponsors and others. Spyware programs also run in the background and can consume significant amounts of memory and cpu, so the applications you need to use may not perform at their best.

It is important to understand that not all software that uses ads should be classified as spyware or adware. Some programs use ads and banners as a means to pay for the development of the software and to keep it low-cost or free. If all a program does is rotate ads it may very well be legitimate. It is the software that goes further and is more intrusive that is really spyware.

Quick Tip

Signs of spyware

  • Your computer seems unstable - Slows down or hangs
  • Random strange behavior
  • Your network/Internet performance is slow, even when other computers are working just fine
  • You get advertising popups (including porn), even when you are not actively surfing the Internet
  • New toolbars appear in your browser
  • Your browser opens to a different home page on startup

How Spyware Gets on Your Computer

Most spyware is installed onto your computer without your knowledge and in some cases even without your consent. This typically happens when you install free or shareware programs downloaded from the Internet. Peer-to-peer (P2P) software like KaZaa or Gnutella, weather monitoring software and even some toolbars are frequent sources of hidden spyware. For the most part, the fine print of license agreements includes information about the spyware that will be installed along with their product, but not always.

Spyware can also get installed when you click on unknown links in e-mails or on some unsavory Web sites. The link might open a Web site that attempts to install spyware onto your computer. This typically is a browser hijacker at work.

Browser hijackers can be especially dangerous if hidden from your view. Browser hijackers will change your home page location and even where your search attempts go no matter how many times you reset it back to your own settings. These attacks can range from minor inconvenience of popups to major violations of your privacy. Additionally, some use Internet Explorer to trick users into installing the latest and greatest software from a company via a popup request to install software.

Removing Spyware Already on Your Computer

Most spyware is hidden and difficult to remove without assistance of a removal tool. Antivirus software typically does not detect or remove spyware. A good common practice is to use antivirus software and additionally run a spyware removal tool on a regular basis.

The two recommended tools that can be used to remove spyware are Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. It is recommended that everyone, even if you have not installed suspicious software, use these tools to scan their computer for Spyware on a regular basis.

NOTE: Both Ad-Aware and Search & Destroy use definition files similar to antivirus software. It is important that you have the program check for updates prior to running your scans for spyware.

Quick Tip

Getting help
The HelpDesk can help you install Symantec AntiVirus and remove adware/spyware from your computer. HelpDesk consultants also can answer questions about safe computing practice and viruses and vulnerabilities on office and lab computers. Contact the HelpDesk at (320) 308-2077 or helpdesk@stcloudstate.edu.

Avoid being a target for Spyware

These are some simple measures you can take to help protect yourself from spyware.

  • Free software often comes with spyware. While there are very legitimate free software programs out there, make sure you trust the location you download from and are careful not to install free or shareware software from untrusted Internet locations. P2P programs such as KaZaA are notorious for installing spyware, as are those such as Bonzi Buddy. In any case it is a good practice to run a spyware removal tool after installing any software downloaded from the Internet.
  • If you use Internet Explorer, be careful not to allow just any site to install software on your computer via a popup. These use what are called Active X components. They can be useful when a site requires flash or shockwave installed in order to view the site, but these popups are also another source of spyware. If a popup appears asking you to install software while surfing the Internet, say no unless you are very sure you need the software to view the site.
  • Avoid surfing sites where many spyware installers do business. These sites include illegal software sites, adult sites and sites about hacking or cracking. May of these sites will attempt to plant spyware or adware on your computer.
  • Regardless of how careful you are, you should still run a spyware scanning and removal utility on a regular basis. Make sure you keep the definitions up to date. Use personal firewall software on your computer along with antivirus software. The combination of these things will help keep your computer clean and protect your privacy.