Preventing Spyware

"Spyware" generally refers to computer programs that track your online activities. The activities that are tracked include, Web sites you visit, advertisement banners you click on, and search engines you tend to use. Spyware is generally used by Internet advertisers to collect data and statistics for online Web usage. You may unknowingly install spyware when you download programs from the Internet, install software from disks, or open suspicious email attachments.

Symptoms of spyware:
The following symptoms may indicate that spyware exists on your computer.

  • Your computer is acting slower than usual: One of the most commonly noticed symptoms of spyware is that your computer may responding much slower than usual.
  • Your Internet connection appears slower than usual: Spyware can use significant computer memory resources. Multiple instances of spyware running at the same time can create "memory leaks", which can give you the impression that your Internet connection is much slower than normal.
  • Advertisement pop-ups appear when you're not browsing the Web: Spyware can also serve you pop-up advertisements that appear while you are not surfing the Web--even if you don't have a Web browser open.
  • Your homepage has changed, or keeps changing: Sometimes spyware will change your default homepage, or render your computer incapable of changing your homepage again.
  • Redirecting Web sites: Spyware can cause your browser to automatically redirect to different Web sites. This symptom is especially common with Internet search engines. Search tool bars appear in your browser: You may notice that search bars appear directly in your browser. These bars, also known as plug-ins, can sometimes be installed by spyware programs.
  • Spyware software appears in menus: Another indication that spyware has been installed on your computer is when suspicious programs and folders appear in your Start menu, startup menu, or system tray.

How did I get these spyware programs on my computer?
Here are a few potential ways these applications may find their way onto your computer. Please keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list:

  • Unintentional Download: You may intentionally download and install spyware or adware without realizing it has an unrelated, secondary purpose. For example, you may be told a program will keep your computer clock synchronized with the atomic clock. If it is spyware or adware, the program may also serve send information about your browsing habits or display advertising pop-ups whenever you are online.
  • Software Bundle: Spyware and adware may be included (bundled) with programs you download and install. For example, many file-sharing programs require you install additional, unrelated programs that may be considered spyware or adware.
  • Unintentional Install: You may voluntarily but unintentionally install spyware or adware while surfing the Web. Often times, spyware or adware appears to be corrective software or a special plug-in that will help you view a site. Or, for example, you may be told a program will keep your computer clock synchronized with the atomic clock. If you don't know the source of the download or aren't sure what a program does, you can generally learn more by searching on the name of that program in Yahoo! Search.
  • Other Users: Someone else who uses your computer may also install spyware or adware on your computer. They may do so unintentionally in any of the ways mentioned above, or they may maliciously install a program with keystroke logging, to capture passwords or other personal information.
  • Computer Virus or Worm: A computer virus or worm can also install spyware that could allow someone to remotely access to your computer, turn your computer into a pornography or spam server, log keystrokes to steal passwords or credit cards, or perform other malicious acts.
  • Automatic Installation: Some unscrupulous companies use advertisements to automatically begin the installation process for their programs. By default, most browsers will prompt you with a security warning to either continue or stop the installation process. Typically, these warnings don't offer a description of the program or tell you what it will do.


Spyware protection and prevention
Here are some basic guidelines to follow to help protect your computer from spyware in the future:

  • Make sure you have an up-to-date Anti-spyware program installed and running on your PC.
  • Always be careful to fully understand what an application will be doing on your computer before you download it.
  • Beware that sometimes spyware programs are bundled with other software applications (especially file sharing applications), and will automatically install.
  • Be aware that spyware can be hidden in files shared through some popular file sharing applications, including KaZaA, LimeWire, BearShare, WinMX, iMesh, Morpheus, and XoloX. File sharing has become a favorite pastime for Internet users because it allows users to share files online with one another for free or at a minimal cost.

To prevent future spyware installation on your computer, please make sure you have an up-to-date Anti-spyware program installed and running on your PC.

Please Note: Some spyware and/or adware may be included as part of software that you have licensed from a third party pursuant to a separate license agreement. This separate license agreement may require that you install and run the spyware or adware in order to receive the other software. CaribServe strongly recommends that you review all software licenses to which you have agreed. CaribServe is not responsible for any breach caused by your removal of required spyware or adware.