Section 21.3. Defeating Spyware | iPhone: The Missing Manual, 4th Edition

21.3. Defeating Spyware

Spyware often arrives on your machine nestled inside the installer files for free software you download from the Interneta game or file-sharing program, for example. Unfortunately for Windows fans, your operating system is spyware's prime target. Some spyware hogs your computer's processor, slowing it to a crawl and even causing other programs to crash. More belligerent types of spyware and overly aggressive adware give new meaning to the word nuisanceconstantly changing your browser's home page, adding unwanted bookmarks, or pestering you with pop-up ads. And as it transfers information about you across the Internet, spyware can even create holes in your computer's security.

Sadly, it was probably youyes, you who let that spyware onto your computer in the first place. If you're like most people, you probably never read all the fine print on that dreary screen of legalese that you have to click through every time you install new software. But if you'd read the user agreement, you may have seen that you were agreeing to allow the software's maker to monitor and collect information about your computer or Web-surfing habits. (Some spyware is so sneaky, though, that it may not even come with a legal agreement; it will just slither onto your PC without announcing itself.)

Here's a representative bit of creepy fine-print legalese, whereby you install a program: " in exchange for your agreement to also install ad-serving software, which will display pop-up, pop-under, and other types of ads on your computer based on the information we collect as stated in this Privacy Statement."

Needless to say, you don't need a Harvard law degree to see that this software is going to flood your screen with pop-up advertisements. Unless you want a screen full of ads, click the "I don't accept" box on the user-agreement screen or cancel the software installation (which probably happens anyway if you reject the user agreement).

Tip: The spyware rogue's gallery includes programs that claim to be antispyware products, but are actually spyware themselves . You can find a list of these dirty-dealing double agents at Spyware Warrior (www.spywarewarrior.com). This site is an excellent resource for learning how to recognize spyware and its slightly more respectable cousin, adware. (See the box in Section 21.4.)

Trying to pry spyware off your system if you've gone ahead and installed it can be an exercise in frustration. If you try to uninstall it with the Windows Add/ Remove control panel (Start Control Panel Add or Remove Programs), youll find that it reappears the next time you start your PC. (Technically, that's because it's buried a backup copy of itself somewhere on your hard drive or added multiple entries for itself in your Windows registry file.)

Yanking out the spyware may also cause that free game or program you wanted in the first place to stop working, but you may not even care about that by then because you just want your computer back. Whatever your current relationship with spyware is, you may want to look into a rising new category of protective programs: antispyware software.

Most of the Internet security suites mentioned in Section 7.2.2.1 include protection against spyware infestation. But if antispyware is all you need, here are a few to consider for your Windows PC:

Webroot Spy Sweeper . One of the most comprehensive spyware shields available, Spy Sweeper rarely misses a trick. It ferrets out programs that hijack your browser, infest your Startup folder, and so on. The company's Web site also offers free PC spyware scans , so you can see whether you have a problem before you plunk down the bucks; you need to download an 8 megabyte program to your PC to run the scan, which may make some people feel a little spied-upon. (www.webroot.com)
Sunbelt CounterSpy . This award-winning program makes short work of spyware. It also constantly monitors certain checkpoints around your PC to make sure no spies are loitering. (www.sunbeltsoftware.com)
Spybot Search & Destroy . Free, feisty, and famous for its spywhacking, Spybot Search & Destroy has cleaned PCs the world over for years . If you try this software and like it, consider donating to this valiant effort. You'll find a PayPal link on the Download page. (www.safer-networking.org)
Lavasoft Ad-Aware . Ad-Aware was one of the earliest antispyware programs, and it's still growing. You can download the free Ad-Aware Personal version, which removes spyware and similar infiltrators from your PC. Or for $27, you can bump up to Ad-Aware Plus and get scheduling and logging features, automatic updates, a continuous scanning option that blocks spyware that tries to install itself, and more. If you have an always-on broadband connection and spend a lot of time on the Web, the Plus option just might pay for itself in peace of mind. Its automatic features shoulder the burden of keeping spyware at bay. (www.lavasoft.de)
Windows Defender . Microsoft is developing its own spyware stopper; you can download a free test version at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx .

Tip: It's OK to protect yourself with more than one antispyware program. If your chosen spyguard is letting in a few nuisances, beef up your defense by adding another program.

At this writing, " Macintosh spyware" is still an oxymoron. If you're worried that the Mac's freedom from spyware may one day change, though, antispyware software companies are only too happy to take your money.

For example, SecureMac (www.securemac.com) has the latest news on every known Mac security issue and how to deal with it. The news and information are free, but SecureMac also sells its own antispyware programMacScan. For $25, it promises to remove Trojan horses, spyware, and other Mac attackers .

Note: Internet service providers like America Online, MSN, and Earthlink provide antivirus, spyware, and firewall protection to their members free of charge. Check with your provider to see what defenses they offer and make sure you're using the latest version of the software.