We are currently having problems with spyware on a trainee computer. Either trainees can follow the procedures below or bring their machines back to base.
Spyware isn't a virus so our anti-virus software does not pick it up - but it can monitor key strokes on a machine (eg passwords and credit card numbers) and transmit the information back to its writers. It can also have the side effect of slowing the computers performance considerably and clogging your screen with ads. It can be very difficult to remove without rebuilding the whole machine.
Microsoft have
produced some partial fixes - one of which is contained in service pack 2
for Windows XP - (you can tell if that’s installed because a security
icon appears in your control panel - picture left <<<).
To install go to the browser, (internet explorer) and select the windows update option. (picture right >>>) and follow instructions.
Much of this 'malware' comes from pop-up ads which appear on various websites. The popups can be blocked by installing the google toolbar - which also installs a handy search facility. http://toolbar.google.com/
Microsoft also just bought a company which produces a more sophisticated anti-spyware package - which they are adapting and are issuing as a beta release (beta means the software is still under development so may be less than perfect). You can get it at: www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software
GENERAL ADVICE
Keeping your operating system up-to-date.
- Your Windows operating system can be updated and patched with updates from Microsoft's website. Its important to do this regularly to maintain the integrity of your computer's operating system.
- Simplest way of doing this is to get onto the internet and open your browser (internet explorer) select menu item tools then windows update - you'll then be invited to scan your system for updates and install any urgent ones.
Anti-Virus
- All trainees have access to Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus. This software will automatically update from the internet for a year after it was installed.
All machines running Win2000, or WinXP are password protected. Please don't leave the machines around (eg visible in the back of a car) - this increases the chance of being broken in to and losing the machine.