This workshop is presented and funded by the
Spyware … beware!
What is it?
Spyware is invasive software installed on your computer without your knowledge. It can be a threat to your privacy, to your passwords and to any financial, medical or personal data you may have on your computer. It may just be tracking what websites you visit and for how long, or it may be recording your keystrokes to crack your passwords or credit card number. A lot of it is poorly written and, privacy concerns aside, it gunks up your computer, makes it run slow, takes up space on your hard disk(s) and may make your computer more venerable to viruses. It really serves no good purpose … do I need to go on? Of note, not so much a problem with owners of Apple computers.
What are
the issues for libraries?
It gunks up your computer.
Makes your computers run slower and less efficiently.
May increase vulnerability to viruses on your network
May record personal data from staff and patrons.
Music CDs or movie
DVDs may install “rootkit” software on computers. Installation of rootkit software may create
an open “backdoor” for viruses and
programs which can literally take over a computer. Computers running all forms of the Windows
operating systems are vulnerable.
-For information on the recent Sony BMG rootkit debacle, affected CDs,
and rebate(!)- http://www.eff.org/sony/
-If using Windows XP, turn Automatic
Updates ON (My Computer\Properties) and install one or more anti-spyware
programs.
Where to
get more info:
The Spyware Warrior Guide – comparisons and info on anti-spyware software
- Helpful 2-part table comparing anti-spyware features:
http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-features.htm#table
Wikipedia Article on Spyware and anti-spyware.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
Free
Anti-Spy software
Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1864546,00.asp
download at: http://www.lavasoft.de/
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (beta)
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1829252,00.asp
download at: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Microsoft Windows Defender (Beta 2) - the new name for Microsoft’s anti-spyware software.
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1926596,00.asp
download at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.4
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1830047,00.asp
download at: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Anti-Spy
software for purchase
McAfee AntiSpyware
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1755089,00.asp
download at: http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=206&cid=16261
Norton Internet Security
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1829254,00.asp
download at: http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/internet_security/nis2006/index.html
Webroot Spy Sweeper 4.5
PC Magazine Review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1879982,00.asp
download at: http://www.webroot.com
This handout is online at: http://www.nmrls.org/ce/spyware.htm
Updated: 3/15/06 Scott
Kehoe, Consultant, NMRLS / 978-762-4433 x16 / scott@nmrls.org