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Seven Ways to Lower Your Risk of Spyware Infections
Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one more privacy, security, and functionality issue crops up -- spyware. Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to identity theft.
Take the following steps to lower your risk of spyware infections.
- Update your operating system and Web browser software.
- Download free software only from sites you know and trust.
- Don't install any software without knowing exactly what it is.
- Minimize "drive-by" downloads.
- Don't click on any links within pop-up windows.
- Don't click on links in spam that claim to offer anti-spyware software.
- Install a personal firewall to stop uninvited users from accessing your computer.
If you think your computer might have spyware on it, experts advise that you take three steps: Get an anti-spyware program from a vendor you know and trust. Set it to scan on a regular basis -- at least once a week. And, delete any software programs the anti-spyware program detects that you don't want on your computer. More...
Get the Notice You Need Before Downloading Software
To help you control what software ends up on your computer, TRUSTe has partnered with industry leaders to provide a way to certify downloadable software. The Trusted Download Program ensures that businesses present clear, prominent, and easy-to-understand information prior to installing downloadable software. You can then choose whether to accept or decline the downloadable software. The program also requires that the software be easy to uninstall.
The Trusted Download Program has received support from the regulatory community and our partners CA, CNET, Download.com, Verizon, Yahoo!, AOL, and Microsoft. Learn more about the benefits of this program at www.trusteddownload.com.
Prosecuting Spyware: Calling All States
People have welcomed the availability of anti-spyware software and tools to protect their computers from malicious programs. But using anti-spyware software addresses only a piece of the growing problem. Without the involvement of the law enforcement community, spyware purveyors will continue to proliferate. Learn about what some states are doing to penalize spyware offenders and how to encourage your state to join the fight against spyware. More…
FTC Fines Adware Giant for Unfair and Deceptive Practices
Not only are the states taking action against spyware offenders, the Federal Trade Commission has spyware and adware on its radar. In November 2006, Zango--formerly known as 180solutions, a major distributor of adware--and two principals agreed to pay $3 million for using unfair and deceptive methods to download adware and obstructing users from removing this adware. More...
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TRUSTe is an independent, nonprofit
organization that administers the Internet's
first and largest privacy seal program.
685 Market Street, Suite 270
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 618-3400
Email: privacyseals@truste.org
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The views and opinions expressed in
this newsletter are those of the contributing
authors. TRUSTe presents these views
as a service to consumers, and does
not necessarily share or endorse these
views.
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Spyware
is software installed on your computer without your consent to monitor or control your computer use. Clues that spyware is on a computer include a barrage of pop-up ads, a browser that takes you to sites you don't want, unexpected toolbars or icons on your computer screen, keys that don't work, random error messages, and sluggish performance when opening programs or saving files.
For the definitions of other privacy terms, visit our definitions page.
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The clues that spyware is on a computer include:
Barrage of pop-up ads
Hijacked browser -- that is, a browser that takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
Sudden or repeated change in your computer's Internet home page
New and unexpected toolbars
New and unexpected icons in your system tray at the bottom of your computer screen
Keys that don't work (for example, the "Tab" key might not work when you try to move to the next field in a Web form)
Random error messages
Sluggish or downright slow performance when opening programs or saving files
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Tools to Fight Spyware
Several businesses offer tools for free or purchase to fight spyware. Visit www.onguardonline.gov for a complete listing.
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i-SAFE Partners with the FTC to Empower Youth to Be Safe
i-SAFE Inc., the leader in Internet-safety education, has partnered with the FTC to educate and empower youth to be safe and responsible cyber citizens. Check out the free video on spyware at http://ftc.isafe.org/spyware.html.
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