Information Security - Spyware

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Information Security - Spyware | Protect Yourself

What the Heck is Spyware, Anyway? Is your computer slow? Trouble Connecting? Taking forever to load certain pages? (like mine) :-)

Spyware is computer software that is installed on your computer to intercept and record your activity without your knowledge. These programs can collect various types of personal information, and can even control your Web-browsing experience by directing you to certain sites without your intent. While it is often used for advertising purposes, Spyware has also been exploited as a vehicle for privacy theft, such as the pilfering of credit card numbers, bank account credentials, and the like.

Most Spyware is installed by piggybacking on other applications that often appear useful, such as Weatherbug or Kazaa. Machines infected with Spyware often have degradation in performance, difficulties when connecting to the Internet, accelerated CPU activity, and stability issues.

My machines are protected from Spyware by automated blocking and filtering systems in place. While spyware is not always malicious in nature, you may also wish to avoid it on your personally owned PCs. There are many products available, generically called "anti-spyware" software, that will remove this code from your machine (two good, free products for your personal use are SpyBot and Ad-Aware). Similar to running an anti-virus scan, you simply run the program periodically to check and clean your system of any unwanted programs. As with everything in life, with increased ability comes increased responsibility.

Content Copyright Protected © 2007 - Brad Andersohn Real Estate 411

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Posted by Brad Andersohn on 12/22/2007 01:09 AM

Comments (65)

spyware, adaware, spybot, anti spyware

Originally posted at: Real Estate 2.0 Technology : Information Security - Spyware | Protect Yourself

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65 Comments on Information Security - Spyware | Protect Yourself

DEC

2007

Brad-Spyware is not the same as cookies, is it? I know with our MLS we have to allow cookies on our pc. Katerina

Hi Brad, Thanks for the reminder... I haven't run Ad-Aware on my computer for a while now, so I updated it and am running it now.... -Bill

Why are PC's so much more prone to this? I had one for two years and switched back to the Mac....MUCH happier - fewer glitches and problems.

Bra I have used Spybot and Adaware but the best antispyware I have founf is Super Anti Spyware, it's free, works great, but does take longer to run that the other 2.

Brad - We use Ad-Aware and are very happy with it. I haven't tried Spybot . . .nor the Super Anti Spyware. Do you have a preference?

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

I use Ad Aware and Spyware Doctor. Spyware Doctor found files that Ad-Aware did not find. Spyware Doctor is not free but very effective. Other free programs that I use are AVG and Sygate Personal Firewall.

Hi Brad,
Kim Komando has educated me on spyware and I, too, use Ad-Aware and Spy-bot.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and may your new year be filled with love and blessings.

Brad - Thanks for the reminder, Cleaning my computer is something I need to attend to, it has been getting sluggish I just haven't had the time.

Brad,

Ive used both those programs...by lavasoft...I have to reinstall them as I reformatted and took them off.

Brad, thanks for the information.

Brad - I use AdAware as a backup to my TrendMicro PCcillin security suite. With the firewall, antivirus, hijack attempt alerts, and filtering I have not had a problem (knock on wood!). PCcillin is not free, but it is the best money I've spent in a long time. Panda Security used to offer a free spyware remover, too, but not sure if they still do. It was pretty accurate as I remember.

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Enjoy!

Brad, I have used both of these programs with great success.

Thanks Brad, We have used spybot and adware for some time but it is a good reminder to clean up you computer once in a while.

One thing I use is SuperAntiSpyWare, not sure you can download it, my tech guy put it on, but it picked up lots of things the ones above, ( which I use too) missed.

Great info, Brad, as always. I regularly scan and remove the adware, etc. that shows up. It's a constant battle it seems. Amazing how much stuff shows up and so quickly.

Jeff

Brad - Thanks for another informational post. I run spybot and adaware too. Although the other day I got some really nasty spyware that installed itself and I couldn't get rid of it with spybot or adaware, so I downloaded Super AntiSpyware Professional and it took care of it. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Brad.

Brad - Just noticed you last post was about protection too. Do you have protection issues Brad?

Thanks for the reminder. I use Ad-Aware too, and it's important to use the "Check for Updates" button, and to run the program regularly.

Brad, My computer is now protected automatically like yours but in the past I have used both Spy bot and Ad Aware. There is so muchhhhhhhhhhhh to be aware of when it comes to comuter protection.

Hey Brad: Thank you for reminding me... I added Ad-Aware today.

Brad, if I have Norton 2008, do I still need to add a spyware program?

PC Cillin is set to update as needed and also set to scan for all those nasty little buggers every night after 11:00 P.M. Then every morning I have the report on the screen telling me what it found and what it zapped.

Keeping the system free of all that clutter makes a big difference in operating. Keeping the anti viral software and span software up to date is also critical...

Brian Corwell

RE/MAX Sauk Valley

Sterling, Illinois Real Estate

I purchased a new computer earlier this year and need to download the anti-spyware programs. I had it on my old computer and never thought to add it to the new one. Thanks for the post.

DEC

2007

Hi Brad,

I currently use ad aware and a program called ccleaner. Ccleaner does a nice job of clearing many files that are not usually picked up (like the index.dat file in particular)

Good advice, Brad. I run both spybot or adware on my 'puter at least once a week. It is amazing how those critters get in there! Out, d___ spy, out!

Other great programs are Hijackthis and Trojan hunter. Sometimes trojans are downloaded and change settings on your computer causing pc slowdowns. Thanks for the reminder.

Brad, My son Brian says DO NOT log on to ADWARE. You want to go to ADAWARE. The previous version will install all the spyware that you are trying to get rid of and you will have reformat your computer! Merry Yuk, Yuk my friend! "Welcome to my World!" Diana

DEC

2007

Katerina - cookies are not the same as spyware, you're ok! Speaking of cookies, don't forget Santa's tonight! LOL!!

Bill - I try to run it on my home studio computer every Friday when I run my Norton Anti-virus. Best to have it scheduled if possible. Automated is best! HH! B-)

Ruthmarie - Not sure why PC's have such issues, it's a conspiracy! LOL! Do you know what I.B.M. stands for?

I'm Buying Mac! LOL!

James - can you provide us a link to Super Anti-Spyware? I'd love to check it out. Thanks!

Brad you are so right MAC users do not even need anti virus software, Spy ware is a nonsense, I run a scan almost every day for Spyware and use Norton Corporate Verison automatically daily.

Cheers, have A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Meg - I can't say which is best, I use both Adaware and Spybot, also Norton Anti-virus are the only ones I run on a regular basis. My system seems to run smooth and fast. MC & HH to you too. :-)

Dallas - thanks for sharing this info. Great information, I'll have to check out those others. Happy Holidays! :-)

Cynthia - sounds like you're all over it. Beautiful!! :-)

BTW - I haven't seen you join us on the Real Estate 411 Network yet, are ya coming? :-)

Jennifer - running your anti-spyware will make a big difference in your computers performance! HH! :-)

Neal - they really do work well and help your systems speed and performance. I have been using them for the past couple years! HH! :-)

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Enjoy!

Carol - I have heard PCcillin is a pretty good app. No personal experience here though. Thanks for sharing Carol, that's the Christmas spirit!! :-) Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Dan - you rock!! Glad you're ahead of the spyware game out there. It's only gonna get worse as these companies try to figure ways to sell you on sites they think you're interested it. Still not sure why I get those Viagra emails... LOL! HH my friend! :-)

David - you're welcome! HH!

Terry - a clean computer is a happy computer and that makes for a happy operator! Enjoy the Holidays! :-)

DEC

2007

One thing I use is SuperAntiSpyWare, not sure you can download it, my tech guy put it on, but it picked up lots of things the ones above, ( which I use too) missed.

Missy - I'll have to check out SuperAntiSpyWare, you can never have too much protection these days on our computers! When you say it picked up lots of things the others didn't, what do you mean? Are you referring to spyware, trojans, and bots? Would love to know what the others may be missing. Thanks! :-)

Jeff - the battle for spyware must continue and I am afraid it will only get worse. As long as you are using programs like Adaware and other anti-spyware, you are taking a (byte) out of these little Internet manipulators! LOL! :-)

Many companies will continue to try and spy on you to see where you go on the web and what your interests are. Then they try to spam you with everything they think you're interested in. It's a vicious cycle and a real hassle if you aren't protecting yourself and your computer. I'm afraid they will find new ways to infiltrate our systems once they know we are wiping them out with anti-spyware. The battle continues.....

Hope you had a great Christmas! :-)

Hey Ryan - Missy mentioned that software you downloaded and said the same thing, what was the cost and do you have their website URL? I'd love to have that info if you don't mind sharing. Thanks Ryan, and I hope your Christmas was awesome this year! :-)

Ryan - No protection issues here, just seems that SPAM and Spyware go hand in hand and it was a good topic to write about at the time. I know many members struggle with slow systems bogged down with spyware, cookies, cache memory issues etc. Some don't ever DEFRAG the hard drive either. Controlling Spam, Phishing, Spyware and such really does help a computers speed and performance.

The last client I met with before the Holiday was NOT running any anti-spyware and her system was locking up, her Internet Explorer would freeze, and many of her applications just stopped working or wouldn't load.

When we downloaded and ran adAware, it found over 2000 little green bugs that had totally taken over her system. Now that they've been removed, her computer runs like new. That's all it was. I must admit, after witnessing that, I was a little inspired to do this post! LOL! :-)

Hank - that's a great point. I always run the "CheckFor Updates" before I run the scan. Thanks for pointing that out, they are constantly trying to come up with new ways to attack our systems with those little robots. I know AdAware is great about updating their app on a regular basis. Thanks! :-)

Marchel - another thing I have automated is my Norton anti-virus which runs every Friday on a regular basis. With my new system, it can run in the background and only affects the speed minimally. Norton does a good job at keeping out potential viruses and also picks up a couple things that the others don't. Usually only finds one or two things every time it runs.

Jan - you'll love how AdAware finds those little buggers and wipes them out. You should run it at least every couple weeks or once a week, depending on how many it finds each time you run it. Make sure you "Check For Updates" before you run it each time.

Natalie - Even with Norton on my system, I have had AdAware pick up things it didn't. I'm not saying you need both, I just feel better knowing that they both come back saying "NO PROBLEMS FOUND!" Norton is great, you may want to try Adaware or Spybot after running Norton and see what happens. If nothing, then you can always uninstall them from your control panel, and no extra space is used or taken on your hard drive.

Would love to know what you find after running Norton and then running an anti-spyware. Please come back and share if you do decide to do that.

Keeping the system free of all that clutter makes a big difference in operating. Keeping the anti viral software and span software up to date is also critical...

Brian - I'm glad you are understand, endorse and enforce my sentiments exactly!! I'm not sure if people realize just how crucial this stuff is! I am always looking at new ways to keep my computers running faster. I think the computer should always be waiting for us, not us waiting on it. One saves time, the other wastes it! :-)

Darlene - that's a good idea. Though many new computers come better equipped these days, many of them don't have updated software and applications to address these spywares! I bet you'll find that even your new computer will have some spyware on it! Hopefully minimal, let me know what you find. :-)

Sal - thanks for the tip about Ccleaner. I wasn't aware that the index.dat file was prone to spyware. That's great information, thanks for sharing. Is there a cost for Ccleaner?

Bonnie - most people don't realize this until they run these apps for the first time. It is amazing how that little spy bugs can get into our computers and multiply so quickly. I suggest once a week as well, or twice a month depending on usage.

Other great programs are Hijackthis and Trojan hunter. Sometimes trojans are downloaded and change settings on your computer causing pc slowdowns. Thanks for the reminder.

Gail - these are two programs I have heard of, but not sure if they are FREE. Do you have their websites you can share and let me know if there's a fee? Thanks! :-)

Diana - Not sure if you're kidding about Adware, but it makes sense that some moron would take advantage of someone making a typo, missing one letter, and then having the opposite result of the intended vision and mission. You are too funny, now I won't even do to the site for fear you may not be pulling my leg here! LOL! :-)

Brad you are so right MAC users do not even need anti virus software, Spy ware is a nonsense, I run a scan almost every day for Spyware and use Norton Corporate Verison automatically daily.

Cheers, have A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Fred - it doesn't get any better than that! Norton does a great job on both platforms, too bad we even need to do that...and for a fee to boot! Hope your Christmas was good and spyware and virus FREE!!

BTW - funny thing is, we get so caught up in viruses and spyware that catch us on the computer, we forget about the ones around us physically. Both my wife an my son got a virus (cold) over the past week. Too bad there's no anti-virus they could have been running!! It would be nice to have a health spyware for humans that told us when a virus was coming!! LOL!~ :-)

Brad, I'm dead serious. DO NOT GO TO ADWARE! One of your commenters, typoed adaware. Very bad stuff. Beware, skull bones and all the rest of that stuff! Diana

DEC

2007

Diana - ok ok ok, I believe you! :-) I didn't see any commenters mention this besides you, but I'm glad you did. I Better go back through and read them all again. Thanks again for sharing that, I'll be sure I never make that typo mistake!! :-)

JAN

2008

I thank you for the warning, I thank you for the advice. My computer does too.

JAN

2008

Dionne - glad to help, spyware can be a real pain if you don't catch it early on. :-)

JUL

2008

Brad---thanks again for this post--what happens if you don't cathch early on---how would I know if it is too late--my computer is slow at times as well--which of the two shpware software best one? If I don't hear from you soon I will just use the first one.

Never mind I read one of the comments above---thanks!

JUL

2008

Aida - it's funny how comments sometimes carry more value than the actual post. In many cases, I have learned more on AR by following and reading the comment thread. I find some of the greatest value on Blogs really does come from the members comments and even the authors responses. More members should skim through them to find all thehidden jewels in these Blog posts. Thanks for reminding me of that. I think I'll write a post about it. :-)

Dionne - sorry I missed your comment, thanks for poppin in and sharing your thanks, you know how much I appreciate you taking the time! :-)

OCT

2009

Good stuff-nice article

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Brad Andersohn

Fairfield, CA

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