From Issue #3 , Page #90 | By Rachel Cericola

Big brother is indeed watching you— in the form of a little software program called spyware

There’s something lurking on your computer, and we’re not talking about your many MP3s, the pictures of your kids or that old copy of the SpiderMan 2 trailer. It’s spyware—and it’s probably on your computer right now and you don’t even know it.

Before you frantically start deleting things from your PC’s hard drive, it’s important to know what spyware is as well as how you got it. Spyware is a software program that lives on your computer and monitors your personal information as well as your Web-surfing activity. It can keep tabs on the Web sites you’ve visited, what products you seem interested in or regularly buy, and can even track your keystrokes. Then it takes that info and relays it to potential advertisers.

But what you don’t know won’t hurt you, right? While that might be true, it’s certainly not doing your computer any good. Spyware can often slow down your computer’s performance and bandwidth capabilities, whether you’re just working on your desktop, surfing the Web or streaming video and playing games. It can also launch tons of pop-up ads. And last time we checked, no one likes those.

HOW IT FINDS YOU

Unfortunately, spyware can be hard to find at times. Often you don’t even know that you have it. Typically spyware comes along with free software that you have downloaded from the Web, such as peer-to-peer file-sharing programs. Do you read all of the fine print that comes with every download, or do you typically just click "I Agree?" If you are like many in the latter category, you probably have volunteered yourself to accept spyware.

Spyware can also come from Web sites you have visited, even if it was for just a second (you had to click on the link in that spam email, didn’t you?), attaching itself to your PC, even as you desperately try to leave the site. You can also get spyware from pop-up messages, which often occur when you are surfing the Web. Even something as simple as closing one of these windows may launch spyware on your PC. Nice huh?

ZAPPING SPYWARE

Spyware can be harder to get rid of than termites. Often it’s as easy as removing the program from your system’s control panel. Just click Start, then Control Panel (those prior to Windows XP can click Start, go to Settings, then to Control Panel). Next click on Add/Delete Programs, and search for unwanted material. Just make sure you know what you are deleting. Often Windows automatically downloads updates for your computer. These are good things—don’t delete those!

There are also tons of free programs out on the Web to help rid you of spyware, with SpyBot Search and Destroy being one of the most popular. This free program (they ask for a donation) finds spyware and removes those programs or replaces them with dummy programs. There are other programs out there, such as Ad-aware, SpyCop, PestPatrol and more. Some have a fee and/or a free trial. Make sure you get the goods if you plan to pay!

Many Internet security programs also include spyware cleanup programs. You should be using one of these security programs anyway, so check to make sure yours also includes some type of anti-spyware feature.

Goodbye Spy!

Recently, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection has passed the SPY Act (Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act). Next step—hopefully—it will become law.

The proposed legislation is designed to protect consumers against unsolicited spyware. It won’t make it go away, but instead of having to read the fine print, a notice of the download will be there in bold, clear language, making it easier for consumers to opt out of downloading the program.

As of June 2004, the bill also included provisions to prohibit deceptive behavior, such as keystroke logging, and pop-up ads that can’t be closed.

At press time, the legislation still needed to go through the full House Energy and Commerce Committee before going before the House of Representatives.