Spyware and Trojans

Spyware is also referred to as "Malware," "Adware," and "Scumware". Spyware is a class of software that is designed to take over various aspects of your computer. It does this in order to generate profit for people or businesses or to use your computer for various illegal or malicious reasons. If you computer becomes infected with spyware, it could run noticably slower than normal.

Spyware is generally installed by the user, often when installing downloaded software from the Internet. The latest version of Symantec AntiVirus software provides protection from malware security risks, so ensure that Symantec AntiVirus or Symantec Client Security software is installed and your virus definition files are current. Also ensure that your Windows Operating System Updates are current (and are kept current using Automatic Updates. Set up Automatic Updates in the Windows Control Panel). University IT Services also supports Spybot Search and Destroy as a spyware removal tool.

A trojan is like spyware with a few key differences. A trojan doesn't necessarily have to be installed by the user. They can install themselves on your computer by utilizing security exploits and "backdoors" in an unpatched or unprotected Windows installation. Unlike most spyware, trojans serve no purpose other than to propagate themselves and give someone else (the virus author or their friends) unrestricted access to your computer.