10 tips on how to stop spyware and adware
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term, coined in 1995 but not widely used for another five years, is often used interchangeably with adware and malware (software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer, respectively). Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package that automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material on a computer after the software is installed or while the application is being used.
1. Keep Windows and Internet Explorer patches up to date.
2. Keep your desktop antivirus software signatures up to date.
3. Issue and enforce strict policies on users’ web browsing and downloading activities.
4. Use a web content filtering program to monitor user activity and block access to websites commonly used to distribute spyware.
5. Install a desktop firewall on each laptop and desktop.
6. Set up an email gateway to block all executable email attachments.
7. Do not grant local administrator privileges to Windows users.
8. Test Service Pack 2 for immediate deployment on all Windows XP machines.
9. Create a list of known good ActiveX controls and block all others. The lists are available from Symantec, PivX, and other security vendors.
10. Use commercial antispyware software to detect and remove existing spyware programs. Look for enhanced tools that can identify all types of spyware, including commercial programs that come with end-user license agreements. Expect to see antispyware programs with centralized management and control features by the end of the year.