About Spyware

Spyware programs are malicious applications that install themselves onto your computer while you are browsing the Web or downloading software. Once on your computer, spyware can access your files, collect personal information, monitor the websites you visit, and transfer the collected data over the Internet. A spyware infection often results in slower computer performance, frequent computer crashes, and difficulty accessing the Internet.

The best way to protect your computer from spyware is to prevent it from being installed. You should only download and install programs from reputable vendors.

Common Spyware Sources

Active X, Install For the Web (an application that installs other programs), and add-ons to other programs are common sources of spyware. Shareware programs and peer-to-peer (P2P) network programs may also include spyware add-ons. ITS advises users against downloading P2P network programs, as these programs may access other files on your system and transfer them over the P2P network. In these circumstances, users may be implicated in copyright infringement without their knowledge. For additional information about P2P networks, see the annual Copyright Compliance Letter that is sent to USC students.

A typical spyware installer looks like this:

You should always click No if a similar window pops up, unless you know that the software is from a reliable vendor. Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista automatically block most of these installers.

Removing Spyware

If you have spyware on your computer (most people do), there are ways to remove it. However, the spyware removal process can lead to network and software malfunctions and can prevent Windows from starting up. Due to the complexity of the process involved, ITS cannot provide support for spyware removal.

Ad-Aware and Spy-Bot S&D are spyware-removal programs. If you decide to use one of these methods, ITS strongly recommends that you back up your computer first. These programs scan the computer for spyware and should be updated on a regular basis. ITS recommends you use the backup/quarantine features of these programs rather than deleting spyware.

Getting Help

For other questions, please contact the Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555 or send an email to consult@usc.edu.

Last updated: Monday, October 19, 2009, 11:42AM PDT