If you suspect that your PC has been infected by spyware, one of your first stops should be at a web site that allows you to download a free spyware/adware scanner.
Many companies offer free programs that are cut-down versions of their commercial products. Some programs are also available as freeware or Open Source. In general, these spyware/adware scanners are free for non-commercial use only. This means that the program can only be used at home or college and is for your personal use only. If you use the program at work, or install it on more than one computer system at a time, you are usually required to pay for it.
Some companies ask you to register the software before using it. Registration is often required if you want to be able to update the program via the Internet. Although it might be a little inconvenient, registration costs nothing and helps software developers continue to let people use their programs for free.
Although anti-spyware programs may offer lots of different features, most work in basically the same way. When the program first starts, it will usually attempt to update its internal database of spyware information via the Internet. The amount of time this takes will vary according to the speed of your Internet connection but shouldn't take more than a minute of two. Once any updates have been downloaded, the program will then carry out a full scan of your machine. This can take a long time, so be prepared to wait patiently or, better still, go and grab a coffee!
When the scan is complete, a list of infected files will be displayed, together with details of the spyware/adware found. You can then choose how to deal with each case. Typical options include repairing infected files, deleting them or placing them in quarantine. Repairing a file involves removing the spyware and restoring the file to its previous condition. No data will be lost and the file can be used as normal. If a file can not be repaired, sometimes the only option is to delete it. Once deleted, the file can not be recovered and any data it contained will be lost forever. If an infected file can not be repaired, it can sometimes be placed in quarantine until such time as a way of removing the infection is found. Although the file is not deleted, it will not be possible to use it until it can be repaired. Quarantined files can remain inaccessible for weeks, months or even years. Sometimes, it becomes clear that it will never be possible to repair a quarantined file, leaving no choice but to delete it.
If a spyware scanner fails to detect any viruses, this does not necessarily mean that the computer is "clean". It may simply be that the particular program you are using is unable to identify certain forms of spyware. Similarly, while one program may fail to repair files infected by a particular type of spyware, another may be more successful. For this reason, it is always a good idea to check your computer with two or more scanners if you suspect infection by spyware or adware. Under normal circumstances only one package needs to be installed permanently.
As mentioned earlier, all of the programs listed here can be used completely free of charge. In addition, all are offered by companies with good reputations in the field. Please remember that there will be many occasions when free spyware scanners are not convenient or appropriate.
Since diect links are not allowable in articles like this, you will need to copy and paste the links below into your browser.
Online Services
Trojan Scan (online service)
http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/
SpySweeper Scan
http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/spysweeper/freescan.html
eTrust Pest Scan
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pestscan/
Trend Micro Spyware Scanner (online service)
http://www.trendmicro.com/spyware-scan/
Software
SwatIt!
http://www.lockdowncorp.com/bots/downloadswatit.html
AVG Anti Spyware
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/
a-squared
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
Spyware Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Ad-Aware Personal
http://www.lavasoft.de/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php
Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Paul Edwards is the psudonym of one of the UK's best-selling authors in the area of ICT. He earns his living as a freelance writer and consultant, specialising in cybercrime and computer security. More information on protecting your computer from viruses, spyware, hackers and other threats can be found at http://www.protect-your-pc.co.uk |
No comments:
Post a Comment