Step 7: Remove Spyware

Removing spyware is a required step in ensuring computer security.

What is spyware?

Spyware is software that quietly gathers information about you usually without your complete and informed consent and reports the information to others, usually for marketing and advertising purposes but sometimes for malicious purposes such as stealing your banking or other information.

Spyware can get installed without your knowledge when you install other trusted or seemingly trustworthy software. For example, some peer-to-peer filesharing applications such as the original Kazaa Media Desktop included spyware. Details: Webopedia: spyware. Spyware is also included with some search toolbars for your Web browser and with some free screen savers.

Why do I need anti-spyware software?

These are just a few examples, but spyware can:

Send strangers a record of your keystrokes or which Web sites you visit or how you use your computer.
Force pop-up advertisement windows to appear repeatedly.
Change your Web browser's home page without your consent. (This is known as browser hijacking).
Prevent your computer from functioning as expected.
Interfere with logging in to WebCT. (See Redirect to Ask Jeeves or Internet Optimizer, or a Not Authorized page.)

How do I know if the software I installed has spyware in it?

Open the Add/Remove Programs control panel and check the list against all of the following:

Search Google on the name of the software and "spyware." Example: Google search on gator spyware.
Notable programs distributed with spyware
SpywareGuide's spyware database
SpywareGuide's list of known spyware companies

It's important to check multiple sources since spyware evolves more quickly than any single source can reliably track.

I've installed anti-spyware software already, so my computer is okay, right?

Check to see if the software you installed is on the list of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products. If so, uninstall it and follow the instructions below or use a product on the list of Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products or Legitimate/Licensed Clones.

More Information

Ben Edelman
SpywareInfo, Spyware Warrior, and SpywareGuide provide comprehensive coverage of spyware and related topics
A very basic video introduction to spyware: Watch "Protect your computer from spyware" at Security videos
Malware: what it is and how to prevent it

Is your computer free of spyware?

No or Not Sure	Mac OS Try Internet Cleanup or MacScan or the Security Scan feature of Symantec Security Check. Windows Vista Windows Defender is installed by default, and this application protects your computer from spyware and malware threats. No further action on your part is required unless a problem is found. Windows XP Download and install Windows Defender, which is free to users of legal copies of Windows. This application protects your computer from spyware and malware threats. No further action on your part is required unless a problem is found.
Yes	Congratulations! Proceed to the Finish.

No or
Not Sure

Mac OS

Try Internet Cleanup or MacScan or the Security Scan feature of Symantec Security Check.

Windows Vista

Windows Defender is installed by default, and this application protects your computer from spyware and malware threats. No further action on your part is required unless a problem is found.

Windows XP

Download and install Windows Defender, which is free to users of legal copies of Windows. This application protects your computer from spyware and malware threats. No further action on your part is required unless a problem is found.

Yes

Congratulations! Proceed to the Finish.

Help? Feedback?

Try asking your question in the Craigslist computer forum. To provide feedback for this page, send the URL and your comments to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.

Shortcut to This Page

To reach this page quickly or share it with others, use pharmacy.ucsf.edu/go/sw, which redirects to a longer URL.

Go To: Computer Security