Much like SPAM and viruses, spyware is a growing epidemic on the internet. Spyware can be installed in a variety of ways, some of which are easy to discover, and others that are more subtle. For the most part, the bulk of spyware is installed as a "rider" or add-on program to a more popular or free program.

Recently, it has been determined that many of these spyware programs are in violation of computing policies at NDSU as well as Federal law. Prevention and removal of these programs is essential to the safety and security of our financial and student information.

Below are a few tips on preventing spyware and what to look for:

1. Watch what you download. - On the internet today, there are a large number of sites where you can download free software for your computer. This software may be a screen saver, a background image program, or even a program designed to help you find rebates or coupons. Whatever the program is, there's a good chance it contains a small "rider" spyware program. These programs are designed to watch your surfing habits and report back to the company so they can tailor advertisements to you. This is how the software can be offered for "free". Some programs go even further, actually making sure their systems get a copy of EVERYTHING you do on the internet. This can include account passwords, financial information, or personal/student information. We strongly urge you to avoid downloading free software unless specifically recommended by ACCS. Software we recommend is carefully checked and tested to ensure it is spyware free.

2. Exercise caution when allowing websites to install software. - Ever been to a website where it says "Plug-in needed" and it prompts you to install something? If it's not a site run by companies such as Microsoft, Sun, Adobe, or Macromedia, you probably don't want to install it. Some websites will attempt to install spyware directly on your computer. This is for the same reasons free software does: they get paid by advertisers to place spyware on your computer. Sometimes they even throw out pop-up windows designed to look like a warning window. These usually say something like "your computer is infected" or "your computer has spyware" and urges you to click OK to get rid of it. Do not click OK or even CANCEL, instead, click on the X in the upper right hand corner of the popup. Sometimes browsers will also have flaws in them that will allow websites to automatically install software without your knowledge. To test your browser and see how well you are protected from this, you can visit the browser security test and Jason's toolbox. Each site performs different tests so it's a good idea to visit both. It's always a good idea to run the latest browser updates.

3. Be careful what e-mail you open - Some programs that spread through e-mail attachments are also spyware for your computer and can open it up to a whole host of problems. Treat all e-mail attachments as if they were a virus. Do not open any e-mail attachments unless you are absolutely sure they are legitimate.

4. Download and run spyware software - While there are a lot of different anti-spyware programs available for download on the internet today, please exercise caution when selecting one. Most of these programs either must be purchased or are not updated on a regular basis. ACCS recommends you download and use Spybot Search & Destroy. This program is updated on a regular basis and is completely free for use at both home and work. You can find Spybot Search & Destroy at Download.com or at it's offical website: http://www.safer-networking.org. If you are unfamiliar with Spybot, please read the official Spybot tutorial

We have had people ask about Ad-Aware, another anti-spyware program created by Lavasoft. Please note that AD-AWARE is free for PERSONAL use only. To use it on an NDSU computer, a license must be purchased.