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Cybersecurity Awareness: Beware of Spyware
Editor's note: This the fifth in a series of articles in observance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. 1:57 p.m., Oct. 30, 2006--This week marks the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. “All month long, we've been asking members of the University Community to be especially vigilant in protecting themselves, their computers and the information stored on their computers,” Susan Foster, vice president for Information Technologies (IT), said. Foster added that the University expects its students, faculty and staff to secure their computers all the time, but that the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign “has helped us reinforce the importance of that message.” “This week, we're emphasizing spyware,” Carol Anderer, associate director in IT-User Services, said. “Many of the student computers we see have become nearly unusable because of spyware their owners have downloaded unwittingly.”
“Our video tip this week reviews the basics of what spyware is, what it can do, and how to prevent it,” Ron Nichols, manager in IT-User Services, said. All of the University's National Cybersecurity Awareness Month videos are available at [www.udel.edu/ncam]. According to Anderer, spyware is software that “sneaks onto your system as part of a software package you install.” She said that spyware:
“Spyware can be a major headache for Windows computer users but is not a major problem for Macintosh users--yet,” she said. “Typically, people will see a link for what sounds like fun or useful 'free' software, not realizing that the reason the software is free is that it's a vehicle for spyware.” According to Kathy Beardsley, manager of the IT Help Center, “Software solutions are available at our Security web site: [www.udel.edu/security]. From the 'UD Security Tool Chest,' select 'Security 101 for Windows computers,' then follow the 'Remove and Protect Against Spyware' link. “Many of our users know to keep their computers' anti-virus and operating system software up to date, but too many of our Windows users forget about spyware,” she said. “Spyware, viruses, and worms are just some of the hazards that require each member of our community to be active in the steps they take to protect their computers,” Foster said. “Earlier this month, [www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/oct/security100206.html] we reminded users about the eight key security practices detailed at [www.staysafeonline.org]. I urge everyone at UD to follow those practices, not just this month, but all the time.” For more information, visit: IT-Help Center's Cybersecurity Awareness Calendar [www.udel.edu/security/october.html] UD's Cybersecurity Awareness Videos UD's IT-Help Center UD's IT-Help Center Security Site National Cyber Security Alliance |
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