FAQ on Internet
Topic: Spyware/Malware
Version Information
This FAQ and the directions it contains applies to:
» Spywall 1.4
» Internet Explorer 6; 7
How do I prevent spyware and malware from infesting my computer?
How do I prevent spyware and malware from infesting my computer?
In an ongoing effort to provide additional protection to you while you use your computer at EICCD, the IT Department has deployed a new program called Spywall. You may notice a new Spywall icon on your PC desktop. Spywall is a software package from Trlokom that scans and cleans your computer for spyware and malware.
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. Malware is software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer. Malware and spyware programs are installed in a variety of ways including just visiting web sites that allow these. Web sites install spyware primarily to assist with targeted advertising campaigns but spyware may also be used to collect passwords or other personal information for criminal purposes.
Spywall helps protect your computer from both spyware and malware. Spywall does its scanning and cleaning automatically so you do not have to do anything. Since this automatic scanning occurs only when you are browsing the Internet, Spywall has no impact on your computer's speed while doing other work.
You may, if you wish, manually start a scan. To do this, you simply launch Internet Explorer (your browser) and you will see a new bar at the top of Internet Explorer that has four tabs:
- SCAN –- Click this tab and then click the green SCAN button to start a scan for spyware and malware on your computer.
- SPYWALL –- This is an alternate way of starting a scan. Click this tab and select CONFIGURATION and then click the green SCAN button to start a scan.
- DISABLE / ENABLE – This gives you the ability to enable or disable the Spywall warning messages. Initially this will be set to DISABLE. Even though the warning messages are disabled, Spywall still does its scanning and cleaning on your computer on a predetermined schedule. Your PC must remain on for scans to be done and to also receive updates for Spywall. If you "enable" Spywall messages, it will give you warnings and options concerning the web sites that you visit. Give it a try; you can always disable it again if you wish.
- ATTACKS BLOCKED – This shows you the number of attempted attacks on your PC that were blocked.
* For Your Home Computer
It is recommended that you run both a good spyware and good malware prevention program in addition to your anti-virus software. While EICCD does not endorse nor can officially recommend either of these products, both have been used successfully by many individuals. The first is "Ad-Aware SE Personal" (free) available at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/select_your_product.php. The other is "Spybot: Search and Destroy" (free) at http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html. Install these on your home computers and then update the software before you run a scan once a week for a safer Internet experience.
* The Help Desk and the technicians are not available to assist with home computers including software installed from our software-at-home purchase program.
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