Spyware Detection and Removal

Spyware is software that is installed on your machine without your knowledge or permission. It may:

• Cause system instability and crashes because it uses your computer’s system and memory resources

• Track web site usage in order to display targeted advertising pop-ups

• Log keystrokes

• Make unauthorized changes to your system

• Install other spyware programs

• Collect personal data

Some common symptoms you may experience include:

• Pop-ups when you are connected to the Internet

• Your Home page and/or search page changes

• You are redirected to other websites

• New Internet toolbars are installed

• Error messages when the machine starts up or shuts down

• Computer runs very slow

ITS recommends that you regularly scan your machine for spyware using detection tools such as Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition (personally owned machines only) and Spybot Search & Destroy. For maximum effectiveness, you should use more than one removal tool.

Note: Ad-aware is free for use on Non-University owned machines only!

You can also download a 30 day trial of Webroot Spysweeper.