Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?

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Summary: There are some important steps to take to deal with the ever-present concern of how to remove and avoid spyware.

It's a modern scourge. It's certainly on the top 5 list of topics I deal with here on a regular basis. Some actually live up to the name - "spy" ware that actually monitors what you do. Others are worse: acting almost like viruses, hijacking your web browser, popping up ads, or just generally wreaking havoc.

Unfortunately the reality is that it requires vigilance on everyone's part to control it.

Besides taking normal precautions, you must scan for spyware.

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There are three important steps:

1. Install and Run an Anti-Spyware Program

There are many out there, but popular recommendations usually boil down to:

• I recommend Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware - Microsoft's new entry is getting good reviews in its beta. Some are reporting that it's catching more spyware than other entries in the anti-spyware arena. It's free. (Read my full recommendation.)

• Spybot Search and Destroy - Spybot is free and does a great job of ferreting out and removing spyware. Spybot is one of the most commonly recommended tools when people are dealing with spyware issues. It also includes options that will help "immunize" or prevent certain types of spyware issues from occurring in the first place.

• Lavasoft's Adaware - Adaware is the other most commonly recommended anti-spyware tool. Adaware's personal edition is free for non-commercial use.

Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.

2. Update the Spyware Database

Your first step should be to update the spyware database that came with the installation. New spyware is being created every day, and databases the anti-spyware programs use are being updated as well. You need to get the latest database for your anti-spyware program right away.

Most of the programs have update functions that will locate, download, and install the latest databases automatically. Microsoft's anti-spyware program will do it automatically for you.

3. Run Regular Scans

Most of the anti-spyware programs don't work automatically - you have to run scans regularly yourself. Do it at least weekly. Use that as an opportunity to make sure that the databases is updated as well.

If your scanner supports scheduling, as some do, make sure to set that up so that the spyware scans happen regularly.

Additional Notes

Some programs support advanced forms of protection that can prevent spyware from installing. For example they may lock your browser home page so that it cannot be changed, or can't be changed without your approval. These techniques are very valuable, and I recommend turning them on.

Sadly, there is no "best" anti-spyware program. Each of them will miss some spyware that the others catch. That's one of the reasons I list several. The best advice is to use one, any one, and have the others "on call" for those cases when spyware sneaks past the one you use regularly.

Related:

• Ask Leo! - What's the best Pop-Up Blocker? Anti-Virus Software? Anti-Spyware Software?

• Ask Leo! - Recommendation: Microsoft Anti-Spyware

• Ask Leo! - I suspect spyware or a worm, how do I get rid of it?

• Ask Leo! - Is Microsoft's new Anti-Spyware program any good?

• Ask Leo! - So just how sneaky can spyware be?

Article C2278 - February 8, 2005