How to help IT fight the spies

A 2005 IDC survey listed spyware as the second-greatest threat to a company’s network security.  The research group estimates that 67 percent of all computers are afflicted with some form of spyware.  Here are a few ways to help combat them.

• Never download software from the Internet to your work PC.  Not even toolbars or utilities that sound useful.
• Never use file-sharing programs at work.  They are probably the wort offenders when it comes to packing spyware.
• Notify the helpdesk if pop-up windows start rapidly appearing or a new home page appears in your browser.  This is a sign of spyware infection.
• Call the helpdesk if your PC starts performing sluggishly or takes longer than usual to load applications or find files.  If you web browser seems to have a hard time finding sites, that’s a good sign your Web activities are being monitored.
• If an unwanted window pops up while browsing, immediately shut it down by clicking on the “X” in the upper right-hand corner of the window, not on any button that says “Close” or “Cancel.”  These buttons often initiate a spyware download.
• If using Internet Explorer, change the settings to block ActiveX objects.  Some spyware is in the form of ActiveX objects.
• Stay away from sites that have nothing to do with your job’s roles and responsibilities.  An remember that free software is seldom truly free.

wizTEQ Staff