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Spyware Protection

Similar to someone looking over your shoulder and writing down information about what you do online, spyware is a type of software that is implanted on your computer without your knowledge that secretly transmits information about your online activity and the data stored on your computer.

How does it get installed?
Spyware may come bundled with a "free" program or through file sharing software, peer-to-peer applications, browser toolbars or games. It may be installed when you visit certain Web sites. Remember to take caution in downloading freeware or accepting free downloads.

What does spyware do?
Many things. It may collect data about your Web browsing habits, change your home or search page, force you to certain Web sites, alter network settings or perform other actions.

Is it harmful to my computer?
It may be. Spyware may interfere with Internet Explorer or Windows and cause frequent errors or crashes.

The Symantec AntiVirus software includes spyware detection and remediation capabilities. If you have already downloaded Symantec AntiVirus, you simply need to do a scan of your files; you do not need to download additional software. For details on using Symantec AntiVirus for detecting and removing spyware, go to the Help Desk.