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Community Network FAQ

THE PLAGUE OF PARASITE SOFTWARE


Parasite software, a huge and rapidly growing problem, is software that has been sneakily installed on your computer so that someone else can profit at your expense. It's also called adware, spyware, scumware, sneakware, malware, etc.

It is not the same thing as viruses, worms or trojans. Most antivirus software does not control parasites.

Parasite software uses your computer's resources and can:
  • harass you or others with popup advertisements
  • report on your browsing activites to unknown persons
  • install hidden diallers that will cause your computer to dial very expensive numbers; you find out only when you get a shocking telephone bill
  • record keystrokes, such as passwords and credit card numbers
  • collect email addresses (including your own) from your computer to report back to spammers
  • cause your computer to send spam messages without you knowing it
  • change your Home Page settings
  • compromise your system's security
  • slow performance to a crawl
  • cause system lockups

Parasite software is usually hidden and can be very difficult to remove.

For more information, check doxdesk.com for specifics about various parasite software products, and other links in the security-related section of the Helpdesk page.


WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

Cleanup and preventive software:

Even if your computer shows no symptoms, it is important to run antiparasite software to detect and remove parasites.

Two good products with free versions are Lavasoft's Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Spybot has an "immunize" feature to protect your computer against thousands of known bad products.

Users of Windows XP should download a free copy of Microsoft's Windows Defender.

Remember to regularly update all antiparasite software!

An online scanner is available at Pestscan. However, even reputable online scanners are more susceptible to error and more limited than installed software.
Moreover, beware of fake online spyware scanners!
Scammers are taking advantage of the public's increasing awareness of parasites by offering free "scans" of your computer, some of which actually install parasites while pretending to cure them. Check Spywarewarrior for a list of rogue and suspect anti-spyware products before allowing a site to "scan" your computer.

If you have been a victim of a telephone scam where a dialler was sneakily installed on your computer, check the RCMP's Phonebusters site.


Prevention: Practice safe computing!
  • Run antiparasite software, and update it regularly

  • Run antivirus software, and update it frequently

  • Run Windows Update regularly to check for critical security updates. If your computer doesn't do this automatically, click Start | Windows Update, or in Internet Explorer click Tools | Windows Update. NEVER click on any link in any email purporting to be an update from Microsoft.
  • Avoid known problem sites (e.g. porn, casino, hacker sites) or sites that seem suspicious

  • Beware free things, especially add-in software that claims to simplify or enhance your online experience

  • Read the fine print!! Many parasites are hidden in "free" software, including some popular peer-to-peer filesharing programs, such as those used to share music. If asked to accept a license agreement, read it carefully. Remember that not all license agreements necessarily divulge everything.
    Check here to see what parasites accompany popular P2P software.

  • Be very careful what you click if you get into problems on a site. Do NOT click "OK" on popups. If you seem to be trapped on a bad site, simply disconnect (right-click or double-click the little icon beside your computer clock & click Disconnect).

  • Internet Explorer has many known vulnerabilities that can place you at risk even if you're careful. Use a different browser, such as Firefox, Mozilla, etc.

  • Browsers have a range of security settings that can be adjusted. Be cautious about changing default settings if you don't understand them.

  • Avoid popups and popunders in the first place: get software that kills them (e.g. from tucows); or use a browser such as Firefox that allows you to disable popups; or if you use the Google toolbar, disable popups; or if you run Windows XP, make sure Service Pack 2 is installed

  • If you suspect you have hidden diallers, never leave your computer running, connected to your 'phone line, and unattended, until you have checked the system with quality antiparasite software


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