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Browser Hijacking, Spyware. Ways to prevent it.
After you visit certain web sites, you notice that your default home page and search pages change without notice. You close your browser but several browser windows open by themselves.
Many of the browser windows include ads for pornographic sites or other outrageous advertising. What happened? How did they get control over your browser? Over your computer?
Spyware and other unwanted software refers to software that performs certain tasks on your computer, typically without your consent. This may include giving you advertising or collecting personal information about you.
There are tools available to assist with spyware. Many of them are free for personal use.
Microsoft released a beta of Anti-Spyware software that runs in real time
monitoring your system for spyware threats. Check their website for more details on
accessing this free download. Spyware removal tools such as Ad-Aware, which offers a freeware version for personal use or Spybot Search and Destroy, which also offers
a freeware spyware detection utility, are programs that assist users in detecting and removing browser hijacking programs that have been installed on your PC.
If you don't feel comfortable getting under the hood...
Our technicians have been assisting customers in ridding their computers of spyware and providing helpful tips on how to keep it off. Simply contact our
Help Desk at 888-463-8327 (845-5640 Local Calls) and ask to make an appointment to bring your PC in or we offer on-site service for an additional service fee.
Spyware Cleanup - Bring-In $50 / On-Site $85
(Does not include operating system, hardware or program related issues).
Operating System Cleanup - Bring-In $60 / On-Site $95
Service Pack Installation - Bring-In $40 / On-Site $75
Hardware/Software related issues - Bring-In $30 per hour / On-Site $30 per hour + $35 trip charge.
$35 trip charge will only be applied once for any on-site issues. NetEase is not
responsible for data loss due to faulty hardware or corrupted files.
Ways to prevent spyware
There are a few things you need to do.
- If you are using Windows XP or Internet Explorer, run Windows Update by clicking on the Tools Menu and choose Windows Update. Follow all
the steps which will guide you through downloading and installing the most critical updates and patches for Internet Explorer. Be prepared to spend some time with this step as there are several updates that may take a while to download and install.
- Open your control panel and open Internet Options to the Security tab.
In the activex area, disable activex that is not marked as safe and not signed.
If they can't sign their own code, you certainly shouldn't run it on your system.
For activex marked as safe and signed, set to prompt.
Why is activex so dangerous that you have to increase the security for it? When your browser runs an activex control, it is running an executable program. It's no different from double clicking an exe file on your hard drive.
Would you run just any random file downloaded off a web site without knowing what it is and what it does?
- Maintain anti-virus software installed on your PC. Almost every PC manufacturer is including at least a trial version of anti-virus software on new PC's.
The problem is that when the trial period runs out, more than half the users fail to purchase or renew the software. Not having updated virus definitions is
like not running anti-virus software at all.
- Install a personal firewall on your PC such as ZoneAlarm. If using Windows XP, there is a firewall option for your Internet connection. Beware of
programs that may alter the XP Internet Firewall to open ports without your knowlege.
- Download a reputable spyware removal tool. Make sure the one you choose offers updates as patterns hijackers use change frequently.
- Excercise caution when agreeing to or accepting self installing programs from web sites. Some sites such that offer online gaming, e-cards, etc. are also
popular for injecting advertising into your computer with such programs.
- Install a reputable popup stopper. NetEase offers a free popup stopper from Panicware.
