Counter-Espionage For Your PC

CBS' Larry Magid On Fighting Spyware And Phishers

(CBS)  When people learn to drive, the better schools teach them defensive driving. The same thing, sadly, is necessary when it comes to Windows computing. Today's computing environment is becoming increasingly hostile with all sorts of threats to our privacy, security and the efficient operations of our computers.

Viruses, hackers and spam have been around for a long time but to that rogues gallery, you can also add some newer and equally pernicious threats including spyware and phishing.

Spyware is malicious software that gets on your computer to display unwanted advertising and, in some cases, track what you're doing on the Internet. Phishing is a type of spam that appears to come from a legitimate bank or other institution but takes you to a rogue site where you are asked to enter personal information - often, purportedly, as a security measure.

What you're really doing is turning over confidential information - passwords, credit card numbers and even Social Security numbers - to criminals who can use it to steal your identity and your money.

The bad news is that Internet threats seem to be getting worse. The good news is that there are an increasing number of tools available to help you defend yourself.

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For more on ways to fight evil invaders intent on getting into your PC, click here to listen to Larry Magid's interview with anti-spyware crusader Rob Cheng, CEO of PCPitstop.

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I'm focusing primarily on Windows. Macintosh users are not totally out of the woods (they are just as likely to get spam and phishing attacks) but they are far less likely to be affected by a virus or spyware than their Windows brethren.

When it comes to defenses, there are things you can do on your own to avoid being a victim and there are software tools you can load on your PC to help prevent or remove malicious software or e-mail.

Let's start with safe computing. Be very careful what you download and install on your computer and always read any licensing agreements that you are asked to click OK to approve. Sometimes these agreements contain clauses in which you are giving your permission for the company to load spyware on your machine.

Gain Publishing, which distributes free software such as smiley faces, toolbars and other little utilities, clearly states in its privacy policy that it comes with GAIN AdServer software ("GAIN"), which will display pop-up, pop-under, and other types of ads on your computer - "based on the information we collect."

They further tell you that "GAIN Ads will appear while you are browsing the Web, not just when you use GAIN-Supported Software. GAIN Ads are not usually associated with or sponsored by the Web site that you are viewing at the time you receive them. In fact, GAIN Ads may be from a competitor of a site you are viewing."

This type of advertising is annoying and distracting and the software that displays it can slow down your computer. Courts have upheld that these license agreements are binding contracts which give companies like GAIN the right to install such software.

So, as a user you have to decide whether it's worth it to you to install such programs. You might think twice and if you have kids or others that use your computer, you should talk with them about what they can and cannot load on your PC.