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Anti-Spyware Solutions for MIT

Anti-Spyware Solutions for MIT. IT Partners Conference, April 19, 2005 Jonathan Hunt jmhunt@mit.edu Senior Manager Software Service, IS&T. Agenda. What is Spyware and why is it a problem Is it all bad? How do I get Spyware? What to do about Spyware today? How to avoid getting Spyware?

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Anti-Spyware Solutions for MIT

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  1. Anti-Spyware Solutions for MIT IT Partners Conference, April 19, 2005 Jonathan Hunt jmhunt@mit.edu Senior Manager Software Service, IS&T

  2. Agenda • What is Spyware and why is it a problem • Is it all bad? • How do I get Spyware? • What to do about Spyware today? • How to avoid getting Spyware? • When will it get better? (Soon )

  3. What is Spyware and why is it a problem • Microsoft’s Definition • 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. • Exposes (or potential to expose) Private Information: • Credit Card # (Bank Accout Numbers) • SSN • Usernames & Password • Address Book (to SPAM)

  4. Is all Spyware Bad? • A lot of Spyware is not intentionally malicious, but… • Causes system problems • Hard to remove • Collects info that another program could grab • Show Ads (some people enjoy Ads) • Dependent on Personal Opinions

  5. How do I get Spyware? • Installing software from unknown sources • “Free” versions of commercial software • Freeware from untrusted sites or mirrors • Peer-to-Peer (e.g. Kazaa) file sharing systems (often trojanned) • Added components for browsers • Services that give credit for surfing sites that require you to install something locally • E-mail attachments (usually in SPAM) • Not reading the fine print of End User License Agreements (EULA)

  6. What to do about Spyware today • Microsoft says to use their Beta*: • http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/spywarewhat.mspx • Available for Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 • Or use one of the leading shareware programs on the market: • Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware • http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ • Spybot Search & Destroy • http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html * Slide corrected since presentation to note the MS tool available for more than just XP

  7. Comparison

  8. How to avoid getting Spyware • Keep your operating system, browsers, and other applications patched • Only install software from trusted sources • Free isn’t always “FREE” of problems • Read EULA before accepting • Install and Use Anti-Virus and Spyware blocking software • Anti-Virus: MIT licensed Virus Scan Enterprise 8.0i • Anti-Spyware & Spyware Blocker: Microsoft Anti-Spyware (Beta) • Only open attachment that you were expecting

  9. When will it get better? • Major Vendors getting involved • Microsoft release a Beta AntiSpyware • http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx • NAI/McAfee released a Beta plugin for VirusScan Enterprise 8.0i

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