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Limit Spyware Infections


Spyware/Adware/Malware software can cause your system to lose Internet access, slowdown, and generate pop-up windows. Computer Support recommends that you follow these steps to limit the ability of Spyware/Adware/Malware software to infect your Enterprise computer. You may also read Microsoft's What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software article for additional information on Spyware.

 

These steps are written for computers with Windows XP Professional.

 

NOTE: If you feel that your computer is already infected with Spyware/Adware/Malware software see How To Recover from Spyware Infections.

Configure Internet Explorer
Update to Symantec AntiVirus 10
Run On-Line Security and Virus Scanners

Configure Internet Explorer

Since many Penn State and College sites require the ability to place 'cookies' on your machine to function and require the use of Java, these steps are a middle-of-the road approach to make Internet Explorer 'safer' while you browse the Internet.

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. From the Tools menu choose Internet Options.
  3. On the General tab, in the Temporary Internet file section, click Settings.
  4. Set the Amount of disk space to use to 10 Mb.
  5. Click the Security tab. Click the Internet icon.
  6. If the Default Level button is gray, go to the next step. If it is not gray, click Default Level and then click Apply.
  7. Click the Custom Level button. Scroll to the bottom of the list.
  8. Select Prompt for user name and password.
  9. Click OK. Click Yes.
  10. Click the Privacy tab. Click the Advanced button.
  11. Select (check) the 'Override automatic cookie handling' check box.
  12. Make sure that First-party and Third-party cookies aren't being blocked. You can set for either Accept or Prompt. 'Accept' would be recommended.
    The Always allow session cookies may be left unchecked.
  13. Click OK. Click Apply.
  14. Click the Advanced tab.
  15. In the Browsing section:
    Select (check) 'Enable folder view for FTP sites'
    Un-check 'Enable Install on Demand (Internet Explorer)'
    Un-check 'Enable Install on Demand (Other)'
    Un-check 'Enable third party browser extensions (requires restart)'
    Select (check) 'Use Passive FTP (for firewall and DSL modem compatibility)'
    Un-check 'Use smooth scrolling'
  16. Scroll down to the Multimedia section.
    Select (check) 'Show image download placeholders'
    Select (check) 'Show pictures'
  17. Scroll down to the Search from the Address bar section.
    Select 'Do not search from the Address bar'
  18. Scroll down to the Security section.
    Select (check) 'Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed'.
  19. Click Apply. Click OK.
  20. Exit Internet Explorer.
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Update to Symantec AntiVirus 10

Symantec AntiVirus can protect your computer from destructive programs known as viruses and Trojan horses, and can protect against malicious Active X and Java applets. Because of a contract between Penn State and Symantec, Symantec AntiVirus software is available at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.

 

Many College of Ag Sciences Enterprise (EN) computers at University Park and in County Extension offices are managed by a Symantec Endpoint Protection server. If your computer has a Yellow Shield with a green dot in the lower right corner of the screen and if you place the mouse over the icon it says 'Symantec Endpoint Protection', you have Symantec Endpoint Protection or SEP. Do not follow these steps. Your machine is being managed and any new versions will be remotely upgraded for you.

 

Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) version 10 includes the ability to scan for traces of well-known viruses that are employed by Spyware/Adware/Malware programs.

  1. To see if you already have SAV 10 installed, Right Click on the Symantec AntiVirus Client icon in the lower right corner of the screen and then Left Click on the words Open Symantec AntiVirus.
  2. Look for the Program version at this screen.
  3. If you have SAV 10 installed, please verify that it is set to scan.

    Scan Your Computer

  4. Otherwise, if SAV 10 is not installed, print the following How To and follow its steps to install and configure SAV.

    How To Install and Configure SAV Corporate Edition 10.x for Windows
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Run On-Line Security and Virus Scanners

Running these tools occasionally is a great double-check for the Symantec Endpoint Protecttion or Symantec AntiVirus product that should be installed on your College machine.

  1. F-Secure has a free scanner. Click the Scan your computer for viruses button and follow the on-line steps.

    http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml

  2. Panda Security has a free scanner. Click the Scan your PC nw button and follow the on-line steps.

    http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/

  3. Malware Removal Tool: Follow the steps in the How To 'Run Microsoft Malware Removal Tool'

  4. Symantec Security Check: Follow the steps in the How To 'Run the Symantec Security Check'
  5. Trend Micro Housecall: Follow the steps in the How To run 'Trend Micro House Call'

  6. Microsoft also has a Windows Live Safety Center website (that is in Beta) that will help get your PC safe, clean, and running at its best. Go to their page. Click the Full Service Scan button and follow the on-line steps.

    http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm

  7. FaceTime Security Labs has a free scanner on its SpywareGuide.com site. Click the Click Here For Free Scan button and follow the on-line steps.

    http://www.spywareguide.com/onlinescan.php
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