Spyware
What is Spyware/Adware?
Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person
or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes
called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in
someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it
to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can get in a computer as
a software virus or as the result of installing a new program.
Some symptoms include an increased number of popups while browsing the internet,
various “search” and “tool” bars being added to the
internet browser, and reduced computer performance.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes is a utility designed to remove
malware and spyware commonly encountered through use of the internet and downloads.
Download Malwarebytes
here
How do I use Malwarebytes?
Using Malwarebytes to remove spyware is simple and only takes around 15 minutes
depending on the size of the hard drive. It is advised that the scan be allowed
to complete before continuing other computer activities. Failing to do so may
cause the system to freeze, in which case the computer will need to be restarted.
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Open Malwarebytes
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A prompt will appear asking you if you want to update Malwarebytes. Select Yes
(you must be connected to the internet to do this)
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When the update is complete, click “OK”
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Under the Scanner tab, select either Quick Scan or Full Scan (A Full Scan will scan your entire
hard drive and will take much longer than a Quick Scan
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Click the “Scan” button and the scan will begin.
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Once it completes, click Show Details
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Malwarebytes will display a list of all the
spyware it found, if any. For each item in the list, there is a checkbox on
the left side. Make sure that all of the boxes are checked (if the list is long,
right click an item and click the “Check All” option) and then
click the “Remove” button. Click “OK” when prompted to
continue
Running Malwarebytes regularly and after downloading software
will help your system remain free of malware and spyware.
Please contact the Tech Support Center at 349-2220 if you
have any questions or require assistance with spyware problems.
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