AntiSpyware Solutions for MIT

1
Anti-Spyware Solutions for MIT

• IT Partners Conference, April 19, 2005
• Jonathan Hunt
• jmhunt_at_mit.edu
• Senior Manager Software Service, IST

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

• Microsofts 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/s
  pywarewhat.mspx
• Available for Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003
• Or use one of the leading shareware programs on
  the market
• Lavasofts 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 isnt 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/s
  oftware/default.mspx
• NAI/McAfee released a Beta plugin for VirusScan
  Enterprise 8.0i