Security Incident
Report Problem
VPN
Login to vpn@ucsf
Help
email usUsing anti-spyware
Use anti-spyware to prevent information theft and annoyances
What is spyware and why should I use an anti-spyware program?Spyware, as defined at Wikipedia, is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term is often used interchangeably with adware and malware (software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer). Personal information is secretly recorded by logging keystrokes, recording Internet web browsing history, and scanning documents on the computer's hard disk. Purposes range from overtly criminal (theft of passwords and attempts to intercept passwords or credit card numbers) to annoying (recording Internet search history for targeted advertising while consuming computer resources). UCSF takes the security of personal, confidential, and Protected Health Information very seriously. Anti-spyware is one of the tools used to combat this problem and protect private information. Where can I get an anti-spyware program?Spy Sweeper, for Windows operating systems, is provided to the UCSF community to assist all users in meeting the minimum security requirements.There are anti-spyware programs available for Mac OS X and Linux although UCSF does not officially endorse them. Symantec, AVG, MacScan, How do I keep my anti-spyware program updated?Like anti-virus, anti-spyware programs also have a signature or definition file that downloads periodically. SpySweeper updates itself before each scan it makes. As long as the computer is plugged into the network before a sweep is done the program will update itself. |
Quick Links |