Step 3: Use and update anti-spyware software

Spyware is an intelligence gathering tool­—it is used to spy on people using the internet and collect information about their online activities, often for the purposes of marketing.

Anti-virus software and anti-spyware software detect different types of malware, so it is important to have both installed on your computer.

How to use and update anti-spyware software

• Install and activate anti-spyware software on your computer. Unlike anti-virus software, most anti-spyware products are free. If you don't have any anti-spyware software installed on your computer then you should:
  • select and install a commercial product of your choice, or
  • select a free for non-commercial use software product listed on AusCERT’s guide Protecting your computer from malicious code.
  • For more detailed advice, please see the factsheet on free security software for non-commerical use.

  Make sure your anti-spyware software is always turned on. Also, remember to renew your anti-spyware software when the subscription is due.
  If you have a legitimate Microsoft Windows licence you can install Windows Defender anti-spyware free of charge.

• Check your computer is not already infected with spyware. If it is infected, remove it. If you think spyware may be installed on your computer, run your anti-spyware software. The following signs may indicate that spyware is on your computer:
  • your web browser starts on a different homepage than it normally would
  • your computer's performance is slower than normal
  • random error messages appear
  • new toolbars and icons have been installed, or
  • if you have a dial-up internet connection, you may find unauthorised premium rate phone calls on your bill.

  To remove spyware, run your anti-spyware software. You should run this software at least once a week.

• Activate automatic updates of your anti-spyware software. Most of the well-known anti-spyware software can be set to check the vendor's website automatically for updates to the software. It can install updates on your computer immediately or at a time you choose. Activating the automatic update feature will prevent you forgetting to check for updates and will protect your computer from the very latest spyware threats.
• Install anti-virus software, a firewall and an anti-spam filter. This will ensure that you are protected against viruses, spyware and hackers.
• Keep yourself informed about latest spyware threats. Subscribe to email notification services that keep you informed about the latest in security problems and solutions. You can sign up for an online security alert service from this website.

  Alternatively, your anti-spyware software vendor probably has an email alert system. Look for a keep informed' tab or section on the main screen of the software.

• Be smart about using the internet and prevent spyware getting onto your computer:
  • only download software from websites you trust
  • read the licence agreement and terms of use before you download software and don’t download it if you don’t understand or trust the terms and conditions
  • do not open email attachments if you do not recognise the sender
  • scan email attachments with anti-spyware software before opening them
  • Never click on an 'Agree', 'Ok' or 'No' button to close a window on a website you do not trust. This can launch spyware onto your computer. Instead, click the red 'X' in the corner of the window to close the window
  • be wary when exchanging files with people you don’t know
  • never click on links in emails received from unknown sources.

Further information