Use and update anti-spyware software

Spyware is software that is installed on a computer and takes information from it without the consent or knowledge of the user and gives that information to a third party. Spyware is an intelligence gathering tool—it is used to spy on people on the internet and collect personal information about them such as banking and credit card details or other sensitive, commercial or private information.

Use anti-spyware software to protect your computer from spyware that may attempt to monitor what you are doing online.

You can access software that checks for and removes most spyware that may have been installed on your computer and that provides protection against any new types of spyware being installed.

What you need to do…

Install and activate anti-spyware software on your computer.

Most computers bought in the last few years have anti-spyware software already installed on them. If you don't have any anti-spyware software on your computer then select, download and install it from any of the vendors listed on the anti-spyware section of the Internet Industry Association's security website.

Make sure your anti-spyware software is always turned on. Also, remember to renew your anti-virus software when the subscription is due.

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;
The appearance of random error messages;
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 up-dates to the software. It can install updates on your computer immediately or at time of your choosing. 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 Web sites you trust;
Read the licence agreement and terms of use before you download software and don’t download 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 are unsure about. This can launch spyware onto your computer. Instead, click the red 'x' in the corner of the window to close a window;
Be wary when exchanging files with people you don’t know;
Never click on links in emails received from unknown sources.

Further information

Read the booklet prepared by the Australian Government on dealing with spyware: Taking care of spyware.

Look at each of the six fact sheets on spyware provided on the Internet Industry Association’s spyware website