Malicious software (called spyware or malware) can capture everything you send and receive from your web browser including passwords, unprotected e-mails, credit card numbers, account names, etc. Learn how to keep your web browsing secure.
Prevent Spyware Installation
- Do not click on popups.
- Use popup blocker software.
- Avoid downloading and installing free software.
- Keep your system up-to-date.
- Use an antivirus program with anti-spyware features.
- Use an account with limited privileges on your computer.
- Only use an account with administrative privileges for administrative tasks.
- Change your passwords regularly.
Check for Spyware
One way malicious software will collect your information is to hijack your browser. If you suspect a problem, check your IP address.
- http://www.whatismyip.com
- Make sure the IP address displayed belongs to your ISP.
- From UCF campus network, you should get a 170.x.x address.
- From home, look up who owns the displayed IP address.
- http://www.arin.net (enter the IP in the Search Whois box)
- If the owner is not your ISP, you may have a hijacked browser.
Remove Spyware
Download and install a spyware removal program, such as:
If you have found and removed spyware software on your computer using the tools above, please change the passwords to your Internet accounts.