Spyware Protection Guide

Spyware and additional Internet threats can infect your computer by various means. The most common ways to distribute spyware are:

	It comes bundled with freeware programs, or with new operating system or service components. Peer-to-peer file-sharing programs such as Kazaa and Grokster are well known sources of adware, as are many search bars for Internet Explorer.
	It uses Internet Explorer's ActiveX installation option. This is used by legitimate Web sites like Windows Update to install software without requiring that an installer be downloaded. However, it can also be used to install other, less desirable software. If an ActiveX control is used, a screen will display a message asking if you want to download the component. There is no guaranty the information on the screen is correct. Clicking Yes allows the software to run, and carry out any functions it has been designed to perform.
	It exploits unpatched security vulnerabilities in Windows or Internet Explorer. These are methods of getting the operating system or browser to perform in unexpected ways or bypass security measures. One popular technique is to allow ActiveX controls to be downloaded without requiring the user to click to confirm the download first.