OIT recognizes the serious risk that malware poses to the UMass Amherst computers and the campus network. This page provides an overview of the most common malware applications and a list of protective steps you can take against this malicious software. Note: Malware is currently likely to affect only Windows operating systems.
What is Malware?
Types of Malware
Facts about Malware
How do I know if I have Malware on my computer?
How do I protect my computer against Malware?
What is Malware?
Malware is a catch-all term for various malicious software, including adware, spyware and browser hijacking software.
Once installed on your computer, these programs can seriously affect your privacy and your computer's security. For example, malware is known for relaying personal information to advertisers and other third parties without user consent. Some programs, such as spyware, are also known for containing worms and viruses that cause a great deal of computer damage.
Types of Malware
- Adware displays pop-up advertisements when you are online.
- Spyware collects your personal information and passes it on to interested third parties without your knowledge or consent. Spyware is also known for installing Trojan viruses.
- Browser Hijacking Software changes your browser settings (such as your home page and toolbars), displays pop-up ads and creates new desktop shortcuts. It can also relay your personal preferences to interested third parties.
Facts about Malware
Malware is often bundled with other software and may be installed without your knowledge.
For instance, AOL Instant Messenger comes with WildTangent, a documented malware program. Some peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, such as KaZaA, Gnutella and LimeWire also bundle spyware and adware. While End User License Agreements (EULA) usually include information about additional programs, some malware is automatically installed, without notification or user consent.
Malware is very difficult to remove.
Few malware programs provide removal instructions. In addition, they ‘hide’ in unexpected places on your computer (such as the Windows registry) and can corrupt your operating system, making their removal complicated and time-consuming. In some cases, you may have to re-install Windows to completely remove malware.
Malware threatens your privacy.
Malware programs are known for gathering personal information and relaying it to advertisers and other third parties. The information most typically collected includes your browsing and shopping habits, your computer's IP address, or your identification information.
Malware threatens your computer’s security.
Some types of malware contain files commonly identified as Trojan viruses. Others leave your computer vulnerable to viruses. Regardless of type, malware is notorious for being at the root, whether directly or indirectly, of virus infection, causing conflicts with legitimate software and compromising the security of Windows operating systems.
How do I know if I have Malware on my computer?
Some common symptoms include:
Browser crashes & instabilities
- Browser closes unexpectedly or stops responding.
- The home page changes to a different Web site and cannot be reset.
- New toolbars are added to the browser.
- Clicking a link does not work or you are redirected to an unrelated Web site.
Poor system performance
- Internet connection stops unexpectedly.
- Computer stops responding.
- Windows applications do not start.
- Computer takes longer to start.
- New icons are added to desktop.
Advertising
- Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
- Browser opens automatically to display ads.
- New pages open in browser to display ads.
How do I protect my computer against Malware?
Malware is very difficult to uninstall. Protecting your computer against these types of software is much easier than having to disinfect it. OIT has compiled a list of preventive steps to help you keep your computer free of malware.
Use Malware Removal Software
Malware removal software allows you to detect and remove adware, spyware and various other types of malicious software. Run these malware removal tools especially after installing free or sponsored software.
You have the option to use:
VirusScan Enterprise 8 0i : This version of VirusScan contains malware (what McAfee refers to as 'unwanted programs') removal functionality and is pre-configured to detect malicious software on your computer. OIT supports and recommends VirusScan 8 for Windows 2000 and XP.
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Other Malware Removal Programs: Various vendors offer malware removal tools. Each tool has its own strengths for identifying and removing specific types of malware. To thoroughly check your computer, we recommend that you use more than one malware removal program. Don't forget to back up your data files before starting a scan! Some available programs are:
Note: OIT does not offer direct support for these programs.
Update your anti-virus software & Windows operating system
To detect the latest viruses, your anti-virus software must be updated daily. To learn how to automatically update your McAfee anti-virus software, see Installing & Updating VirusScan 8 (Windows XP, 2000).
Microsoft also distributes updates to its operating systems. These updates fix security holes or other problems that make a computer susceptible to security breaches. To learn how to update your Windows operating system, see Installing Security Patches.
Know what you're installing
Check the source.
To avoid malware, make sure your software comes from a reputable source. Be particularly suspicious of sponsored software (software that relies on advertising) or software that claims to speed up your Internet connection.
Read the End User License Agreement.
Read the fine print! Read the terms of any End User License Agreement and identify additional software that comes with the application you wish to install. Click Cancel if it seems that malware could be installed.
Use Custom Install.
If you feel comfortable with software installation, you can choose Custom Install (as opposed to Typical Install). Custom Install allows you select only the software components you wish to install, and leave out others (such as potential spyware).
Modify Security Settings (Internet Explorer 6)
To reduce the risk of installing malware, you can set Internet Explorer to high security mode. To do so:
- Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools > Internet Options….
- On the Internet Options screen, select the Security tab, then select the Internet icon (if it is not already selected).
- Under Security level for this zone, click Default Level. Set the slider to High. Note: You may have to lower the security level to view certain Web sites.
- Next, select the Trusted Sites icon. Under Security level for this zone, click Default Level. Set the slider to Medium.
- Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
Restrict pop-up ads
Install Windows XP SP2 (Windows XP).
On August 26, 2004, Microsoft released a major update (“SP2”) to its Windows XP operating system. This update includes a pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer.
When you visit a site that has pop-ups, a light yellow bar will appear on the top of your screen with the message, Pop-up blocked. To see this pop-up or additional options click here… If you would like to allow the pop-up windows to open, click this bar, then choose Always allow pop-ups from this site.
Need Help?
If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
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Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.
