Spyware Removal

What about the Mac?

Macintosh computers have historically had very few problems with spyware or other malware infestations. The reason is simple: Windows computers make up more than 90 percent of systems in use, meaning it's simply not worth the time and effort required to develop spyware for the Mac OS. The results of a contest to "crack the Mac" appear to uphold this view.

Each year, the CanSecWest security conference includes a competition called Pwn2Own in which experts attempt to crack the defenses of both Apple and Windows computers. In March 2009, a computer security expert named Charlie Miller was able to take control of a fully patched MacBook computer running Apple's Safari browser in just a few seconds. Using a utility developed over a period of several days, Mr. Miller claimed a cash prize of $10,000 and was allowed to keep the computer he cracked.

If, despite all your efforts, you find your computer has spyware on it, stop working immediately and disconnect the computer from the Internet to avoid passing any information to the bad guys. Run a comprehensive scan using your anti-virus software. It's also wise to contact the help desk of the company that manufactured your computer for advice on how to proceed. Your Internet service provider may be helpful, too.

Updated anti-virus or anti-spyware software will probably catch the errant program, display a warning and take care of the problem for you. Again, that's only if you have a solid protection package in place and are keeping it and your operating system updated at all times.

If all else fails, you may have to reformat your hard drive, reinstall the operating system and software and copy your data back to your drive. While painful and time-consuming, this solution also serves to clean up the system, eliminating unused applications and data. This is almost certain to make the machine run faster and increase the space available on your hard drive. Just be sure you have a recent, clean backup of your data prior to taking the plunge.

While the number of threats to computers seems to increase almost daily, the defense mechanisms available to protect them are also growing in number and sophistication. Today, most users can protect themselves from spyware through the vigilant application and maintenance of the operating system and reputable anti-virus software.

For more information on viruses, spyware, Trojans and other nefarious software, scan over to the next page.