Towson University now supports the McAfee Anti Spyware Module and it will be automatically deployed to campus PCs beginning July 17th. The module installs into the existing McAfee VirusScan anti virus software already running on campus computers. The product will be an additional component of the MEEC software licensing program and is free to all faculty, staff, and students at Towson University. Everyone is highly encouraged to install the McAfee product on their home computer(s) as well.
Why should I be concerned about spyware?
? Estimates are that between 50-80% of all computers are likely infected with some form of spyware.
? Microsoft estimates that 50% of all PC crashes are due to spyware
? Dell reports that 20% of all technical support calls involve spyware.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software installed without the full knowledge of the user. Spyware is often covertly transferred to a user’s computer during the downloading of file sharing programs, or when surfing certain Web sites.
More details: {https://wwwnew.towson.edu/knowledgecenter/article.aspx?article=241}
What does Spyware do?
Spyware poses a security threat by transmitting the user’s private information back to a third party. Spyware allows its creators to:
? Gather a user’s private/personal information
? Steal copyrighted or confidential information
? Create irreparable system instability
? Damage or interfere with legitimate application operations
? Open a back door on infected systems so others can access and/or take over the computer
How can I get the McAfee Anti Spyware Module installed?
Campus Computers
Installations will be distributed by OTS and installed automatically over the network beginning July 17th.
Home Computers
Faculty, staff and students will be able to download the installation package from the OTS Web site.
How Safe Are You?
Take a Spyware self-assessment and find out (courtesy of NCSA):
{http://www.staysafeonline.info/basics/quiz.html}
Learn more from the OTS FAQ:
{http://wwwnew.towson.edu/adminfinance/OTS/facstaff/infosecurity/docs/McAfeeFAQ.pdf}
