This month, we take a second look at another major problem faced by users of POS computer systems - spyware . The subject deserves iteration because a lot of disruption is imposed on point-of-sale computers by the growing menace of unsolicited spyware. We continue to see POS users deal with this problem, even when they could have taken simple precautions that could save enormous time and money.
By Chris Odediran, with reports from Microsoft
Play Microsoft's Spyware Video Have you seen a new toolbar in your Internet Explorer that you didn't remember installing? Has your browser start page changed suddenly without you resetting it? Is your computer running much slower than before? Is there an application you didn't install which you are finding difficult to remove? If you experienced any of these scenarios, as most computer users have, you have probably encountered the spyware problem.
Even if you didn't experience any problem as described, your computer may still be infected, as most spyware just silently track your activities to create a profile for advertisement companies.
Spyware is a relatively new but obscure threat to computers that most anti-virus application companies are only recently paying attention to. They slow down or crash the computer, or just make it simply unusable. An increasing number of Point-of-Sale computers now come under spyware attack, a trend which translates to incalculable loss in profit to those it affects.
Leaving your computer system unsecured is like leaving the door open for thieves and vandals. The result of being lackadaisical about security can be so devastating that it could take weeks of strenuous efforts and thousands of dollars to get your system back to its status, if at all. Spyware, just like viruses, can damage your computer and the data in it, a potent risk to business. Therefore, point-of-sale operators must take preventive measures to ensure business is never disrupted.
Any malicious program on your computer can cause problems ranging from minor popups to major ones such as server crash. Also, your computer can leave a doorway to hackers, who may use your system for various nefarious activities. There is no variant of spyware that is good for your computer! As much as possible, the goal of any computer owner is to keep intruders out.
What is Spyware? It is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if: You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web; the page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge; you notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of; your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks; or you experience a sudden rise in computer crashes. Spyware will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your search page and make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.
There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your system. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program. Whenever you are installing something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it may appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
Spyware infection usually takes time to build up, and many users have no clue they have been infected until they are actually grounded. The following are some generally accepted ways of knowing when spyware is affecting a computer or system.
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I see pop-up advertisements all the time. Some unwanted software will bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't related to a particular Web site you're visiting. These ads are often for adult or other Web sites you may find objectionable. If you see pop-up ads as soon as you turn on your computer or when you're not even browsing the Web, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer. |
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My settings have changed and I can't change them back to the way they were. Some unwanted software has the ability to change your home page or search page settings. This means that the page that opens first when you start your Internet browser or the page that appears when you select "search" may be pages that you do not recognize. Even if you know how to adjust these settings, you may find that they revert back every time you restart your computer. |
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My Web browser contains additional components that I don't remember downloading. Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your Web browser that you don't want or need. Even if you know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time you restart your computer. Many spyware software are loaded as full-functioning applications, most add information to the computer's registry, while others completely take over the functioning of your computer, placing a heavy toll on the allocation of resources. |
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My computer seems sluggish. Spyware and other unwanted software are not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computer crash. If your computer is slower than normal at performing routine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your machine. |
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I experience a sudden rise in computer crashes. Some kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can cause computer slow down or crash. At times, your computer may freeze up when you try to run a usual application. Application hangs and crashes are sometimes the result of spyware infection. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of times a certain program crashes, there could be an infection. |
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I get unusual error messages and I am unable to perform computer tasks. You click on a familiar shortcut to start a familiar application such as Microsoft Word, or a POS software, and an error message or a sequence of error messages follow. The errors do not allow you to get into the application you need to run. This could be a sign that your computer has been grounded by spyware. |
What you can do about Spyware and other unwanted software?
Update your Windows software
It is essential that you keep your computer's operating system (OS) up to date. Microsoft is always updating its malicious software tool for those operating systems that are still being supported. The Microsoft security update web site should be checked regularly for the availability of new critical updates. You may set your computer to do automatic Windows updates. Updates that correct security-related defects should be downloaded and installed immediately. If your computer uses Windows XP, the Service Pack 2 update is a must. It protects Internet Explorer from being hijacked by the most potent spyware.
Adjust Internet Explorer security settings
A smart way to browse the Web is to adjust Internet Explorer's security settings to determine how much information you will accept from a Web site. Microsoft recommends that you set the security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or higher. To view your current Internet Explorer security settings, click on Tools, Internet Options and use the various tab options to tighten your security settings.
Unknown to many users, Internet Explorer has features such as popup blocker, smart downloading, and security alert which can be well utilized to minimize the probability of infection.
If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you use Internet Explorer to browse the Web, your browser security settings for the Internet zone are already set to Medium by default. Internet Explorer in Windows XP SP2 also includes a number of features to help protect against spyware and many other kinds of deceptive or unwanted software.
Install anti-virus software that has spyware tools, and anti-spyware protection, and update regularly.
Ensure that your computers, especially the ones that are connected to the Internet, have reliable antivirus software. Most antivirus programs now come with spyware tools, including Symantec Antivirus, McAfee, TrendMicro PcCillin and ZoneAlarm. It is, however, not good enough just to have virus or spyware program, unless it is updated. Establish an automated schedule for updating your antivirus software daily, so it can continue to recognize new virus codes as they emerge. Tweak the settings to allow the program to do automatic updates and turn on the feature that allows the software to monitor all incoming files, and email messages, so your machine is protected continually from attack.
Anti-spyware programs have become so popular because many infections did not fall within the boundaries of virus. If your antivirus program does not have spyware protection built in, i t is prudent to have at least one anti-spy program running. Microsoft currently offers anti-spyware beta software for download; more information is available on Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) site. Other reputable anti-spyware include Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, CounterSpy, Web Washer and Spysweepeer.
Surf and download more securely
The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. In addition, warn against downloading free software such as screensavers and file-swapping applications. If you're not sure about a program you are considering downloading, ask or research it from a search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
Make it mandatory for employees not to open suspicious or unsolicited attachments to email messages. Avoid running attachments (especially .EXE files) that come in your e-mail, even if they come from your friends, relatives or colleagues.
Avoid browsing sites that are not safe, including software crack and porn sites. Avoid responding to spam, especially links that require you to be removed from the mailing list of companies that give no telephone contact information.
Never provide credit card numbers, passwords or personal information in response to email messages. It is wise to check regularly for email program updates.
Use a firewall
Firewalls protects your computer from unauthorized use, and forces every access to your system to be approved by you. Microsoft says connecting to the Internet without a firewall is like leaving the keys in your car with the engine running . Although you may be able to get in and out before anyone notices, someone may take advantage of the opportunity.
A firewall examines information coming from and going to the Internet. If you set up your firewall properly, hackers searching for vulnerable computers can't detect your computer. As a result, you probably need professional help with firewall installation and configuration
There are three basic types of firewalls available today:Software firewall, Hardware routers, Wireless routers. Most broadband users have routers installed as a first line of defense. This has not proved to be adequate to ward off attack. In most cases, a hardware and/or software firewall is required. Software firewall requires just the installation and configuration of a firewall application, and is less expensive than hardware solutions. Two of the recommended and affordable software firewall in the market are Zonealarm and Symantec Security. Hardware firewall solutions start from about $200 to thousands of dollars. We can advise you on the best options for your business.
Get security help from a solution provider
Although there are perhaps thousands of IT solution providers, not all are knowledgeable or experienced in security services. Your choice of company will have a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator Engineer (MCSE) on staff.
Backup Critical Files
Make frequent backups of your data files, and keep some of your backups out of your computer. Most computers now come with CD burners. Make it a habit of burning critical data such as your POS files and email database to backup discs on a regular schedule. If you have no CD-RW, you can get a cheap USB removable flash drive from a nearby electronics store to store your data on.
What We Can Do For You. CCProductions offers a wide range of solutions in point-of-sale computer systems security. Our staff consists of professionals with various qualifications including MSCE, CCNA, A+, among others. Hundreds of our clients are benefiting from our affordable but effective broadband Internet installations finished with software and hardware firewall, together with professional anti-virus implementation that hardly ever fails. We can also give you a do-it-yourself solution which your company's IT consultants can integrate into our systems without any headache. Talk to us without delay to see what we can do for you.
CC Productions has the expertise to give advice on, implement and support POS computer security.
Call 1-800-507-5554, Ext 1 for professional solutions to secure your point-of-sale system.
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