One of the most serious problems faced by computer users today is unintentional downloading of "spyware." Spyware is a computer program that installs itself on your computer, without your knowledge and consent, to gather information about you and pass it on to persons unknown. Many spyware programs are designed to gather usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and bank account information from the user's computer and send it to the originator.

Getting spyware and viruses is usually the result of poor Web-surfing habits, such as:

• clicking on pop-up and banner ads
• downloading free software such as games, music-trading programs, chat programs and screen savers.

On a networked system like we have at Metro State, spyware and viruses are particularly dangerous. Some programs, once installed on a computer, can spread throughout a network through shared files and e-mails. They will also cause your computer to boot up and operate very slowly or to lock up completely.

Users should not download or install chat programs, screen savers, music, movies, games or other computer software that is not directly related to the college's educational mission and related business functions. The use of peer-to-peer file-swapping programs such as Bit Torrent, KaZza, Limewire, Gnutella, eDonkey, Napster or other similar software is strictly prohibited on the college network and on college-owned equipment.

Supervisors should make certain that their student employees are aware of these restrictions and are not downloading unauthorized programs, chat rooms and tool bars onto college desktop computers.

For more information, refer to the links below.

Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources
http://www.mscd.edu/%7Einfotech/policies/manual/itpolicy2.htm

Use of Napster and Similar Software Programs
http://www.mscd.edu/%7Einfotech/policies/manual/itpolicy10.htm

Security Tip: Spyware, Adware and Trojan horse programs
http://www.mscd.edu/~infotech/security/securitytips/TipSpyware.htm