ITS Deploying New Anti-Spyware Solution

ITS is currently in the process of rolling out a new Anti-Spyware software solution. This new software will allow a centralized management interface for ITS to monitor and prevent malicious and tracking-based software from being installed on client computers. Spyware is quickly becoming as prevalent and in some ways as unsafe as viruses, so it is important that we take as many proactive steps now to keep this new threat to computing from spreading throughout our network.

The software comes from Webroot, Inc. which has over the years implemented many Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus solutions. It effectively blocks the launching of malicious executables that install hidden programs that can spy on the user, steal information, or run other viral code (such as the most recent Instant Messenger worm that can potentially control vulnerable machines). Their “Spy Sweeper” product has become “Webroot Anti-Spyware,” of which we will be running the Corporate Edition. For more information on Webroot and their products please visit http://www.webroot.com/.

For college-owned machines, you need to do nothing. It will automatically install the next time you restart your machine. After it is installed you will see this icon in your system tray:

No other interaction is required to install or configure the software. ITS is rolling out this software over the course of several months to different groups of computers and departments. Currently only a small subset of computers will see the software installed.


As always, ITS strives to make the user experience unchanged as much as possible with updates like this. The only noticeable performance difference you might see is if the program runs a background scan while you are working. These scans are scheduled to occur overnight and will only run during the day if your machine is off at night. ITS recommends to leave workstations on overnight during the work week so that updates and scans like this can install and run without any interruption to the user.

Please notify the Client Services department (helpdesk@etown.edu) if you have any questions or concerns.