Network Nervous Nellies Spyware Problems Network Administrators Face

Network Nervous Nellies - Spyware Problems Network Administrators Face

Of all the nasty kinds of computer malware out there in the world today, spyware is the easiest to avoid. Somehow, though, it is the biggest problem for network administrators. The best way to avoid such ware installing on your computer is to not download free software off the Internet. These programs, including free movies and music files can be littered with spyware. This will help you to at least avoid imbedded spyware that may be lurking in less than reputable files. This may not prevent other types from trying to get in but imbedded spyware is the largest problem for administrators at this time. As simple as the concept of just not downloading software off the internet may seem, most people do it anyway and don't even thing about how dangerous it can be. Network administrators need to safe guard their users from being able to do this. Most administrators of small networks are not even remotely aware of the problems they face. The users have no clue that all those cute little things they are downloading while bored are full of spyware that slows their processor speed down, fills the screen with pop-up ads, and monitors their activity.

Understanding what measures must be taken and what spyware can do to a network is one of the biggest decisions for all network administrators. Embedded spyware is a big threat to many companies large and small. Administrators need to discuss what software is permissible for downloading and what sites it must come from. If this does not work then a security system should be installed to prevent users from downloading unauthorized software. It might seem that telling users to not install anything onto the computers with out permission is the easiest thing to do. There should not be any problems after that. Wrong. Most users have no idea why they cannot download such innocent and presumably harmless things from the Internet. Many will even ignore the rule all together and that is why embedded software is such a major problem. There are so many users out there today that have no idea how their computer systems work and can barely function the e-mail client. Getting them to understand what the security risk involved can feel like pulling teeth at the very least. At the best it is mute all together. For the most part employee education is useless and not effective in keeping users from downloading spyware.

Technology offers the best solution for keeping embedded spyware off the network computers. Of course what type of action you take as a network administrator will depend on the type of network you have. A Windows 2000 Server based network has an administration password protection on it. No software can be downloaded with out this password being typed in first. This is a handy way of preventing users from downloading new and improved screensavers littered with spyware. Also when Windows 2000 or XP you can create limited users and administrators. The limited users are prevented from being able to download software with out permission. Windows XP Professional has the best administrative tools compared to the watered-down home version. It is highly recommended to use the Professional for safety control in business settings. To set up a limited user account on a Windows XP computer open the control panel. Go to 'Create a new account� and then enter a name for it and click next. Make you sure you select 'Limited� under the account type and then click 'Create Account�.

The capabilities for the fore mentioned account are somewhat limited compared to Windows Server systems. How to make a security configuration is much more in depth and would require assistance. One can see how to do this and prepare it from the MCSE preparation book. There are wonderful security options available under this type of program that can keep users from downloading malicious software into the network. In a Windows Server system the administrator can make security protocols for almost every single aspect of the computer. They can severely limit a users capability to install software and lock users from being able to access the control panel. This feature is good for those users who might try to use the control panel to override the no download system.