Spyware & Anti-Spyware Software

Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's internet connection without the users knowledge is known as Spyware.  Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.

Spyware can gather information about email addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.  Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the spyware running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability such as your computer becoming very slow and unresponsive.  Spyware is most prevalent on PCs running Microsoft Windows.

McAfee Anti-Spyware Module

The McAfee Anti-Spyware Module is an add-on to VirusScan to extend its ability to detect and take action on potentially unwanted spyware and cookies.

Installing and Using the Anti-Spyware Module

This module should be installed on all PCs that connect to the College network. To check if the module is installed:

• Right click on the Red M icon in the system tray (lower right corner of your screen) and select ‘VirusScan Enterprise’ and ‘About VirusScan Enterprise’
• The description should be: 'VirusScan Enterprise + AntiSpyware Enterprise 8.7.0i'

If the module is not installed you may do so manually by following the instructions below:

Anti-Spyware Module 8.7.0i

Install Anti-Spyware 8.7 | Configure for Updates | Scan for Viruses

Installing Anti-Spyware Enterprise 8.7.0i

If you are using your Windows PC on the College Network please ensure you install the Epol Agent and VirusScan before installing the Anti-Spyware Module.

Manual Installation of Anti-Spyware Enterprise 8.7

Download the Anti-Spyware Installation File.  The installation file is located on one of our servers so you must be logged into the College domain in order for the installation to proceed. Note also that this link does not work in all browsers; it is recommended you use Internet Explorer to launch the installation file.

1. Double click on the downloaded file VSE87MAS.EXE
2. If a User Account Control window appears, click the Continue button
3. Select Next
4. Select Finish
5. To confirm it has installed, right click on the Red ‘M’ icon in the system tray and select ‘VirusScan Enterprise’ and ‘About VirusScan Enterprise’
6. The description should now be: 'VirusScan Enterprise + Anti-Spyware Module 8.7.0i'

McAfee Spyware 8.7 Auto Updates
Spyware and cookie definitions have been added to the VirusScan definitions (DAT) file, so no additional DAT file is required.

Run the Auto Update Task

Running Scans Using VirusScan 8.7