Software - Windows; Anti-Spyware; Description; Test Properties - HP 800 User Manual

Tests Help
Software – Windows
A-34
Software – Windows
The Software tests verify that any endpoint attempting to connect to your
system meets your specified software requirements. Installing the most
recent version of your software helps protect your system against exploits
targeting the latest vulnerabilities.

Anti-spyware

Description

This test verifies that the endpoint attempting to connect to your system has
anti-spyware tools installed and that the anti-spyware definitions are up-to-
date.

Test Properties

Select the anti-spyware software allowed on your network. Any endpoint that
does not have at least one of the anti-spyware software packages selected will
fail this test. You can also enter a value in the Last scan performed within text
field, which requires the anti-spyware software to have executed a scan on
the endpoint within the set number of days.

How Does this Affect Me?

Spyware is software that gathers and transmits information (about the user,
computer, and/or network) without the user's knowledge. It is usually
installed without the user's knowledge through seemingly harmless down-
loads such as freeware, shareware, instant messages, and email attachments.
Spyware is intentionally difficult to detect and remove. Those who create and
release spyware don't want you to know it's there or be able to easily uninstall
it. The information gathered can be exploited for mischief, for financial gain,
and for gaining unauthorized access to your network. Spyware also consumes
system resources and can cause system instability and crashes.

What Do I Need to Do?

Make sure you have an anti-spyware program installed, that the spyware
definitions are kept up-to-date, and that your system is scanned often.