Create a Working Outline First

• Prepare the body of the speech before the introduction or conclusion, keeping the introduction and conclusion separate from the main points (see sample outlines in this chapter).
• Clearly indicate to yourself where speech points require credit, and link to references. Once you complete the outline, prepare a bibliography. For guidelines on what to include in a source note, see “From Source to Speech” guides in Chapters 9, 10, and 9, and Appendix A for individual citation styles.
• Assign the speech a title, one that informs people of its subject in a way that invites them to listen to or read it.

1. Do you worry about identity theft online?
2. Are you anxious about the security of your passwords and credit card numbers? (Attention getter)
3. Many of you are aware of software known as spyware that can install itself on your computer and smartphone and harvest sensitive information without your knowledge.
4. Spyware is constantly evolving, however, and to stay safe, we need to stay on top of new developments and arm ourselves against the threats spyware poses. (Thesis statement)
5. Today, I’ll talk about what forms spyware takes, how it gets into your computer and phone, the harm it causes, and how to keep from becoming infected by it. (Preview)

1. Spyware is a type of privacy invasion “malware,” or “malicious software” that installs itself on a computer or mobile device, gathers data from it, and sends it back to a remote computer without your consent. (FTC, “Quick Facts”)
   1. Some types of spyware track your Web-browsing habits, selling this information to marketers.
   2. Some spyware programs capture passwords and other sensitive information, leading to identity theft.
   3. One particularly spooky type of spyware can secretly record everything you type or text.

   4. Adware refers to programs that display ads on your computer. (PC Magazine, “Nine Ways”)

      1. Adware may be annoying, but it doesn’t contain software that can track you.
      2. Spyware, on the other hand, does what its name suggests—it sends your stolen data to “the lair of its evil creator,” as tech writer Neil Rubenking so aptly puts it. (“Nine Ways”)
   5. Unlike spyware, viruses are designed to replicate themselves.
      1. Individuals generally write viruses in order to brag about causing damage, whereas spyware often is written by corporate teams to make money. (CNET Video)
      2. Viruses are illegal, whereas legislation outlawing spyware, such as the Internet Spyware Prevention Act, has thus far failed passage, according to GovTrack.us, a Web site that tracks the status of federal legislation. (GovTrack.us, “I-SPY”)

2. Spyware takes various routes into your computer depending on what it’s programmed to do, from tracking your Internet browsing habits to stealing your identity.

   1. Spyware often “piggybacks” onto downloadable programs, such as free file-sharing applications and games.
   2. Links in pop-up ads and the “unsubscribe” button in spam are known sources.
   3. Legitimate-seeming antispyware protection programs, called “scareware,” promise to fix your problems, but install spyware when downloaded. (Microsoft, “Fake Virus”)
   4. Keystroke logging software can capture your keystrokes, enabling actual spying as well as identity theft.
      1. Some people deliberately install keystroke loggers to spy on spouses, children, employees, or students.
      2. Reporting in the June 29, 2010 edition of Newsweek, Jessica Ramirez writes that keystroke loggers can be attached to smartphone apps. (Newsweek: Spying on Your Cellphone”)

   5. Clicking on pop-up ads on social media sites or accepting invitations to take certain quizzes or join certain groups can activate spyware.

3. The symptoms and problems associated with spyware are fairly easy to recognize.
   1. One sign of infiltration, according to Google’s Web search help page, is a constant stream of pop-up ads. (Google, “Help”)
   2. Strange toolbars may appear on the desktop.
   3. Browser settings may be hijacked, forcing users to strange Web pages.
   4. The computer may behave sluggishly, files may disappear, or the computer may crash.

4. Prevention is the best way to avoid spyware’s harmful and potentially dangerous effects.

   1. There are some good antispyware programs on the market.
      1. Microsoft now distributes Windows Defender with its operating systems and offers a free program called Microsoft Security Essentials.
      2. PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for stand-alone malware protection is Spyware Doctor with Antivirus; its choice for security suite is Norton Internet Security. (PC Magazine, “Free Virus and Spyware Protection”)
      3. Be aware that free antispyware software, according to PC Magazine, doesn’t do as thorough a job as rated commercial software, and some free programs actually contain spyware.

   2. Keep your browser up-to-date to take advantage of security updates.

   3. Don’t install any software without reading the fine print, or first checking for reviews of it.
   4. Download free software or any smartphone apps only from sites you know and trust.
   5. Don’t click on links in pop-up windows.
   6. Don’t reply to or even open spam or e-mail that isn’t from someone you know.
   7. Don’t hit the “unsubscribe” button in spam because spyware is known to lurk here.
   8. Use the maximum security level settings on social media sites.
   9. As suggested on the Web site Identity Theft 911, use strong passwords that can’t be easily guessed and don’t set up your smartphone to automatically remember them. (ID Theft 911, “Smartphones”)

1. The makers of spyware are in it for the money, so the problem is likely to be long-lasting. (Signals close of speech)
2. II. Spyware appears in various guises in order to use personal information stored on computers or smartphones without your consent, but taking the right steps can help you avoid unwanted intrusions. (Summarizes main points)
3. III. One final suggestion is to stay abreast of developments related to spyware and malware by consulting reputable Web sites such as Stopbadware.org and StaySafeOnline.org. (Leaves audience with something to think about)
4. IV. Be vigilant, stay safe, and good luck! (Memorable close)