Monday, October 27, 2008

What Is Spyware?

By Jack Mason

You have probably heard of spyware before, but it isn't a term that many people know it's meaning. We all know it's a bad thing, but it's important you understand what spyware is and why it has gotten such a bad rap.

Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause "malicious" activity - some examples of this are:

1) Sniff out personal data and pass it on to the programmer of the spyware. There have been many cases where even financial data have been compromised.

2) Install various programs to your computer without your authorization. These programs have no use to you but usually will let someone else monitor what you are doing online. This is one of the biggest reasons computers start to "slow down".

3) Redirect the user's web browser to websites that may contain harmful content, including viruses and Trojans.

4) Sneak in and change your computer's settings so that your computer is vulnerable to other attacks or infections.

As you can see, spyware can be a big headache!

Spyware is also notorious for slowing down your computer's performance and creating all sorts of pop-ups or annoying ads when you are online.

How does Spyware get into a computer?

It can be difficult to trace back exactly where spyware comes from, but here are some examples of how it can find its way onto your computer:

1) Shareware that offers downloads for music or movies. These programs are famous for installing spyware on your computer without you ever knowing.

2) A common way systems get infected is from "utility" type programs that are downloaded and come bundled with some form of spyware. There are all sorts of programs that are offered for free download on the internet - although they may serve a purpose many of them will also install spyware on your system.

3) One of the trickiest ways that spyware will make its way on your computer is by immitating your operating system's regular messages.

As an example if you are using Microsoft windows on your computer, a message might popup that looks like it is a message from Microsort. You innocently click on the message and the spyware gets installed.

How can you tell if there's Spyware on your computer?

One of the first warning signs is that your computer starts to run a lot slower than before and appears a little sluggish. Spyware will slow down your browsing speed and your overall computer's performance.

Many people notice that there computer is running slower than usual and they just assume it's a hardware issue, however spyware is often the culprit.

If you haven't been paying attention to spyware, you must start doing something about it starting today!

Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It's crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.

You need a solid and reliable anti-Spyware program developed by a trusted manufacturer, and you need it as soon as yesterday! Remember, only top-ranked anti-Spyware programs can effectively remove the malicious Spyware from your computer and protect it from future Spyware attacks, so don't let yourself put it off. A quality anti-spyware program will scan your computer for any existing infections, kill them off, and then protects your system from any future infections. - 15336

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