Detect and Remove Spyware

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.

Spyware refers to computer software that gets installed on your computer and goes on to cause malicious acts without your having a clue about what’s going on. Spyware can initiate the following malicious activity:

1) Steal your personal information. Spyware can “spy” on what files are on your computer and capture the passwords and other personal information you enter while you are online.

2) Install additional or unwanted computer programs causing the computer to perform well below par.

3) Automatically make your web browser take you to websites that have other harmful files such as viruses or other forms of spyware.

4) Change computer settings to create holes in your system that will be used to attack it when required.

I could make the list a lot longer, but you get the point - spyware is a pain in the ‘you know what’!

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.

Wondering how spyware makes it way onto your computer?

Most of the time you will never know for sure where the spyware on your computer came from. It sneaks its way onto your computer in various ways - some examples are:

1) Many shareware and freeware software programs have Spyware built into them. Software such as music/video download programs are normally given away free, and sometimes they come bundled with Spyware.

2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such “utility” programs are loaded with Spyware.

3) Another method used by Spyware developers is to mimic the operating system’s messages so that you click on them. When you click on them the Spyware gets installed.

If you are using MS windows, you might get a popup with a message that looks like it’s from your operating system, however when you click on it you end up installing some form of spyware.

How do you know if your computer is infected with spyware?

Spyware creates a huge volume of unwanted activity on a computer, causing it to slow down or even crash. Spyware also slows down browsing speeds as it keeps accessing advertisement websites or passing out the user’s data to hackers or other advertisers. If your computer runs slower than it used to or you seem to be getting more advertisements, you like have some spyware on your computer.

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!

It is estimated that over 90% of computers are infected with spyware - it’s next to impossible not to pick something up if you are connected to the internet. You need to make sure you are using a quality anti-spyware program so that your computer and personal information is protected.

Make sure you use a spyware remover that will scan your entire system for any existing infections, eliminate any malicious files it finds, and then provide full protection against future infections.

Tags: Adware