The Invasion of Spyware

Most common individuals like me have no idea of the dangers that spyware brings? Well, allow me to warn you. They are on nearly all computers that use the Internet, especially if you enjoy the free resources of the Internet.

Some creators of spyware do not care about your PC security or privacy. Spyware is their intelligent tool to make money at the expense of your privacy being destroyed.

A favorite trick is to install spyware when you are installing another program. Generally spyware comes from free programs offered on the Internet. These free programs are called freeware, or shareware. Technically, the spyware company has your permission, although the legal issues are not clear.

After you download your much anticipated free program, you click the installation icon. Then there is a license agreement that stands in the way of your enjoyment. So of course, just like me, you quickly select the I Agree button. And this is what makes these spyware programs legal.

Normally spyware main agenda is to report your PC activity to a third party and/or pop up advertisements on your PC. I am certain you have had the experience of random bombardment of annoying pop ups! This is how the creators of spyware software make their money. Then there are a lot of spyware applications that simply collect useful data for advertising companies to learn more about your Internet behavior.

Then there are the true spyware villains that gather email addresses and passwords off your PC and either use them or sell your personal information to the highest bidder of the underground Internet world.

Help; Tell Me If I Have Spyware.

Here are some signs of spyware:

1) Numerous and repeated popups

2) New toolbars or icons appear on your browser and desktop

3) Web browsing seems slower and your PC appears to have inherited a turtle gene

4) Your browser constantly goes aloft with advertising with sites.

5) Settings have changed on your PC even when your kids are not home

6) Wherever your eyes look on your monitor, there is an advertisement

If you have any of these issues, seek help quickly.

Do what?

1) Install a firewall on your computer. Microsoft Windows has a firewall built into the operating system and most Virus software have firewalls.

2) The more you click, the more you receive. If you click on pop ups, you are basically saying I am real person that find your spyware application very useful.

3) Stay away from free downloads. There is no such thing as free! Make sure to do some research first to determine the legitimacy of the software.

4) Keep your PC up-to-date. It is wise to keep your automatic update feature turned on.

5) Use anti-spyware software. Most virus checking programs also check for spyware. Numerous other programs are available.

Watch out for antispyware scams. These programs perpetrate themselves as legitimate software, but they are simply spyware programs. Needless to say, research to proactively guard yourself from scams such as this.

Good antispyware provide you with a scheduling feature that enables you to automate the spyware scanning of your computer.