Warning - Spyware is Out There!

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.

White-hat spyware simply annoys you with constant pop up advertisements. But I am sure this is not just white-hat annoyance to you, but more like something you have come to hate. This is how the producers of spyware programs earn a high standard of living. Some of these white-hat spyware programs just collect your browsing behavior for companies to perform scientific online advertising analysis. Yet I agree with you on this one too, that your browsing behavior is your own business.

The there are the black-hat spyware programs that have no remorse for their malicious behavior. They gather email addresses, passwords and even steal credit card information off your computer. The producers of such black magic use your personal information for their own use or sell it to evil doers like themselves.

How do I know if I have spyware on my computer?

Here are a few tips that may point to a spyware problem:

1) Constant random pop ups

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

3) Both your computer and Internet connection moves drastically slower

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

5) Your browser settings change supernaturally

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

If you notice one or more of these problems, you definitely have spyware installed on your computer.

Ok what can I do?

1) Download a well respected firewall program for your computer. If your computer is not on the endangered list, then you already a firewall built-in. Double-check to determine if the firewall is enabled. The popular antivirus programs have built-in firewalls too.

2) Never click on popup advertisements. If you click, they will know that you are a real person, and you will just get more.

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 reputable antispyware software.

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.

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