Spyware is on the Attack!

By: Isaiah Henry
Do you know what spyware is all about? Well, I can assure you if you enjoy downloading anything for free off the internetbrace yourself, because you probably have a few these malicious programs crawling through your PC this very moment.

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.

Their most popular maneuver is to pin the coat tail of another seemingly innocent program. These carriers, freeware or shareware, are usually free programs off the internet. The biggest of the freeware used would be free porn, games & file sharing applications. Believe it or not, it is a legal way of advertising is most scenarios.

Like most folks, you download a free program in hopes of finally receiving something free in life. Then you click to install the freebie, but there is a small stomp in your waythe license agreement. Just like any brave soldier, you click the I Agree button without actually reading the long set of words. And thus the spyware has legally invaded your home.

Usually spyware either displays advertising or it tracks what you are doing. Ever notice pop up windows suddenly appears on your computer? This is from spyware trying to get you to buy something. Other spyware tracks everything you are doing online and transmits the information to an advertising company.

Spyware can also gather email addresses in your address book, as well as passwords and other information off your computer and transmit it without your knowledge.

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

Here are the warning signs of spyware:

1) Pop ups even when you are not browsing the Internet

2) Toolbars and/or icons appear on your browser or desktop out of nowhere

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) Advertising appears everywhere on your computer

If any of these symptoms are visible, do something!

Do what?

1) Get a reputable firewall program for your PC. If you have a Windows computer that was built within the last five years, then there is already a firewall built-in. Just make sure it is not disabled. Also virus protection software have firewalls integrated into the application.

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

Never click on or purchase spyware cleaning programs that come from spam email or from popups! These are so-called spyware cleaning program are themselves spyware! Make sure that you buy spyware cleaning software from a reputable company or youll end up making your problems worse!

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