A Common Computer Question Answered - What Is Spyware?

By Jack Mason

Almost everyone that has a computer that is connected to the internet has heard the term "spyware" before. However not everyone knows what it means and it is a fairly broad term that can get confusing at times. With that in mind, we are going to cover what exactly spyware is.

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

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

4) Without you being aware, spyware can change the security settings you have on your computer so that your computer is at an increased risk of getting viruses or having personal information stolen.

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.

Wondering how spyware makes it way onto your 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) 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.

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.

It's obviously important that you find out if there is spyware on your computer, but how can you find out?

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.

You have to take the right steps to kill Spyware now!

If you suspect computer is infected by Spyware, you have to move immediately and get it removed before it causes any more damage. There is Spyware in every nook and corner of the Internet, and chances are your computer is already host to several Spyware programs unless a quality anti-Spyware program is protecting your system.

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.

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