Protect Your Computer From Spyware

Spyware is probably on your computer right now. It's causing it to slow down while it collects your personal information. Keep reading for everything you need to know about spyware.

Spyware is generally considered to be software that collects personal information without getting the user’s consent when it happens. It is often used in conjunction with adware, which uses the personal computer’s processing power to display advertisements. Adware is usually more of an annoyance than anything else, but spyware will transmit your personal information to the source of the code. Some of the information that can be collected is websites that have been visited, or username and password combinations. Any information that goes through the computer while spyware is installed on the system is subject to being watched.

That being said, not all spyware is bad. For example, if you knowingly allow a site to place a program on your computer that tracks your information in order to receive the free offers from said website then the spyware program is legitimate.

If your computer has spyware installed you may not know it. Some of the symptoms to look for include an increase in advertisements, especially on pages where you have never seen them before; if your computer begins to get sluggish and won’t load web pages as quickly as before. Another common sign of spyware is the web browser opening to pages you did not click on or setting new home pages without your consent.

Spyware gets onto your computer mostly through applications that are legitimately installed. A program such as free games or free file sharing programs may also include a spyware program. Several times the spyware is a condition of use for these free programs and if the spyware is removed then the original program will not work as intended.

A few ways to protect your computer from spyware programs are to avoid clicking links from unknown sources. Often these links will come with advertisements about free giveaways or other unsolicited offers. Only install programs that come from reputable sources. Software found in out of the way sites may be free, but it might also contain mini-programs designed to leak your information back to its source. If you open a web page and a Windows question box opens asking you to accept a download, deny the download; it may be a tracking program designed to follow your internet usage.

Another helpful strategy is to use an anti-spyware software package. There are several free programs available that are designed to help you manage what information is collected from your computer. These programs, such as Windows Defender from Microsoft, or Ad-Aware from Lava-Soft, are designed to prevent spyware programs from ever being installed on your computer. Programs such as XoftSpySE are extremely effective for searching down existing spyware programs and then removing them from your computer. Removing the unwanted programs is much more difficult however, so the best approach is always to avoid Spyware whenever possible.

The best approach to avoiding spyware though is to carefully read all disclosures and terms of usage before downloading and installing a new program on your computer. This strategy alone will prevent a majority of spyware infestations.

Related:

• XoftSpySE Review: Find and remove spyware
• A Simple Guide to Being Safe and Secure Online
• Most Common Online Scams