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.
Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause "malicious" activity - some examples of this are:
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) Add all sorts of extra programs and add-ons to your computer which you haven't authorized. This is usually used to monitor your online activity and will cause your computer to run a lot slower than usual.
3) When you are online, you are redirected to certain websites that have other harmful files such as viruses or other infections.
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.
In short, Spyware is nothing but 'nuisanceware'!
Apart from the activity above, Spyware also slows down your Internet connection and make life miserable when you are surfing the Internet - many of those annoying pop-ups appearing out of nowhere are the result of spyware making its way on your system.
How does Spyware get into a computer?
Most of the time you will never know for sure where the spyware on your computer came from. It sneaks its way onto your computer in various ways - some examples are:
1) Shareware that offers downloads for music or movies. These programs are famous for installing spyware on your computer without you ever knowing.
2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such "utility" programs are loaded with Spyware.
3) There are some spyware programs that will try to mimic your operating system's messages in order to get on your computer.
If you are using MS windows, you might get a popup with a message that looks like it's from your operating system, however when you click on it you end up installing some form of spyware.
How can you tell if there's Spyware on your computer?
Most people will start to notice their computer starts to slow down and they may also get more advertisements popup when they are browsing. Spyware is famous for making computers run a little "sluggish" - this is one of the first signs that your computer is infected.
Apart from the slowing down factor, you cannot really tell if there's Spyware installed on your system. Many people will just assume something is wrong with the computer hardware when their system slows down, however spyware is often the cause.
It's important that you protect your computer and make sure you destroy any spyware on your system starting today!
Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It's crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.
Look for a spyware remover that has received positive reviews and that can remove any spyware that is already on your system (along with protecting against new infections). You want a program that scans your computer for any current spyware, kills off anything it finds and then provides protection against future spyware. - 15634
Put simply, spyware refers to various programs and software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing. These programs then go on to cause "malicious" activity - some examples of this are:
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) Add all sorts of extra programs and add-ons to your computer which you haven't authorized. This is usually used to monitor your online activity and will cause your computer to run a lot slower than usual.
3) When you are online, you are redirected to certain websites that have other harmful files such as viruses or other infections.
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.
In short, Spyware is nothing but 'nuisanceware'!
Apart from the activity above, Spyware also slows down your Internet connection and make life miserable when you are surfing the Internet - many of those annoying pop-ups appearing out of nowhere are the result of spyware making its way on your system.
How does Spyware get into a computer?
Most of the time you will never know for sure where the spyware on your computer came from. It sneaks its way onto your computer in various ways - some examples are:
1) Shareware that offers downloads for music or movies. These programs are famous for installing spyware on your computer without you ever knowing.
2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such "utility" programs are loaded with Spyware.
3) There are some spyware programs that will try to mimic your operating system's messages in order to get on your computer.
If you are using MS windows, you might get a popup with a message that looks like it's from your operating system, however when you click on it you end up installing some form of spyware.
How can you tell if there's Spyware on your computer?
Most people will start to notice their computer starts to slow down and they may also get more advertisements popup when they are browsing. Spyware is famous for making computers run a little "sluggish" - this is one of the first signs that your computer is infected.
Apart from the slowing down factor, you cannot really tell if there's Spyware installed on your system. Many people will just assume something is wrong with the computer hardware when their system slows down, however spyware is often the cause.
It's important that you protect your computer and make sure you destroy any spyware on your system starting today!
Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It's crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.
Look for a spyware remover that has received positive reviews and that can remove any spyware that is already on your system (along with protecting against new infections). You want a program that scans your computer for any current spyware, kills off anything it finds and then provides protection against future spyware. - 15634
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Click Here to find out how to use a free scan using the most popular anti-spyware program. You will also be able to read spyware reviews to find out which program is recommended for your computer.
