Just when you thought you were safe to surf, one more privacy, security, and functionality problem crops up: spyware. Usually installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to bombard you with pop-up ads, redirect your computer to unwanted websites, watch your Internet surfing, or record and store your keystrokes, which could lead to identity theft.
Clues that spyware is on a computer may include an attack of pop-up ads, a browser that takes you to sites you didn't ask for, unexpected toolbars or icons on your computer screen, keys that won't work, strange error messages, and slow performance when opening programs or saving files. Sometimes, there may be no symptoms at all!
Some online programs (such as some toolbars, coupons/rebates memberships, free music downloads, free wallpapers, or free icons/cursors) are being intentionally packaged with software to display advertising on your screen, gather information on your browsing habits, and to sell your unused CPU and disk space. They can track your surfing habits, abuse your Internet connection by sending this data to a third party, profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser start page or pages, alter important system files, and can do this without your knowledge or permission. The spyware threats and privacy implications of these exploits should be quite obvious and undesirable on any system or network, at home or at work! What exactly can these scumware, computer spyware programs do? Monitor your e-mail and send out the contents; send email as you; allow a real, human spy into your system; change documents and information stored on your computer; spawn constant pop-up advertisements.
Many experienced Web users have learned how to recognize spyware, avoid it, and delete it. All computer users should take preventive steps to avoid spyware, learn the warningsigns that it has been installed on their machines, then take the appropriate steps to delete it.
Lower your risk of getting spyware infections:
Update your operating system and Web browser software, and set your browser's security high enough to detect unauthorized "drive-by"downloads that can happen simply by visiting certain websites.
Use anti-virus and anti-spyware remover software, as well as a firewall, and update them all at least once a week.
Download free software only from sites you trust. Enticing free software downloads frequently sneak in other software, including spyware.
Never click on links inside pop-ups.
Don't click on links in email spam or pop-ups that claim to offer anti-spyware software; you may actually be installing hidden spyware.
