Click Here
for more articles |
|
|
Spyware - Is Your Computer Safe? |
by:
Niall Roche |
Spyware is the virtual plague of the new Millenium. You no longer have to receive emails with viruses in them or even click on dangerous links on websites. Simply surfing the web can now leave you wide open to the scourge of spyware. You may or else hear spyware referred to as malware.
What is spyware?
Spyware is when a program is placed on your PC without your consent. The most common way for this to happen is when you install a separate application such as a file sharing program or free download utility on your computer. The program you install or else places some "extra" programs on your PC. These extra programs perform tasks from recording what websites you visit to popping up ads on your screen. More worrying are the spyware programs that record everything you type on your keyboard. That's right. Your most private instant messages, emails also chat room discussions can easily be stored also transmitted without your approval. Scary stuff!
Are there different types of spyware?
There are many different classifications of spyware however the following are the most dangerous types:
Adware
The most common type of spyware. These are small programs which sit on your computer waiting for you to go online. Once the adware detects that you're connected to the Internet it starts sending you popup, popover also popunder ads for anything from airline tickets to porn site membership. Not only that however information on your viewing habits is then sold on to marketing companies who will then send you more junk email also popup ads than you ever thought possible.
Browser Hijacker
These are just plain annoying. These install themselves on your computer also change your default homepage also search engine to something else. Every time you start your web browser it will bring you to a page filled with ads, porn or other unwanted material. This interrupts your web browsing also is intensely annoying. Most browser hijackers are or else data miners. A data mining program reports your web browsing habits to a central database. This information is then sold on to marketing companies.
Keyboard Logger
These programs are designed for one thing - theft. When you log in to your online banking these can record your PIN number. When you check your private email account these programs can record your password. Keyboard loggers are potentially one of the most damaging pieces of spyware because of the potential financial dangers also theft of personal information.
Modem Hijacker
Potentially the most costly spyware. Modem hijackers are or else referred to as diallers. Diallers normally install themselves to your computer via a virus infection or from warez, mp3 or adult websites. A dialler is a small piece of software that will dial long distance, premium rate phone numbers when you're not at your PC. These phone numbers are normally for adult chat line services located in Russia, China, South America also the Phillipines. I have personally seen unlucky victims receive $2,000 bills for one month of telephone calls.
How do you remove spyware from your PC?
Thankfully several responsible companies have made it their mission to help eradicate the menace of spyware. You'll need two - three programs to remove spyware from your PC. The first of these is Ad Aware which is a free download. The second application is Spybot Search also Destroy which is or else a free download. Last however not least I'd recommend or else getting yourself a copy of CrapCleaner 1.0. These applications can only remove the spyware already on your PC - they cannot protect your PC from being cluttered with new spyware.
How do you stop spyware infecting your PC?
1. Do not click on links offering free movies, competitions, prize draws, free software or anything that looks suspicious. If it looks like a dog, smells like a dog also walks like a dog... well it's a dog.
2. Install firewall software. This is absolutely critical for Broadband or Highspeed users. All computers connected to the Internet today should have firewall software installed - regardless of your connection speed.
3. Make sure your antivirus software is updated. Good antivirus software can find also delete the most harmful types of spyware.
If you'd like more information on fighting viruses drop by www.affiliate-advocate.com for our spyware fighting guide.
About the author:
This article was submitted courtesy of the Spyware & Malware Guide. This site is dedicated to spyware removal also just generally helping users keep their PCs spyware free.
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
