What is Spyware?

Spyware is basically a program that collects information about you and your surfing habits by attaching itself to your system. It infiltrates your PC by using your Internet connection. It then transfers the information that it has gathered to other people who will most probably use this for advertising purposes.

Spyware – More Sinister Purposes…

The previous description depicts the unwanted program as more of a spy that looks at every activity that you do on your computer. However, that´s not the only thing that spyware do. They can be very pernicious as they could also change your system´s setting or execute unwanted programs without your knowledge or consent. This drastically pulls down system performance. Spyware is one of the most effective and damaging type of malware. According to Vunet.com, 90% of all PCs are harboring 30 or spyware programs.

There are several ways by which you could contract these unwanted programs. Almost all cases of spyware infection are brought about by the careless downloading of free software over the Internet. Many freeware come with spyware, so make sure that the free software that you´re downloading comes from a reputable source.

Peer to peer networking also contributes to the proliferation of spyware. Networks, such as Bearshare and Kazaa, are usually infested with spyware. Drive-by downloads also aggravates the problem. Many unsuspecting Web surfers click on the pop ups that appear on their screen, thinking that they come from legitimate or safe sources. Many of these pop ups just lead them to an infected site, though.

Operating system or browser loopholes are also being exploited by spyware. Hence, you should make it a point to download the necessary security updates or patches for these two applications.

Is My PC infected with Spyware?

You don´t have to wait for a system crash before you consider scanning your computer for spyware and other types of malware. If you´re experiencing the following symptoms or strange activities, then you´re playing host to one or more spyware programs:

• Modification of Internet Explorer settings, such as the home page URL. Toolbars also suddenly appear on your browser, while your searches produce erratic resuls.


• Slow browse due to the usage of CPU cycles by unknown applications in the background.


• The Internet Options menu in the Internet Explorer toolbar is disabled, thereby preventing you from making any changes to the system settings.


• Antivirus programs and firewalls are frequently disabled, while pop ups incessantly appears on your screen.

The Cure for Spyware

There are many anti-spyware programs in the market today that could eliminate many, if not all, of the unwanted programs that have found their way into your system. However, you shouldn´t rely solely on your security suite. You could spare yourself the headache by taking the following tips into consideration:

• Be very cautious when downloading software from public sites as it is very difficult to verify their authenticity from these sources.



• Be wary when venturing into unfamiliar Web sites, especially those with dubious contents. These pages usually release pop ups that ask for the installation of a number of browser components, such as plugins or ActiveX controls, purportedly to improve browsing speed. Acquiescing to these requests could pave the way for the infection of your PC.



• Read through the fine print. If ever you´ve decided to save something from the Internet, make sure that the terms and conditions of the download doesn´t include provisions that give authority to the software publisher to install unwanted programs. If you´re not sure whether the program you´re downloading is legit or not, try scanning the file or software with an anti-spyware or antivirus.



• Set your browser settings to block pop ups, ActiveX, Java, and other suspicious contents or requests to ensure that no spyware will find its way into your system.



• Invest in a good anti-spyware and antivirus software.Always keep them updated.

Never be too trusting whenever you´re in cyberspace. There are many ways by which you could infect your system with unwanted programs. Unmindful surfers are usually easy targets, so don´t let your guard down whenever you´re connected to the Internet.

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