How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware and Adware
In a never-ending cycle of infection and re-infection - spyware and adware (also known as malware) wreak havoc on your computer’s hardware and operating system. If you don’t already know what these devilish little programs are - you probably don’t know how to protect your computer from spyware and adware, but what is malware?
These are insidious little programs that download and install themselves onto your computer where they track your surfing habits and other personal information and relay this information to whatever program infected you in the first place - and you thought cookies and viruses were bad!
* What Is the Difference Between Spyware and Adware?
Spyware infections send your personal data to a third party without your consent and (usually) you knowledge - you may know you have been infected, but it will not be willingly! This third party will now have access to information about your surfing habits or even your user name and password. Pretty scary stuff, all things considered.
Why do these Internet fraudsters do it? In a nutshell - they want to target you with unsolicited advertising and marketing for products that you neither want nor need - usually via spam mail.
Adware is software that causes advertisements to be displayed on your computer. You may know these as ‘pop-up ads’ and if you are seeing a lot of them you may be infected with adware. There are companies that offer free software solutions in exchange for their advertising - this is how they generate income.
You must take steps to protect your computer from spyware and adware if you want to protect your online privacy and security. Here are a few things you need to know about spyware and adware:
* How Do I Know if I Have Been Infected with Spyware or Adware?
Spyware and adware infections cause problems with your computer’s performance and in particular with Internet Explorer. Your browser might not work at all, or may have slowed down considerably or your computer may freeze up. In the worst case scenario your browser may be
‘hijacked’
and replaced or directed to another site, pop-up advert or home page.
These programs will install themselves onto your PC with very little fanfare - they are designed to be almost undetectable and removing them is an extremely complicated process - so it’s a good idea to try to prevent falling prey to this kind of attack.
