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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
also 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 also 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 and chat room discussions can easily be stored and transmitted without
your approval. Scary stuff!
Are there different types of spyware?
There are many different classifications of spyware but 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 and popunder ads for anything
from airline tickets to porn site membership. Not only that but information
on your viewing habits is then sold on to marketing companies who will then
send you more junk email and popup ads than you ever thought possible.
Browser Hijacker
These are just plain annoying. These install themselves on your computer and
change your default homepage and 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 and is intensely
annoying. Most browser hijackers are also 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 and theft of personal information.
Modem Hijacker
Potentially the most costly spyware. Modem hijackers are also 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 and 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 2 - 3 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 and Destroy which is also a free download. Last
but not least I'd recommend also 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 infesting 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 and 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 and delete the most harmful types of spyware.
If you'd like more information on fighting spyware drop by www.affiliate-advocate.com
for our spyware fighting guide.
About the Author:
This article was provided courtesy of the Spyware And Malware Guide. This site
offers information on how to remove spyware from your computer. |
