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Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without a user's knowledge.
It gathers information and reports it back to its source. It ties up bandwidth,
slows down CPU speed and generally is a nuisance.
In its more malicious forms, it can disrupt the PC so much that it is unusable;
it can run up modem bills, it can spam or send copies of itself to everyone
in your address book and it can download pornographic material to your PC.
The last is probably the one most likely to make everyone stand up and take
notice. Downloading porn at the office can get you fired, downloading child
porn anywhere can get you arrested.
The only way to keep these and all the other problems associated with spyware
from infecting your life and disrupting your activities is prevention. As the
old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
There are numerous programs available (both for free and for pay) that offer
protection from spyware and its related cohorts. Most free programs remove spyware
that's already been downloaded and installed to your machine, such as Ad- Aware,
one of the first original anti-spyware programs.
The free version requires that you scan to capture and remove spyware. The
pay for version includes a real-time scanner that actually prevents spyware
from downloading or installing itself.
There are numerous other products on the market, but don't be taken in by their
pronouncements of being anti-spyware. Be wary, a few of the free programs are
just spyware themselves.
Security for your PC at the home includes using up-to-date virus software,
installing an effective firewall, employing reputable anti-spyware tools, making
sure all patches and being sure to install all updates for the operating system.
The best thing to do is to avoid risky online behavior or the downloading of
every free offer that literally "pops up".
Never download anything from an unknown source. A lot of home PC users can
find their machines besieged by problems because they downloaded something they
weren't sure about or just assumed was safe. Don't assume, be sure. You can
even check security settings for different websites you visit. Be sure what
you're downloading is from a reputable source.
You wouldn't invite just anyone who knocked on your door into your house; you
shouldn't let any file or program into your computer. Spyware at its best is
a nuisance, and a potentially dangerous and damaging element that can cost you
real time, and worse of all, money.
About the Author:
Tom Jenson has worked in software development for 20 years. He's seen spyware
develop from an occasional problem, to a daily, hourly threat to all pc's. He
made it a mission to research these threats, and work out how best to combat
them. Now this series of article helps others protect their computers too. |
