As some of you may already know, spyware is a malware (malicious software) that is secretly installed on computers and collects information about the users without their knowledge. Generally, the presence of spyware is unknown to the user. Because of the stealthy properties of a spyware, the user might get one unknowingly. This is somewhat very disturbing as you don’t want the spyware to infiltrate your system.
The functions of a spyware go beyond simple secret monitoring. Spyware programs can gather many types of personal information, like internet surfing habits and sites the user has been visiting. More troublesome cases such as the spyware’s ability to take over the controls of the computer in many ways, and installing additional unnecessary software, are not rare. Spyware is also known to alter computer settings, making the internet connection slow down.
A spyware don’t usually attack a computer singlehandedly, usually the machine already has multiple infections. As an effect, the user may observe unwanted behavior and significant slow down of performance from the computer. Various effects can range from simple unnecessary disk usage to the dreaded blue screen of death. Common stability issues include application freezing, failure to boot and system-wide crashes.
Owners with badly infected systems can opt to call technical support experts but owners with damage beyond repair resort to buying a new computer. The main reason is that the computer may have hugely slowed down rendering it useless. Other infected computers may require complete reinstallation of all their software for them to be functional again.
Some types of spyware such as the keylogger on the other hand, are being purposely and secretly installed by the owner of a shared, corporate or public computer so that he can secretly monitor other users. Learning where spyware comes from can prevent your computer from getting infected. These unwanted malware can come from any of these sources: installed application, emails and websites.
Not all free programs are beneficial. Installed applications such as the ones that allow you to download mp3’s for free, allow you to add graphics to your email, track the weather on your desktop, lets you manage your desktop wallpaper, and video games may contain spyware.
And just like viruses, spyware can also be transmitted through email. They usually come as file attachments but just by clicking open the email, it may already be triggered. See to it that you have the latest updates and patches for your email client.
Websites enable scripts that install spyware on your PC without you even noticing it. Users grant permission to the installation of spyware without them knowing they are already doing so. Browser developers combat these by upgrading their protection with updates.
You can prevent your computer from getting infected by executing only the programs and visiting only the websites you are familiar with. Never open emails from unknown senders. Do not install anything on your computer unless you have read a good review of it from a respectable publication. Avoid visiting websites which are shady. You can pretty much tell if a website contains malicious codes judging from its appearance.
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