Internet Security – How To Avoid Being Infected With Spyware
Spyware and other types of malware are more than just a pain in the neck – they can cause other programs to malfunction and even make your computer unstable. And of course there’s all the privacy issues that go along with it.
This type of software is often installed without a user’s consent and often can’t be uninstalled without special tools. When distributors use tricks and deception to install uninvited software, trust is destroyed.
The first line of defense against spyware is to be careful installing software. Know what’s being downloaded. A large percentage of freeware or shareware programs have spyware embedded in them. Sometimes that’s disclosed in the user agreement, but often not.
Before downloading any new software, look for guarantees that it’s spyware free. Even so, be on your guard – the file-sharing program Kazaa has been claiming to be spyware-free for years. Anyone who installs this software soon has an opportunity to test this claim.
How can you tell if you have spyware on your system? You may see pop-up advertisements even when you aren’t browsing the web. Your homepage may have been changed without your consent. New toolbars are installed on your web browser which you didn’t request. Your computer may be sluggish or mysteriously reboot on its own. Though, the last effect is usually a virus.
If you do get infected with spyware, there are ways to get rid of it. A number of companies make software designed to get rid of it. These programs will scan your computer and check through their database of known spyware for any matches. These databases get updated frequently as new forms of spyware are found.
Many are free, though sometimes the paid versions have more automation features such as removing spyware on receipt rather than requiring a manual scan. None will find every piece of spyware on your system, since they rely on a database which has to be populated according to someone’s judgment. And, one man’s spyware is sometimes another’s welcomed advertiser.
Some kinds of spyware are notoriously difficult to get rid of. They may make changes to your Windows files that help them hide from the scanners. On occasion, you may need to delete them manually to be sure they’re gone.
Needless to say, this should be performed only by skilled users. Deleting the wrong files can damage your programs and even your operating system.
Once the spyware has been removed from your system, you should run scans on a regular basis to keep it clean. Whether you do this manually or use a program that does it automatically on a schedule is up to you (and your pocketbook).
And, of course, beware those tempting looking free offers. You may get more than you bargained for.
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