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- How to identify spyware
- Spammers use tricks to thwart email users
- Prevent spyware with five easy steps
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Spyware control
Spyware, also called adware, is software installed without your knowledge that gathers information about you and reports it to whoever controls the spyware. This information can include (but is not limited to) your Internet browsing usage, passwords, email addresses, computer configuration, and possibly your name, age, sex, and other personal information. In addition, spyware can be used to generate pop-up ads which, in addition to being annoying, can bog down the system resources of your computer and cause poor performance.
Common signs of spyware are:
- Your computers begin to run slow.
- Your Internet browser redirects you to a website other than the one you intended to go to.
- Your browser's home page has been changed, and you are unable to change it.
- There are more favorites in your bookmark or favorites list than normal
- Your browser crashes frequently.
- There are more pop-up windows than ever.
Spyware must be installed on your computer before it will operate the way they intend it. They do their best to trick you into installing it. Some of the more common methods are:
- Opening spam email
- Clicking deceptive pop-ups
- Downloading free utilities, games, toolbars, media players, etc...
- File sharing programs used for music or videos
- Visiting corrupted websites
Prevent spyware on your computer by following a few simple steps:
- Set the browser's security settings to default or high
- Avoid peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing software
- Install anti-spyware software
- Maintain a firewall on your computer
- Don't click on pop-ups, open suspicious emails, or respond to spam
There are loads of spyware removal tools available. If you have an antivirus or Internet protection software installed, it may include spyware removal tools. Visit the additional tools section for links to sites that can help you.