Is Your Computer Infected With Spyware?
Spyware is a growing problem for internet users.
It is estimated that 70% of computers are infected.
92% of these computer users are unaware that their PC is infected.
And when discovered 91% report that they did not give permission for the installation of spyware.
So what is spyware? It's software that collects information about computers and how they are used.
It may record the websites visited.
Some can spy on PC keyboard usage, recording passwords and credit card details.
Spyware can redirect surfers to unwanted websites or show repeated pop-ups.
All data recorded is sent back to the creator of the spyware.
That's why spyware can be such a serious problem.
Computers can be protected from spyware by taking these simple precautions: 1.
Check All Software Downloads Most spyware infects computers when it is downloaded.
So the best protection is to not download software from the internet.
Spyware is often "hidden" in seemingly innocent software downloads.
Take care with plug-ins and toolbars.
Only install them if they are really needed and the source can be completely trusted.
If in doubt enter a search on Google for the download to see if anyone has reported spyware problems.
Always read the license agreement with any download.
Be very careful with free downloads and file-sharing applications.
2.
Automatically Block Pop-ups Firefox, Internet Explorer and many other internet browsers can be set to automatically block pop-up windows.
Using this function warns users if a website wants to show a pop-up.
Deciding whether to view the pop-up or not should be based on how much the site is trusted.
3.
Review Browser Security Settings Most people browse the internet using Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
They should set the security settings for the "Internet zone" to medium or higher.
That will automatically restrict the information that a website can gather from a computer.
4.
Update Web Browser Software Creators of spyware constantly try to find new ways to penetrate the security of PC's.
To overcome this Microsoft and other providers respond by releasing updates.
These updates should be downloaded regularly to increase protection.
Allowing for automatic updates can ensure up to date protection.
5.
Exit Pop-ups Carefully Pop-ups are the weapon of choice for spyware creators.
They often use the exit buttons to prompt the loading of spyware onto computers.
Never exit a pop-up by clicking "OK", "Cancel", "Close" or "No thanks".
Instead, always click the "x".
Using a keystroke combination to close a window is an even better choice.
This is Alt + F4 for Windows users.
6.
Is Your PC Infected? If you think your computer is infected with spyware, you should immediately stop any activity that uses names, passwords, credit card details or other private information.
Install a spyware blocker to first scan the computer for spyware and then to safely remove it.
It is estimated that 70% of computers are infected.
92% of these computer users are unaware that their PC is infected.
And when discovered 91% report that they did not give permission for the installation of spyware.
So what is spyware? It's software that collects information about computers and how they are used.
It may record the websites visited.
Some can spy on PC keyboard usage, recording passwords and credit card details.
Spyware can redirect surfers to unwanted websites or show repeated pop-ups.
All data recorded is sent back to the creator of the spyware.
That's why spyware can be such a serious problem.
Computers can be protected from spyware by taking these simple precautions: 1.
Check All Software Downloads Most spyware infects computers when it is downloaded.
So the best protection is to not download software from the internet.
Spyware is often "hidden" in seemingly innocent software downloads.
Take care with plug-ins and toolbars.
Only install them if they are really needed and the source can be completely trusted.
If in doubt enter a search on Google for the download to see if anyone has reported spyware problems.
Always read the license agreement with any download.
Be very careful with free downloads and file-sharing applications.
2.
Automatically Block Pop-ups Firefox, Internet Explorer and many other internet browsers can be set to automatically block pop-up windows.
Using this function warns users if a website wants to show a pop-up.
Deciding whether to view the pop-up or not should be based on how much the site is trusted.
3.
Review Browser Security Settings Most people browse the internet using Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
They should set the security settings for the "Internet zone" to medium or higher.
That will automatically restrict the information that a website can gather from a computer.
4.
Update Web Browser Software Creators of spyware constantly try to find new ways to penetrate the security of PC's.
To overcome this Microsoft and other providers respond by releasing updates.
These updates should be downloaded regularly to increase protection.
Allowing for automatic updates can ensure up to date protection.
5.
Exit Pop-ups Carefully Pop-ups are the weapon of choice for spyware creators.
They often use the exit buttons to prompt the loading of spyware onto computers.
Never exit a pop-up by clicking "OK", "Cancel", "Close" or "No thanks".
Instead, always click the "x".
Using a keystroke combination to close a window is an even better choice.
This is Alt + F4 for Windows users.
6.
Is Your PC Infected? If you think your computer is infected with spyware, you should immediately stop any activity that uses names, passwords, credit card details or other private information.
Install a spyware blocker to first scan the computer for spyware and then to safely remove it.
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