 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Spyware
Spyware - (a.k.a. Malware, Thiefware or Trackware) Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.
Most computer users today are familiar with the term spyware because they, or someone they know, has experienced the aggravation of this software firsthand. Sluggish computer performance, altered home pages, and endless pop-up ads are all signs your PC could be infected. Everyone who uses a computer is susceptible.
As with viruses and trojans, you are only as safe from prying eyes as long as you keep your software up to date and run it regularly. Most websites keep a track of you with mainly harmless 'cookies', which in a lot of ways helps you to surf around the internet.
There are, of course, some bad boys out there, and having a reasonable anti-spyware software installed can only help you enjoy your internet experience better, agreed?
Microsoft's View - and advice
Spyware is a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first.
Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information.
That does not mean all software that provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but you "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.
Other kinds of spyware make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash.
These programs can change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them.
The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer.
There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your computer. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing program.
Whenever you install something on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it might appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
How Do You Know You May Have Spyware?
If your computer starts to behave strangely or displays any of the symptoms listed below, you may have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer.
- You see pop-up advertisements all the time. Some unwanted software will bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't related to a particular Web site you're visiting. These ads are often for adult or other Web sites you may find objectionable. If you see pop-up ads as soon as you turn on your computer or when you're not even browsing the Web, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer.
- Your settings have changed and you can't change them back to the way they were. Some unwanted software has the ability to change your home page or search page settings. This means that the page that opens first when you start your Internet browser or the page that appears when you select 'search' may be pages that you do not recognize. Even if you know how to adjust these settings, you may find that they revert back every time you restart your computer.
- Your Web browser contains additional components that you don't remember downloading. Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your Web browser that you don't want or need. Even if you know how to remove these toolbars, they may return each time you restart your computer.
- Your computer seems sluggish. Spyware and other unwanted software are not necessarily designed to be efficient. The resources these programs use to track your activities and deliver advertisements can slow down your computer and errors in the software can make your computer crash.
- If you notice a sudden increase in the number of times a certain program crashes, or if your computer is slower than normal at performing routine tasks, you may have spyware or other unwanted software on your machine.
Leading Software Manufacturers
| Ad-Aware | Aluria | Malwarebytes | Microsoft Defender |
| Spysweeper | Spyware Detector | XoftSpy Scan | Spyware Doctor |
Which one?
One of the best brands of anti-spyware is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - if you don't use anything else, you should download the free version of this. As with all software, the best you have to pay for. All the systems listed above (excluding Microsoft's Windows Defender) can be bought and downloaded from the internet, the choice of which one is up to you!