“In an estimate based on customer sent scan logs, Webroot
Corpn said that 9 out of 10 computers connected to the
internet are infected and 86% of those surveyed suffered
a monetary loss due to spyware.”1
If you are reading this page on the internet then probably your system
is infected by spyware. That is not because this page has any spyware
but because almost all the computers on the internet are infected by
spyware. But are you wondering how come your computer
is still working when it is infected by spyware? It is because
spyware is different from a virus. The virus or worm multiplies
and damages your system. Whereas spyware uses your computer for
commercial gain. Can you fix it?...YES!
Spyware generally does not self replicate. Usually popup ads are
delivered to your system without your request. There is theft of
personal information and finacial information like credit card numbers.
Some spyware monitors user activity for marketing purposes and
some route your http requests to advertising sites. “Spyware
are closely associated with identity thefts.”2 So spyware
keeps your computer alive but considerably slows down your
computer and is used by a third party for various other activities.
How to diagnose whether your system has spyware? If you
get pop up ads, or your homepage gets changed automatically or
some program does not get uninstalled or deleted, then that is a
sure sign that your computer has been infected by spyware. There
is silent spyware also which you will never detect without using
an anti spyware software program.
The routes of infection are varied. The most popular one being
the internet. If you visit some malicious websites like few
pornographic sites or other websites there are chances of
getting a spyware infection. If you download freeware of shareware
programs then there are chances of spyware infection. Most freeware
available on the net comes with some kind of spyware attached.
Spyware is also hidden in audio, video and other mulitmedia files.
There are three basic steps used to remove spyware.
Install a good anti spyware software program and scan
your system. Install or switch on a personal firewall.
Finally install anti virus software and scan your system.
This article deals only with the use of anti spyware
software for getting rid of spyware.
A variety of spyware is delivered by just browsing the web. Hence
using software which constantly updates to detect and destroy it
is vital to ensure your privacy. Free spyware removal software is
often not up to the mark. Hence users usually prefer commercially
available software versions. Purchase effective anti spyware software
and then carryout a thorough scan of your system after installing
the software. You will be surprised by the number
of spyware programs detected in your system. Then simply select the
programs for removal and clean them from your pc or laptop.
References:
1.“Spyware Info and Facts that All Internet Users Must Know”
Webroot Resources.
2. Ecker, Clint. “Massive spyware-based identity theft ring
uncovered.” Sunbelt, August 5, 2005.
