Avoiding Spyware And Malware Attacks
Spyware can be more than an annoyance. Poorly programmed spyware can interfere with other programs and can even cause system instability. Privacy issues are at stake as well.
These pieces of software are generally installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent. They often can’t be removed without some kind of specialized software. If you need to be tricked into installing it, chances are you can’t trust the source.
The best defense against spyware is common sense. Always be watchful when you download software from the internet. Don’t install software from unknown websites that you don’t know if you can trust and be sure you always read through the license agreement. Sometimes the license will disclose that spyware is installed along with the program (although usually not in so many words) but they’re counting on the fact that hardly anyone ever reads the license anyway.
Check for a guarantee that the software is spyware free. This won’t protect you 100%, but it is a good step towards being able to trust a website.
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 your system does get hit with a spyware attack, all is not lost. There are several software utilities made for getting rid of it. These programs have a database of known spyware that gets updated on a regular basis as new ones are found. They’ll scan your computer to see if anything from this database is installed on it.
Some of these scanning programs are available for free, while others will cost you money. The ones you pay for generally have extra features, such as the ability to schedule automatic scans. They’re never completely foolproof however, so it’s always a good idea to run two or more of them.
Some spyware is notoriously difficult to remove. They may make several alterations to your system settings and install files in different places. Often the only way to remove this type of spyware is to find the locations of all the files and manually delete them.
This is obviously not something you should undertake unless you’re quite familiar with Windows and working with system files. You wouldn’t want to delete something that renders Windows inoperable.
Once your system is spyware free - help keep it that way. Some of the spyware removal tools include utilities that can protect your computer from being exposed to spyware. Much like virus scanners, they monitor changes to your system files and alert you of any suspicious activity.
And of course, always be aware of the risks before you accept any free offers for software on the internet. You never know what the real cost is for that free program.