Spyware is a program that records keystrokes, tracks web activity or captures other information and makes it available to outside parties. Adware may also capture information about your web activity and usually causes unwanted pop-ups. In some cases, adware has caused a computer to be rendered useless due to the pops-ups constantly appearing faster than they can be closed.
Spyware programs may be installed on your computer without your knowledge just by visiting certain websites. They may also be installed by piggy-backing legitimate programs ( e.g : Gator, Cydoor, eZula, KaZaa) and their existence may even be stated in the license agreement. However, few of us actually take the time to read the details of those license agreements.
The first level of defense against spyware is sensible browsing. Visit only sites that you need to and to your best to determine the legitimacy of the site. In addition, we suggest you install on of the spyware detection/removal programs listed below. Make sure you obtain updates to those programs frequently and run a scan on a regular basis (e.g : once a month). |
