Oh No! I"m Infected With Spyware - What Do I Do?
Or at least, it can be an absolute nightmare if you let it.
Spyware is generally very simple to detect and remove if you've got the right antidote: in this case, anti-spyware.
But before we get to the anti part, let's see what spyware is and how it gets into your computer.
Spyware is malicious software programs than sneak onto your computer, run in the background so you can't see them, and generally snoop on what you're doing.
They watch internet surfing habits, keyboard strokes and window activity, then report all or part of that back to some higher authority.
This means they could discover how much you need to improve your golf swing, but much more seriously, they could get hold of your online banking password.
When you connect to the internet, you are basically opening the door to spyware.
That's not to say you shouldn't go online at all in fear of spyware, but you should be aware of what spyware is and how it might try to work it's way into your computer.
#1 - Bundled downloads.
Be wary of what you're downloading and from where.
Spyware sometimes comes bundled as "search assistants" or "toolbars" with other programs.
Be very sure you only install what you want to install.
#2 - Hacked web pages.
If a website has been compromised and you're not using the latest version of your webbrowser, you might be susceptible to attack.
Be sure you always keep all your software up to date.
#3 - Suspicious emails.
Never, never, never click on attachments in emails from people you don't know.
It's that easy.
If someone you do know sends you an EXE attachment, email them back and make sure they sent it deliberately, and it isn't a virus or spyware.
So now what? How do you remove the spyware from your computer? With some anti-spyware of course! Anti spyware scans for, detects and then permanently removes any spyware hidden on your computer.
It's generally free to download and perform the scan (so you can see how bad the situation actually is), and then you activate the software and it'll remove all your problems.
Anti spyware is generally paid because a lot of work goes into keeping the databases current with all the latest spyware releases.
Protect yourself from spyware with some anti spyware today.
You have plenty to lose, so be safe while you're online.