Computer Security >> How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware
Spyware is software that collects your personal information without your knowledge or permission. The information that spyware collect ranges from all the web sites you have visited to sensitive information including your usernames and passwords, credit card numbers, bank accounts and social security number. Such information is sent to the thieves who have created the spyware. Spyware are a dangerous threat to all computer users. There are many web sites that are infected with spyware. Visiting an infected web site can let spyware sneak into your computer.
Most spyware can slow your computer to a halt. If you notice your computer becomes extremely slow all of sudden, there is a good chance that it is infected by spyware. Some spyware force computer users to go to bad web sites. If you can’t seem to go to popular web sites like Google or Yahoo, the culprit may be the spyware secretly installed on your computer.
Spyware has surpassed computer virus as the top threat to computer users. Because of the widespread of spyware, some computer users have become victims of identity theft as a result.
Common Symptoms of Spyware Infection
- Computer performance is very slow or unresponsive.
- You will get constant bombardment of pop-up ads
- Your home page is changed to unknown website.
- You can’t go to popular web sites like Yahoo and Google.
Common Sources of Spyware
- File sharing and music sharing services like KaZaa.
- Free software from the internet, such as screen savers.
- Pop-up ad and free online offerings
- Web sites that have been infected by spyware.
Free Anti-Spyware Software for Spyware Removal
How to Protect Your Computer Against Spyware
Spyware are getting smarter everyday. There are many anti-spyware programs, however, no single anti-spyware can remove all known spyware. Sometimes it is necessary to install and run more than one anti-spyware programs to completely remove all spyware. It is important to run anti-spyware programs on a regular basis.
To achieve maximum protection, we highly recommend installing a firewall program that blocks any attempt by spyware to send stolen information out of your computer. You can download the free edition of ZoneAlarm from www.ZoneLabs.com.