How To Detect Spyware On Your Computer
Spyware is a constant and real threat to computer users around the world. Having an understanding of, and being able to detect spyware, is a skill that every person that owns a computer should have. The term spyware usually refers to software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge and runs in the background quietly gathering information about your computer files, login passwords and online activities. Usually the software will then send the information that it gathers to a third party, once again without your knowledge. Although laws have been passed in the United States regarding the illegalities of spyware, it still remains a prevalent problem across the country.
The proliferation of spyware amongst PC users is in a large part due to Internet Explorer, and its use of Active X components. Users have become so used to installing these components as a part of their regular web browsing routine, that they no longer question what these components are, or what sort of damage they may do. This means that anyone who is not knowledgeable about spyware detection and removal is under threat.
Active X installation isn’t the only way that spyware can be introduced to your system, however. Another very common trick is that the software “piggy backs” itself on top of a legitimate application. This is especially so for peer to peer file sharing programs, where the computer user will willingly agree to the installation of third party products in order to use the free software. It is these third party products that then quietly run in the background, starting as part of the Windows startup routine, and gather information throughout the day.
The functionality of spyware is not limited to the gathering of information, however. It is common for these programs to use that information to change the user’s homepage on their browser, and display pop up advertisements at random intervals, based on the users surfing habits. Suffering from pop up windows and modified homepages is the best case scenario, unfortunately. Much worse is the spyware that reports back to its owner with all of your private information, including bank account logins and passwords, email history, and all sorts of other personal information. Identity theft is as much of a problem now as it was years ago, although most financial institutions have gone to great lengths to minimize the risk of spyware being able to obtain this information.
The easiest way to know if your computer has been infected is to use spyware detection software, but there are some tell tale signs that you should always be on the look out for as well. More often than not, if spyware has been installed on your machine, you will notice a decrease in performance on your computer. Programs may take longer to load than usual, and websites may hang while browsing because of increased network activity. The installation of one spyware program on your machine makes it more likely that you will end up with more, as the spyware will quite often lower your computers defences by disabling firewalls and anti virus software. Once a computer is infected with multiple types of spyware, it can become extremely difficult to clean up, and many users go to the extreme of buying a new computer because their old one has slowed down so much. Unfortunately, in the long run, their new computer is going to follow the same fate unless they start taking some preventative measures. Even the best netbooks are not immune from spyware. In reality, the most extreme measure that needs to be taken is a format of the hard drive and reinstallation of all the software, but the majority of computer users do not know how to perform this task, and assume, quite often rightly, that hiring a professional to clean their systems will cost them as much as buying a new computer.
As always, the best cure is prevention, and there are steps that you can take that will greatly minimize your risk of succumbing to spyware. First and foremost, keep your web browser up to date. If you absolutely must use Internet Explorer, make sure that automatic updates are turned on so that you receive updates as they are released. New spyware is introduced every day, and the updates are designed to close security holes that are found by these programs. Even better, ditch IE completely and treat yourself to an installation of Firefox or Google Chrome. It will take you a couple of days to get used to a new browser, but your computer will be a lot safer as a result.
As far as software is concerned, there are three main players that are considered the best spyware detection software. These are Ad Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Microsoft’s own Malicious Software Removal Tool. The best thing that you can do is install all three of these programs, run a full system scan on your machine with each one, rebooting between scans, and then allow them to automatically update whenever they need to and leave them running in the background constantly. These programs are the only sure fire way you are going to eliminate spyware from your computer completely. Any spyware wanting access to your personal life is going to have a very hard time getting past these defences.
