Spyware is intrusive software that secretly downloads onto your computer. Spyware programs create a serious criminal intrusion problem for a business network because their main purpose is to steal private information.
Unlike a burglary--where broken glass and picked locks leave signs of attempted robbery--spyware can work for long periods of time without your knowledge, allowing data thieves to wait for the opportunity to access profitable information.
Spyware allows someone to view your screen and log your keystrokes so that passwords and personal information can be stolen. You can also find yourself facing an ongoing flow of pop-up advertisements (called Adware) and spam in your email. Spyware can control your Internet browser, redirecting you to undesirable pages.
Left undiscovered, spyware will remain on your computer and will even update itself.
Spyware most often arrives on your computer via covert Internet downloads disguised as innocent looking web components .
In some cases these are hidden in something that looks useful-- the Trojan horse technique. In other cases, spyware my be attached to downloads you agree to install. When you click on the “I accept” make sure that the terms of agreement don’t include allowing a third party to receive data based on your web activity.
To combat spyware, you need detection security software that identifies spyware in your system to recognize and thwart new attacks.
Be aware that protecting your network against spyware is not a “set and forget” proposition—there is no “cure” that will permanently remove spyware from your computers.
Rather, anti-spyware software must be monitored and updated. New threats must be met with new levels of protection. Additionally, you need to consider layers of protection, because no one anti-spyware program will be able to cover all threats. Your:
It also pays for all computer users to adopt a wary attitude if suspicious downloads are presented online or as a link from an email. Verify the legitimacy of anything that requires a sudden download or requests you put in sensitive information. If an information request or security alert seems suspicious, don’t install it without verification, and don’t ignore alerts that indicate that spyware may be present unless you are absolutely sure the site is not fake.
Spyware is the tool of computer information theft. The next time you type in sensitive personal information while online, take steps to insure that you are not being spied on.
Content Marketing Articles By: Scott Yoder