Beware Of Spyware -- Steps To Take To Protect Your Computer
Word Count:
409
Summary:
Spyware refers to malicious software that takes partial control of a computer's operation through unauthorized access without the computers owners' knowledge or consent, and has become one of the biggest security threats to computer users today.
Spyware exploits infected computers for commercial gain, usually by including unsolicited pop-up advertisements; by monitoring the users' online activities; by routing http requests to advertising sites; or by stealing personal inf...
Keywords:
spyware,spyware removal,spyware remover,anti spyware,spyware cleaner, spyware detector,spyware scan
Article Body:
Spyware refers to malicious software that takes partial control of a computer's operation through unauthorized access without the computers owners' knowledge or consent, and has become one of the biggest security threats to computer users today.
Spyware exploits infected computers for commercial gain, usually by including unsolicited pop-up advertisements; by monitoring the users' online activities; by routing http requests to advertising sites; or by stealing personal information such as financial information. In fact, it is estimated that identity-thieves have stolen over US$ 24 billion worth of account information in the United States alone.
Spyware most often infects a computer by piggybacking on a desirable software and the user unknowingly downloading and installing it. Spyware also often lurks in rogue anti-spyware programs that pretend to be security software. Spyware also comes bundled with shareware or other downloadable software and music CDs.
Yet another method of distributing spyware involves tricking computer users by manipulating security features designed to prevent unwanted installations. For example, surfers using the Internet Explorer web browser may unwittingly click on a command prompt that appears to be a Windows dialog box, when in actual fact it initiates the spyware download.
With the spyware threat worsening, several anti-spyware programs have emerged that are designed to counteract or remove spyware. Programs such as Ad-Aware SE and Spybot - Search & Destroy are some of the more popular and effective tools to remove and intercept spyware programs. Microsoft has also released Windows AntiSpyware to combat the spyware problem. Other popular anti-spyware programs include Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor, XoftSpy, and CounterSpy.
Anti-virus firms Symantec, McAfee and Sophos, while reluctant initially to add anti-spyware features to their anti-virus products, have finally added anti-spyware features to the recent versions of their anti-virus products.
Computer users have also become savvier in detecting spyware. Many users now install a web browser other than Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE), such as Opera or Mozilla Firefox which are not as vulnerable as IE is to spyware - though that is not to say that Opera and Firefox have not suffered from similar security vulnerabilities. No one single browser is 100% safe, as "security" all depends on the person using the browser.
Some internet service providers, especially colleges and universities, block spyware by using their network firewalls and web proxies to block access to Web sites known to install spyware.
Spyware sometimes hide in shareware programs offered for download, so downloading programs only from reputable sources provides some protection from this source of attack.
Showing posts with label anti spyware. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti spyware. Show all posts
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Basic Spyware Tips
Basic Spyware Tips
Word Count:
800
Summary:
Nowadays, it's a sad but true fact that spyware and adware programs are a far greater threat to your internet security than the dreaded computer viruses. Indeed, spyware, adware and other so-called malware (such as key loggers and trojan horses) actually constitute the biggest single online threat to your privacy and the security of your data...
Keywords:
spyware,removal spyware,anti spyware,adware spyware,adware remover spyware,free spyware
Article Body:
Nowadays, it's a sad but true fact that spyware and adware programs are a far greater threat to your internet security than the dreaded computer viruses. Indeed, spyware, adware and other so-called malware (such as key loggers and trojan horses) actually constitute the biggest single online threat to your privacy and the security of your data.
It's also a major reason for system slowdowns on computers, as these types of programs generally use up precious system resources including RAM (memory) and hard drive space.
So, let’s look at some basic facts about spyware and adware, where these programs come from, what they are, and what you can do about protecting yourself.
Spyware comes in various guises and forms, but basically, it is a program or piece of information that is secretly placed on your computer, that sends data about you or your computer habits to someone else on the Internet, without your knowledge. This can be a company that is collecting data, or a thief seeking to steal access to your computer or the information held in your database (passwords, credit card details and so on).
Spyware can also be a program that places unwanted ads on your computer, often in the form of a malicious cookie. A cookie is a little piece of information placed in your web browser to track your web habits, which, in its more generally benign form, is useful as, for example, a web site can see you have visited it before and let you on without a registration process. Again, in its more benign guise, a cookie can help you by keeping track of your progress through a web store. They are also used to customize website ads to your likes and dislikes.
But, obviously, when they are used for spyware or adware purposes, a cookie is not a welcome guest on your PC!
Spyware programs can get into your computer in several different ways. Sometimes they arrive as an automatic download from a website you are surfing. Porn and online gambling sites are notorious for this, for example.
Sometimes, if you download a free or illegal piece of software, they are embedded in the installation process, or spyware can get on your computer via an email attachment that you shouldn't have opened. (Tip here - if an e-mail comes from an unrecognized source with an attachment, DO NOT open it - it's almost guaranteed to be some sort of program that you definitely don't want!)
Spyware and adware are bad news for several reasons:
They hog precious system resources like memory and hard disk space. If you computer runs much slower than it did previously, then it probably is infected with spyware. If you have never done a spyware scan, then it’s almost guaranteed that there is spyware on your system slowing things down.
They can seriously compromise your privacy and security, providing outsiders with information about your computer habits. For example, by installing a keylogger, spyware can capture your keystrokes and send it to a third party.
This can potentially expose your user IDs and passwords to thieves.
Other program such as trojans which allows someone to log into your computer remotely and use it for their own purposes like sending spam or launching malicious attacks on other computers on the Internet, making it look like you are at fault.
So, it’s bad! Let’s look at how to get rd of it.
There are lots of both paid and free anti-spyware programs out there, and, like all things in life, some are better than others. The question often asked is, which is better, a free program or a paid one.
The simple answer is that the best approach is a combination of the two, and, unlike anti-virus programs, you can run more than one anti-spyware program on your system without any problems.
First thing to do is to install the totally free Spybot Search and Destroy program, which will eliminate 70-85 per cent of all known spyware.
The, invest a little money in a good paid program like Spyware Doctor, NoAdware or Spyware Nuker to complete the job for you. Yes, I know that it means spending some money, but if it can prevent someone stealing your credit card details, for example, then it's a sure fire thing that its going to be money well spent.
Another advantage of the paid programs is that they generally have a more effective "pro-active" nature to them than the free programs do. In other words, they are usually far better at stopping spyware and adware actually getting into your PC in the first place, and, clearly, preventing the problem is far easier and less time consuming than having to deal with it once your PC becomes infected. To read more, http://webbiz99.com/spywareadware/
Word Count:
800
Summary:
Nowadays, it's a sad but true fact that spyware and adware programs are a far greater threat to your internet security than the dreaded computer viruses. Indeed, spyware, adware and other so-called malware (such as key loggers and trojan horses) actually constitute the biggest single online threat to your privacy and the security of your data...
Keywords:
spyware,removal spyware,anti spyware,adware spyware,adware remover spyware,free spyware
Article Body:
Nowadays, it's a sad but true fact that spyware and adware programs are a far greater threat to your internet security than the dreaded computer viruses. Indeed, spyware, adware and other so-called malware (such as key loggers and trojan horses) actually constitute the biggest single online threat to your privacy and the security of your data.
It's also a major reason for system slowdowns on computers, as these types of programs generally use up precious system resources including RAM (memory) and hard drive space.
So, let’s look at some basic facts about spyware and adware, where these programs come from, what they are, and what you can do about protecting yourself.
Spyware comes in various guises and forms, but basically, it is a program or piece of information that is secretly placed on your computer, that sends data about you or your computer habits to someone else on the Internet, without your knowledge. This can be a company that is collecting data, or a thief seeking to steal access to your computer or the information held in your database (passwords, credit card details and so on).
Spyware can also be a program that places unwanted ads on your computer, often in the form of a malicious cookie. A cookie is a little piece of information placed in your web browser to track your web habits, which, in its more generally benign form, is useful as, for example, a web site can see you have visited it before and let you on without a registration process. Again, in its more benign guise, a cookie can help you by keeping track of your progress through a web store. They are also used to customize website ads to your likes and dislikes.
But, obviously, when they are used for spyware or adware purposes, a cookie is not a welcome guest on your PC!
Spyware programs can get into your computer in several different ways. Sometimes they arrive as an automatic download from a website you are surfing. Porn and online gambling sites are notorious for this, for example.
Sometimes, if you download a free or illegal piece of software, they are embedded in the installation process, or spyware can get on your computer via an email attachment that you shouldn't have opened. (Tip here - if an e-mail comes from an unrecognized source with an attachment, DO NOT open it - it's almost guaranteed to be some sort of program that you definitely don't want!)
Spyware and adware are bad news for several reasons:
They hog precious system resources like memory and hard disk space. If you computer runs much slower than it did previously, then it probably is infected with spyware. If you have never done a spyware scan, then it’s almost guaranteed that there is spyware on your system slowing things down.
They can seriously compromise your privacy and security, providing outsiders with information about your computer habits. For example, by installing a keylogger, spyware can capture your keystrokes and send it to a third party.
This can potentially expose your user IDs and passwords to thieves.
Other program such as trojans which allows someone to log into your computer remotely and use it for their own purposes like sending spam or launching malicious attacks on other computers on the Internet, making it look like you are at fault.
So, it’s bad! Let’s look at how to get rd of it.
There are lots of both paid and free anti-spyware programs out there, and, like all things in life, some are better than others. The question often asked is, which is better, a free program or a paid one.
The simple answer is that the best approach is a combination of the two, and, unlike anti-virus programs, you can run more than one anti-spyware program on your system without any problems.
First thing to do is to install the totally free Spybot Search and Destroy program, which will eliminate 70-85 per cent of all known spyware.
The, invest a little money in a good paid program like Spyware Doctor, NoAdware or Spyware Nuker to complete the job for you. Yes, I know that it means spending some money, but if it can prevent someone stealing your credit card details, for example, then it's a sure fire thing that its going to be money well spent.
Another advantage of the paid programs is that they generally have a more effective "pro-active" nature to them than the free programs do. In other words, they are usually far better at stopping spyware and adware actually getting into your PC in the first place, and, clearly, preventing the problem is far easier and less time consuming than having to deal with it once your PC becomes infected. To read more, http://webbiz99.com/spywareadware/
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Anti Spyware
Anti Spyware
Word Count:
302
Summary:
Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept a computer’s operation without the user’s consent or knowledge.
Keywords:
Spyware, Remove Spyware, Free Spyware, Anti Spyware
Article Body:
Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept a computer’s operation without the user’s consent or knowledge.
Anti-spyware programs offer real time protection, and scanning and removal. Real time protection functions similar to real time anti-virus protection. That is, the program monitors all incoming data by scanning all the files that the user tries to download from the Internet, and blocks the activity of components that represent spyware. Real time protection also blocks any unauthorized attempts made to install startup programs or to change the browser settings. The scanning and removal features offered by most anti-spyware programs are simple. The program scans the contents of the operating system files, Windows registry, and installed programs and removes any entry or file which tallies with those in the already existing list of identified spyware components.
Anti-spyware programs also require a frequently updated database of latest spyware components. Whenever a new spyware is released, the anti-spyware developers discover and evaluate them, and create “definitions” or “signatures” which help the anti-spyware programs to identify and remove the spyware. Hence, it is highly recommended to update the anti-spyware program frequently to ensure protection.
Major anti-virus firms including McAfee, Symantec, and Sophos have added anti-spyware features to their existing anti-virus products.
Anti-spyware programs of recognized companies are usually not available for free use; occasionally the manufacturers allow a free trial, enabling only certain features. Very often they only provide free scanning; the actual removal of the spyware is possible only with a registered version of the product. Because fake anti-spyware programs that are actually spyware exist, one should not be put off by the price of legitimate software and the protection it offers.
Word Count:
302
Summary:
Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept a computer’s operation without the user’s consent or knowledge.
Keywords:
Spyware, Remove Spyware, Free Spyware, Anti Spyware
Article Body:
Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept a computer’s operation without the user’s consent or knowledge.
Anti-spyware programs offer real time protection, and scanning and removal. Real time protection functions similar to real time anti-virus protection. That is, the program monitors all incoming data by scanning all the files that the user tries to download from the Internet, and blocks the activity of components that represent spyware. Real time protection also blocks any unauthorized attempts made to install startup programs or to change the browser settings. The scanning and removal features offered by most anti-spyware programs are simple. The program scans the contents of the operating system files, Windows registry, and installed programs and removes any entry or file which tallies with those in the already existing list of identified spyware components.
Anti-spyware programs also require a frequently updated database of latest spyware components. Whenever a new spyware is released, the anti-spyware developers discover and evaluate them, and create “definitions” or “signatures” which help the anti-spyware programs to identify and remove the spyware. Hence, it is highly recommended to update the anti-spyware program frequently to ensure protection.
Major anti-virus firms including McAfee, Symantec, and Sophos have added anti-spyware features to their existing anti-virus products.
Anti-spyware programs of recognized companies are usually not available for free use; occasionally the manufacturers allow a free trial, enabling only certain features. Very often they only provide free scanning; the actual removal of the spyware is possible only with a registered version of the product. Because fake anti-spyware programs that are actually spyware exist, one should not be put off by the price of legitimate software and the protection it offers.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Another Fine Mess!
Another Fine Mess!
Word Count:
390
Summary:
I'm in the Anti-Spyware business, and I'm doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to.....who? Strangers basically, Geez!.
Keywords:
spyware,adware,malware,identity theft,anti virus,anti spyware
Article Body:
I was reading an excellent article today titled “Identity Theft” by Judith Collins at eWeek.com, when it got me to thinking.... I'm in the Anti-Spyware business, and I'm doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to.....who? Strangers basically, Geez!.
The majority of identity thefts occur thru contractors employing people in entry-level jobs that have not been properly screened. Not even Hackers,Phishers or Dumpster Divers account for as many! The ideal location for a Identity stealer would be in a out sourced agency that fails to use adequate screening processes.
I've read many articles lately that state we need stricter guidelines and procedures to insure we have proper security as consumers. A set of universal rules that would be adhered to by all. To even think of the enormous complexity of this project staggers the mind!
So here I am, I want to take a advertisement out at a prestigious magazine that is published in a traditional print paper and online. I may have to deal with people online and on the phone.I give my name, address, phone number, and……my credit card number! EGAD, what am I doing?
Then my common sense and education about matters such as these kicks in and I rationalize that these companies would not be in business if they couldn’t keep their customers happy. But,accidents happen.
So you see my dilemma. I know computer security and Spyware, and the vulnerabilities and strengths when dealing online. Its just a little new to me to trust, when I know the ramifications to me personally if my Identity were to be used for ill-gotten gain.
I know after all these years of being a, OK I admit it, a slightly paranoid online user, that I need to make myself a little vunerable so I can better succeed in my online business.
Ive been where the people who contact me asking for help are; a place in their minds of anger, frustration and helplessness.
But then as I said earlier, common sense and education about Spyware wins over and I take a deep breath and go on.
The California Attorney General has a excellent website for Identity Theft at
http://caag.state.ca.us/idtheft/
Word Count:
390
Summary:
I'm in the Anti-Spyware business, and I'm doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to.....who? Strangers basically, Geez!.
Keywords:
spyware,adware,malware,identity theft,anti virus,anti spyware
Article Body:
I was reading an excellent article today titled “Identity Theft” by Judith Collins at eWeek.com, when it got me to thinking.... I'm in the Anti-Spyware business, and I'm doing a lot of advertising to promote my website, but here I am online and on the phone, giving my personal information to.....who? Strangers basically, Geez!.
The majority of identity thefts occur thru contractors employing people in entry-level jobs that have not been properly screened. Not even Hackers,Phishers or Dumpster Divers account for as many! The ideal location for a Identity stealer would be in a out sourced agency that fails to use adequate screening processes.
I've read many articles lately that state we need stricter guidelines and procedures to insure we have proper security as consumers. A set of universal rules that would be adhered to by all. To even think of the enormous complexity of this project staggers the mind!
So here I am, I want to take a advertisement out at a prestigious magazine that is published in a traditional print paper and online. I may have to deal with people online and on the phone.I give my name, address, phone number, and……my credit card number! EGAD, what am I doing?
Then my common sense and education about matters such as these kicks in and I rationalize that these companies would not be in business if they couldn’t keep their customers happy. But,accidents happen.
So you see my dilemma. I know computer security and Spyware, and the vulnerabilities and strengths when dealing online. Its just a little new to me to trust, when I know the ramifications to me personally if my Identity were to be used for ill-gotten gain.
I know after all these years of being a, OK I admit it, a slightly paranoid online user, that I need to make myself a little vunerable so I can better succeed in my online business.
Ive been where the people who contact me asking for help are; a place in their minds of anger, frustration and helplessness.
But then as I said earlier, common sense and education about Spyware wins over and I take a deep breath and go on.
The California Attorney General has a excellent website for Identity Theft at
http://caag.state.ca.us/idtheft/
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Adware and Spyware Removers – A Beginner's Primer
Adware and Spyware Removers – A Beginner's Primer
Word Count:
591
Summary:
The Internet is a vast resource of information and users all over the world are able to download whatever programs they see fit onto their computer. Unfortunately, having an open connection to the world also can be dangerous in today's online environment, particularly when you look at the rise of ad
Keywords:
spyware, spyware removers, anti spyware
Article Body:
The Internet is a vast resource of information and users all over the world are able to download whatever programs they see fit onto their computer. Unfortunately, having an open connection to the world also can be dangerous in today's online environment, particularly when you look at the rise of adware & spyware applications that can be downloaded onto your computer without you even knowing it.
You may have heard about spyware and adware from some of the tech geeks at work, but what does it actually mean to you? Surely, these kind of things only affect business computers and servers, right? Wrong. Spyware and adware can be downloaded onto any computer, regardless of whether you're at work or surfing the web at home. It doesn't even sometimes come from what you would think would be the most likely candidates: porn sites, gambling sites & other illegal material. The unfortunate part is that sometimes companies that we think to be reputable can actually be using spyware as well to track your every move.
Spyware and adware do not work like a typical virus. Normally they are not as malicious, but they can be just as annoying and incredibly difficult to get rid of. They usually end up appearing on your web browser as a new toolbar up on top, and/or triggering random pop-up ads at certain times. What's happening is these programs are being downloaded and keeping track of your information: the web sites you've been to, your search history in Google, Yahoo or another search engine....possibly even your passwords. They're also doing things that use up your computer's valuable resources or hijacking your homepage and switching it to some random search site automatically.
You can quickly see what a nuisance this can be, particularly if you end up having a lot of these programs downloaded to your computer. Such applications, when triggered almost simultanously, can cause you serious problems and a lot of time and effort in repair after the fact. Fortunately, however, there are many spyware removers and anti spyware programs that are available to you that you can download; some even have free trial versions. Nine times out of ten, they are very simple to use and can root out files and cookies on your computer that are associated with spyware.
That said, once you download one of these applications, you must be vigilant and remember to use the program on at least a weekly basis in order to avoid further outbreaks. It helps to download a spyware remover program that also contains an adware shield of some sort that is running in the background and blocks the download of a new piece of spyware before it occurs.
Also, be sure to always know what kind of a link you're clicking before you click on it, even if it is from someone you think you know. Usually, spam e-mails contain “click here” links that will download some piece of spyware, but your friend might send you a link on AIM or something without even knowing that it is a link to download spyware. These incidents are more common than you might think. Again, a spyware remover program that runs in the background can be of great help here.
If you know how to protect your computer from spyware before it gets downloaded, then you'll be much better off, and you'll be able to surf the web freely and safely without having to call up the PC tech place down the street to fix your computer for outrageous fees.
Word Count:
591
Summary:
The Internet is a vast resource of information and users all over the world are able to download whatever programs they see fit onto their computer. Unfortunately, having an open connection to the world also can be dangerous in today's online environment, particularly when you look at the rise of ad
Keywords:
spyware, spyware removers, anti spyware
Article Body:
The Internet is a vast resource of information and users all over the world are able to download whatever programs they see fit onto their computer. Unfortunately, having an open connection to the world also can be dangerous in today's online environment, particularly when you look at the rise of adware & spyware applications that can be downloaded onto your computer without you even knowing it.
You may have heard about spyware and adware from some of the tech geeks at work, but what does it actually mean to you? Surely, these kind of things only affect business computers and servers, right? Wrong. Spyware and adware can be downloaded onto any computer, regardless of whether you're at work or surfing the web at home. It doesn't even sometimes come from what you would think would be the most likely candidates: porn sites, gambling sites & other illegal material. The unfortunate part is that sometimes companies that we think to be reputable can actually be using spyware as well to track your every move.
Spyware and adware do not work like a typical virus. Normally they are not as malicious, but they can be just as annoying and incredibly difficult to get rid of. They usually end up appearing on your web browser as a new toolbar up on top, and/or triggering random pop-up ads at certain times. What's happening is these programs are being downloaded and keeping track of your information: the web sites you've been to, your search history in Google, Yahoo or another search engine....possibly even your passwords. They're also doing things that use up your computer's valuable resources or hijacking your homepage and switching it to some random search site automatically.
You can quickly see what a nuisance this can be, particularly if you end up having a lot of these programs downloaded to your computer. Such applications, when triggered almost simultanously, can cause you serious problems and a lot of time and effort in repair after the fact. Fortunately, however, there are many spyware removers and anti spyware programs that are available to you that you can download; some even have free trial versions. Nine times out of ten, they are very simple to use and can root out files and cookies on your computer that are associated with spyware.
That said, once you download one of these applications, you must be vigilant and remember to use the program on at least a weekly basis in order to avoid further outbreaks. It helps to download a spyware remover program that also contains an adware shield of some sort that is running in the background and blocks the download of a new piece of spyware before it occurs.
Also, be sure to always know what kind of a link you're clicking before you click on it, even if it is from someone you think you know. Usually, spam e-mails contain “click here” links that will download some piece of spyware, but your friend might send you a link on AIM or something without even knowing that it is a link to download spyware. These incidents are more common than you might think. Again, a spyware remover program that runs in the background can be of great help here.
If you know how to protect your computer from spyware before it gets downloaded, then you'll be much better off, and you'll be able to surf the web freely and safely without having to call up the PC tech place down the street to fix your computer for outrageous fees.
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