It is a fact that in this modern world, around ninety percent of personal computers are infected by spyware. This makes it one of the biggest internet threats that can stealthily wreak havoc on your computer while collecting all of your personal data. These malicious programs are written to silently bypass your anti-virus programs and firewalls. Fortunately, these spyware programs don’t replicate themselves as do viruses and worms.

In most cases, spyware is installed by the user when they install a freeware or shareware program. Once it is downloaded, the program begins collecting information for the spyware writer’s use or for him to sell to a third party. P2P programs are renowned for downloads that possess spyware.

Whenever you download a program, you should always pay attention to the small print. Often, the publisher states that a spyware program is included and there are also some that carry an opt-out box that you can tick to stop the spyware from being included in your download.

Sometimes, spyware can access your computer through the practice of manipulating security features that prevent unwanted downloads. These programs are designed so that even if you choose the button to stop the download, the spyware program will start.

The third common method of spyware infection is through attacking security holes in the browser or other software programs. When you go to a webpage that is controlled by a spyware writer, there is code that attacks the browser and forces the installation of spyware.

Spyware is malicious and can perform a number of tasks on your computer, ranging from annoying to aggressive in nature. Spyware can:

•Scan your hard drive for files

•Monitor keystrokes for reporting

•Look through applications on your desktop

•Read your cookies

•Steal credit card and other personal information

•Deliver pop up advertisements

•Change default settings

•Mutate into second generation of spyware

•Slow down your computer

to prevent your computer from being attacked by spyware, there are a couple of steps you can take.

Buy a reliable anti-spyware program such as AdAware or Windows Antispyware.

Alternatively, use the antispyware software as part of an antivirus package such as Norton, McAfee, or Symantec.

Anti-spyware software provides real-time protection, scanning and removal of any spyware that is found on your computer. Make sure you update your antivirus software regularly.

Internet Explorer itself is often to blame for the spyware problem because the spyware programs often attach to it through its weaknesses. This has led to many users switching to other browsers but if you are continuing to use Internet Explorer, then you need to update the security patches on a regular basis. Also, when downloading programs, only download from a reputable source.

If however, your computer has been infected with a lot of spyware, you may have no alternative but to backup your data and completely reinstall the operating system.

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