Spyware is a big threat. Although most internet users are oblivious to the dangers lurking on the next website they visit, an estimated 17 million people in the USA have been effected by identity theft in the last 5 years alone. The biggest problem with spyware is that you probably won't even know you have it. After all, it's really meant to operate under stealth and steal your information without you even knowing it.

So how do you get spyware on your computer? Can it just mysteriously find it's way unto your computer and is it really that dangerous just to surf the web? In reality it all depend on your surfing habits because some sites will have a greater threat than others.

The problem is just that spyware threats come from so many different angles these days, that you really have to cover all bases to ensure you are safe. Let's quickly look at the 7 most common sources of spyware and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. File sharing Sites

P2P (peer to peer) file sharing sites has grown dramatically in the last few years and so-called Torrent sites is the latest crazy amongst file sharers. This is the perfect hangout for hackers and spies and they can easily pass spyware along to millions of users under the disguise of movies, music or software.

2. Downloads

Downloading music, movies or software can pose a serious risk - especially if you download from the wrong sites. To be safe, make sure you stick to well known and legitimate sites.

3. Adult Sites

Adult sites are desperate for your business and they will do anything in their power to "seduce" you into whipping out your credit card. They mostly employ adware to entice you into buying a membership from them

4. Shareware and Freeware Software

Although freeware and shareware software is in large a great concept, there are some hackers who abuse the system and create phony applications that mask their spyware. Be careful and only download from the big Shareware sites like Downloads.com and Tucows.com

5. Unknown emails

Every day we are bombarded with spam emails. We all hate it, but every now and again there's an email message that sounds so enticing that we just have to look. As soon as you open that email, you are exposed to the threat of spyware.

Steering clear from all these potential sources of spyware just won't make sense. There's no point being online if you can't take part in everything it has to offer. Protecting yourself with an antivirus tool and a good spyware remover can greatly reduce your risk and even eliminate it completely.

The best protection is still your own eyes and ears. Whenever you get on a site or download anything that looks suspicious, just close it immediately. It's never worth taking the chance. Be careful with sites that have a lot of pop up advertising and when you are offered free games, free ringtones or free music be cautious.