Spyware is a type of malicious software that can enters into your computer via web browser when you are connected to internet and this spyware sends your computer information over the internet without your permission. Spyware remains hidden from you on your computer, steals your information and contact remote location when internet connection is on. It even can damage your computer system. Spyware are created by hackers to collect information such as user’s personal and financial information including bank account numbers, passwords, name and emails. So it is very important for every internet user to know about it and should ready to stop it. Here are some questions that may arise in users mind regarding spyware and their answers.How spyware enter into your computer system?
The main sources of spyware software are websites offering free software to download. Regular Internet users have tendency to download free available software online and this tendency makes user’s system more vulnerable to online threats like spyware, malware and adware. Second source may be free offers and digital items across websites such as free wallpapers and screensavers. Most of the time spyware presents on websites containing screensavers.
Whenever you click to download screensaver or wallpaper, spyware also started to download and you remain unaware about the installation of hidden threats like spyware. But it doesn’t mean that every site offering screensaver and wallpaper contains spyware. Pop up ads are another main source of spyware that generally opens with websites you are visiting. Spyware sometimes install through a type of advertisement called adware when you visit particular website. Not all adware or pop ups that open in separate window are infected with spyware. Whenever you click on messages like “You have won prize! Click here!” or “Free download screensavers” there are probably high chances of getting your system infected. Spyware installs with screensavers, wallpapers or free software and generally you remain unaware about it.
How to detect that your computer is infected with spyware?
There are various symptoms from which you can decide whether your computer is spyware infected or not. Some symptoms are
1. System suddenly running slow.
2. Pop up windows appearing even if you are not connected to internet.
3. Speed of internet goes on decreasing.
4. Computer applications taking too long to run.
5. Change in settings of web browsers.
6. You are redirected to other web address.
7. Computer crashes frequently.
8. Rise in Processes and CPU/MEMORY usage.
9. Can’t open webpage even if you are connected to internet.
10. You can’t install Antivirus software.
11. Antivirus and Firewall gets disable.
How to prevent spyware from entering into your computer system?
Here are some methods to prevent spyware:
1. Use secure web browsers:
Use of secure web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox can prevent malicious attacks on your computer up to some extent. Firefox has several add-ons available on security issues. Add-ons such as No script and WOT can be helpful as it blocks Popup and Scripts. You can permit or blocks scripts according to your choice. WOT (Web of Trust) is a type of add-on available in Firefox which gives feedback according to reputation of website you are visiting. It shows whether the websites you are visiting are trusted or not. Ad block plus add-on will block unwanted ads which download with WebPages.
2. Install Antivirus, Antispyware and Firewall:
Use updated Anti Virus and Antispyware software to keep system protected from online threats. Update security software regularly so that this security software can remains in touch with the definitions of recent spyware and viruses. Firewall is another important weapon you can use against spyware and every internet connection must have it. Firewall and internet security suits can prevent unauthorized access of internet from various suspicious processes.
3. Use Ad blocker and popup blocker
There are specialized ad blockers and popup blocker software available in the market or you can download it online from recognized websites. It blocks ads and popup from where most of the spyware enters into your system.
4. Avoid installation of software from unknown websites. Download spyware tested software only. There are websites such as cnet.com which provides reviews on software. Software provided on cnet.com is spyware tested and available for download.
5. Don’t click messages asking to download wallpapers and screensavers. Remember not all wallpaper and screensaver sites are infected but some sites may harm your computer.
6. Update operating system regularly so that it can get latest updates on security.
How to remove spyware?
For removing spyware best option is formatting and reinstallation of operating system. You can use Antispyware and Antivirus software to remove spyware if you don’t want to reinstall system. Remember to take backup of all important data regularly so in case of system crash or disk failure you will not loose important data. Try to restore system to previous date when computer was working properly.
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