by Erik M. Dell

Created on: May 09, 2011   Last Updated: May 10, 2011

Spyware is a type of malware that is designed to secretly spy on you and your information while you use the computer.  Most spyware has a key logger installed that keeps a text log of everything you type and then secretly transmits this information without your knowledge.  Passwords, usernames, account numbers, social security numbers and anything else you type while filling out forms is packaged up and sent to the host computer.

The trouble with spyware is that it is extremely difficult to remove often requiring someone who knows more about computing than the average user.  Another annoying thing about spyware is that unless you actively are searching for it you are not likely to know it has even infected your computer.

There are two common methods of getting a spyware program installed onto your computer, either through “free” programs such as LimeWire and Kazaa or by being tricked into it.  Both require users to “consent” to the install, usually without their knowledge they are installing actual spyware.  Kazaa and LimeWire are notorious for infections and all kinds of other nasty bugs, often messing up the computer so bad that it needs a complete rebuild.  The trickery comes in the form of popups that look very official and all it takes is an errant click for some fictitious program to install.

The good news is that these types of nasty infections are often preventable. By following a few simple tips you can keep in the clear when surfing the vastness of the Internet.

1)  Use a different internet browser.  Internet Explorer is constantly being targeted by hackers.  The reason for that is simple, Microsoft Windows in on a majority of home computers thereby allowing for a larger market share.  In order to get completely out of that loop and decrease the likelihood that your computer will become infected switch to a different browser.

There are a decent amount of options for those who want to switch browsers.  The most popular alternative tends to be Mozilla’s Firefox but I personally use Google Chrome on my laptop and Apple’s Safari on my Mac (which is also available to Windows machines).  This is perhaps the best thing you can do to prevent not only spyware installs but also other nasty viruses from infecting your computer.

2)  Don’t download movies or music!  At least don’t download them from sketchy sites.  If you stick to major companies

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>