Monday, March 06, 2006

Simple Facts about spyware and adware programs

Simple Facts about spyware and adware programs

Installed covertly
Undetectable
Steals personal information
Difficult to locate and remove
Hidden in web pages
Slows down your PC
Hijacks your homepage
Inflicts multiple pop-ups
PC can crash or freeze up

Spyware and adware is usually installed covertly simply by visiting a web page where it is embedded in the source code. When your PC downloads that page for viewing, it inadvertantly installs the unwanted program to your system.

Spyware and Adware is undetectable to the eye. The only visible clue to its existence is when your PC or modem lights are flashing wildly without reason.

These programs are stealthy thieves that can lift your personal information during keystroke activity. They can also search your hard drive for previously inputted personal data. Stealing personal info can lead to identity theft as well as credit card fraud.

Even if you are somehow aware of its existence on your PC, it is next to impossible to locate and remove without the aid a removal program.

More of the effects of spyware and adware can include slower computer speeds, multiple pop-up ads from advertisers unrelated to the web page you are on, re-direction or hijacking of your homepage from MSN or whatever you have to possible porn sites or gambling pages.

Your PC can eventually become so bogged down that it will freeze up or crash completely as the parasites multiply and confuse the command center of your hard drive.

A good anti spyware removal tool is a quick and inexpensive way to protect your PC from these pesky and sometimes lethal viral parasites. The Yahoo toolbar has a free anti spyware removal tool built right in.

If this blog seems a little slanted toward the eradication of spyware and other malware, it's for good reason. I speak from experience and frustration and look forward to the day when these potential threats are no longer on the virtual horizon.