Common
Symptoms of Spyware:
While it is true that
not all spyware operates in the same way,
spyware applications do affect computers in
relatively the same manner. If you are
experiencing one or more of these symptoms,
chances are you have multiple spyware
infestations.
| Decreased System
Performance |
|
If your computer is running slower than it
used to or if you are experiencing frequent
system freezing or crashing, chances are it is
caused by spyware.
If your homepage is constantly changing or if
you find yourself being directed to websites
that you had no intention of visiting, spyware
is most likely the culprit. Spyware applications
can change your settings to reflect the homepage
of its choosing and can hijack your web-browsing
experience, taking you to websites you never
asked to visit.
If you feel like you're drowning in pop-up
ads, you probably have spyware to thank for it.
Many spyware programs track your Internet
activity and then display pop-up ads based on
your browsing habits. Not only are these pop-up
ads invasive and annoying, they also cause
serious issues with system stability and
performance.
If you experience frequent program errors or
if one or more of your programs has become
disabled, spyware may be the reason. It's not
uncommon for a spyware application to completely
disable a program or even an entire
computer.
| Ghostlike Computer
Activity |
|
If it feels like a ghost has access to your
computer, you may be half right. Spyware
infestations can result in an unauthorized party
having complete control over your system,
allowing them to open programs, delete files and
play all types of havoc with your
system.
If programs are being downloaded to your
system without your authorization or consent,
spyware is probably to blame. Spyware programs
can result in the unauthorized download of other
malware applications, putting you at even
further risk than you were initially..
Certain
spyware programs can act as dialers, making
phone calls to pay-per-minute numbers and
international destinations. This can take up
valuable system resources, but it can also
result in significant charges on your phone
bill, sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars
in a single month.
If your connectivity to the Internet is
sporadically interrupted, it's possible that
spyware is interfering with your connection. The
only way to restore your connection stability is
to utilize an effective anti-spyware
application.
A Commercial RAT application (or Remote
Administration Tool) is a technology that is
used by system administrators to control the
computers within their networks. When a
Commercial RAT program falls into the wrong
hands, it can quickly become a powerful spyware
application. If a hacker installs a commercial
RAT program on your system, that person can shut
down programs, delete your files and steal all
of the information on your hard drive.
P2P (or Peer to Peer) networks have become
extremely popular over the past decade. These
networks allow computer users to share files and
computer programs across the Internet. While P2P
networks have indeed proven to be a valuable
resource, they can also pose a serious spyware
threat. Many of the files and programs available
for download from these networks come bundled
with spyware applications. The minute you
download the file, you infect yourself and put
your information and your privacy at risk.
Rogue anti-spyware applications mislead
consumers into believing the software will
protect them from spyware when, in fact, these
programs are either outdated and offer no
protection or act as spyware programs
themselves. Many of the "free" anti-spyware
programs found on the web are actually rogue
anti-spyware programs.
The term "spyware" refers to a group of
malicious programs that invade your privacy and
put your computer data, personal information,
and even your identity at risk. In the most
general of terms, spyware is any program that
can be used to spy on your computer and Internet
activity. Some applications that fall within the
spyware category include tracking cookies and
keystroke loggers. Unfortunately, almost every
computer with an Internet connection becomes
infected with spyware at one time or
another.
Tracking cookies are the dangerous cookies
that AntiSpyware 2009 is designed to warn you
about. Unlike the other harmless cookies that
most websites place on your computer, tracking
cookies actually track your movements and record
all of your Internet activity. The cookie then
logs this information and transmits it to a
remote user who can use it for unscrupulous
purposes.
A Trojan application works much like the
Trojan horse of Troy. While it seems like a
harmless application when you install it, the
Trojan can cause serious damage once it has
infiltrated your system. Trojans usually fall
into one of seven different categories including
proxy Trojans, destructive Trojans, data sending
Trojans, DoS Trojans, remote access Trojans,
security disabler Trojans and FTP
Trojans.
The only way
to ensure that you are protected from these
various spyware threats is through the use of a
comprehensive anti-spyware product like
AntiSpyware? 2009. Install AntiSpyware? 2009
right now to see exactly which spyware threats
you are already infected with and to reduce your
risk of future
infestations.
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