How To Protect Your Computer From Spyware Attacks

Spyware can be more than an annoyance. Poorly programmed spyware can interfere with other programs and can even cause system instability. Privacy issues are at stake as well.

These pieces of software are generally installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent. They often can't be removed without some kind of specialized software. If you need to be tricked into installing it, chances are you can't trust the source.

The best defense against spyware is common sense. Always be watchful when you download software from the internet. Don't install software from unknown websites that you don't know if you can trust and be sure you always read through the license agreement. Sometimes the license will disclose that spyware is installed along with the program (although usually not in so many words) but they're counting on the fact that hardly anyone ever reads the license anyway.

Check for "spyware free" guarantees on software you download. Obviously, anyone can say something is spyware free even when it isn't, but if a website has gone to the trouble to say so, it is more likely to be safe than if they hadn't.

What are the signs of a spyware infection? Odd pop-up advertising, a new homepage when you didn't change it, new toolbars that you didn't install or your computer is responding slowly or rebooting randomly all of a sudden, to name a few.

If you find your system bogged down with spyware, don't give up hope. There are several utilities specifically designed for removing spyware from your computer. They rely on frequently updated databases which contain signature files of all known spyware and adware. They scan all the files on your hard drive and alert you if 'uninvited guests' are found.

Some of these programs are free while others will cost. The paid versions sometimes have additional features, such as automatic scheduled scans. None of them are 100% foolproof however, so it's a good idea to run more than one of them.

Some kinds of spyware are notoriously difficult to get rid of. They may make changes to your Windows files that help them hide from the scanners. On occasion, you may need to delete them manually to be sure they're gone.

Needless to say, this should be performed only by skilled users. Deleting the wrong files can damage your programs and even your operating system.

Once the spyware has been removed from your system, you should run scans on a regular basis to keep it clean. Whether you do this manually or use a program that does it automatically on a schedule is up to you (and your pocketbook).

And, of course, beware those tempting looking free offers. You may get more than you bargained for.

About the Author

How can you keep yourself safe from spyware, viruses, identity theft and other online security attacks? It doesn't take a technical genius to be safe. Learn the insider secrets that will keep your computer safe at http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

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