You may know spyware by one of its many names; adware, malware, trackware, scumware, thiefware, snoopware, sneakware.
Because of its stealthy nature, most Internet users are more familiar with the symptoms of spyware infection:
* sluggish PC performance
* increased pop-up ads
* unexplained homepage change
* mysterious search results.
For virtually everyone surfing the Internet, spyware is a nuisance, but if you do not detect spyware on your PC, it can lead to much more serious consequences like identity theft. Because of the threat that malware poses, a spyware removal tool installed on your PC is essential. Gathering spyware info also helps protect you from malicious attacks by adware or malware.
Spyware facts:
Experts view malware as a real threat to consumers and businesses. If you're online, you should be concerned about spyware. You may want to consider adding an anti-spyware program to your PC to for complete spyware removal.
* Nine out of 10 PCs connected to the Internet are infected with spyware.*
* 88% of Spy Audit scans found some form of unwanted program (Trojan, system monitor, cookie or adware) on consumer computers.*
* Some form of spyware can be found on 87% of corporate PCs.*
* 86% U.S. adult Internet users believe that spyware on their computers has caused them to suffer a monetary loss, 2005.**
*State of Spyware Report
**eMarketer
Spyware in the news:
* "A hacker was able to access potentially 40 million credit card numbers by infiltrating the network of a company that processed payment data for MasterCard International and other companies." InfoWorld, July 17, 2005
* "About 10 million Americans have their personal information pilfered and misused in some way or another every year, costing consumers $5 billion and businesses $48 billion annually." Federal Trade Commission, June 21, 2005
How does spyware find you?
Even if you're careful, you can pick up spyware through normal Internet activities.
* Visit any media-supported Web site and you're bound to get a tracking cookie
* Share music, files or photos with other users
* Install software applications without fully reading license agreements
Isn't spyware just another passing trend that will eventually fade away?
Unfortunately, no. Spyware makers have found a viable financial model that supports continued activity, whether it's legal or not. Unlike most other Internet threats, such as viruses that are purely malicious in nature, malware creators profit enormously by selling information on your surfing habits, redirecting you to sites you didn't intend to visit, or by bombarding you with pop-up ads. Since it is almost impossible to find and stop the makers of spyware, or reduce the lucrative financial opportunity, this trend is here to stay.
What can you do if you get spyware on your PC?
First, you should use a spyware scanner program designed for spyware detection to see if you're infected with spyware. Once you know your infection level, you'll be able to take back control of your computer.
If you don't want it on your computer, you can try to remove spyware manually. However, spyware removal is a difficult and complicated process for even the most experienced computer user. For the best spyware removal tool, many consumers today are turning to anti-spyware software like Webroot Spy Sweeper. A spyware removal tool like this can detect spyware and safely remove theapplications from your system.
The spyware threat is real
Anyone who uses a computer is susceptible to spyware infection. In fact, nine out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with spyware that can:
* Open your PC to identity theft
* Expose your personal information and private accounts
* Corrupt your hard drive
* Share your passwords and user names
Spyware threats can be any application that may track your online or offline PC activity. It may save or transmit those findings to third parties. These unwanted programs are stealthy and often attach to your computer without your knowledge – or appropriate consent. Many nefarious spyware threats can record keystrokes to steal your social security number, bank account information and credit card numbers, or hijack your modem to dial expensive, pornographic phone numbers.
Adware is a different type of program that lets companies track your online activities and tailor pop-up ads based on your choices.
Learn more about how spyware works
Protect yourself and your family.
Stop spyware threats from sending you pop-ups, intruding on your privacy, stealing your identity and hacking into your PC. Read more to arm yourself with information and resources.
What are the symptoms of spyware infection?
How do spyware threats find me?
How can I remove spyware?
What can I do to prevent spyware infection?
What are the symptoms of spyware?
If you use the Internet, it’s very likely some form of spyware threats are already at work on your PC. Your computer may be infected if you recognize any of these symptoms:
* Sluggish PC performance
* An increase in pop-up ads
* Mysterious new toolbars you can’t delete
* Unexplained changes to homepage settings
* Puzzling search results
* Frequent computer crashes
Learn more about spyware symptoms
How do spyware threats find me?
Through seemingly harmless tasks spyware threats may attach itself to your computer. These unwanted programs may start watching your actions right away or the programs may wait, triggering covert activities later. Even if you’re careful you can pick up these dangerous, unwanted programs through normal Web activities like:
* Sharing music, files or photos with other users
* Visiting a media-supported Web site
* Opening spam e-mail or an e-mail attachment
* Downloading free games, toolbars, media players and other system utilities
* Installing mainstream software applications without fully reading license agreements
How can I remove spyware?
Detecting spyware is tough and spyware removal is even more difficult. Even if you think you’ve successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining tickler file can trigger a complete reinstallation the next time you start your PC. And as a survival tactic, malware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so the game of cat and mouse never ends.
For these reasons, the most effective way to detect and safely remove spyware threats from your system is anti-spyware software, like Webroot Spy Sweeper.
Learn more about spyware removal
What can I do to prevent infection?
When you arm yourself with information and resources, you become wiser and more knowledgeable about spyware threats and less vulnerable to its tactics. There are a few simple things you can do right away to help prevent further spyware infection:
* Update your operating system regularly
* Increase your browser security settings
* Only download software from sites you trust
* Use anti-virus protection and a software firewall
* Get anti-spyware software protection
* Learn more about Webroot Spy Sweeper