Almost everyone that has a computer that is connected to the internet has heard the term “spyware” before. However not everyone knows what it means and it is a fairly broad term that can get confusing at times. With that in mind, we are going to cover what exactly spyware is.

When you hear the term spyware, it is refering to programs or software that gets installed on your computer without your knowledge. These programs can cause all sorts of problems on your system – here are a few examples:

1) Steal your personal information. Spyware can “spy” on what files are on your computer and capture the passwords and other personal information you enter while you are online.

2) Install additional or unwanted computer programs causing the computer to perform well below par.

3) Redirect the user’s web browser to websites that may contain harmful content, including viruses and Trojans.

4) Without you being aware, spyware can change the security settings you have on your computer so that your computer is at an increased risk of getting viruses or having personal information stolen.

In short, Spyware is nothing but ‘nuisanceware’!

Spyware is also notorious for slowing down your computer’s performance and creating all sorts of pop-ups or annoying ads when you are online.

How exactly does you computer get infected with spyware?

Spyware is always introduced into a computer through deceptive means, and the user will have no clue when this infiltration happens. Here are some instances of how Spyware can enter your system:

1) Download programs that offer movie or music downloads. These are often offer for free and will automatically install spyware on your system.

2) Some software makers bundle Spyware with a program that they claim is a utility. For example, if you download a program (from some obscure website) that promises to accelerate your Internet speeds, then you can safely assume that such “utility” programs are loaded with Spyware.

3) One of the trickiest ways that spyware will make its way on your computer is by immitating your operating system’s regular messages.

For example, if you are using MS Windows, the Spyware manufacturer may develop a pop-up that looks exactly like a message from Microsoft. When you are browsing, this pop-up may entice you to click on it – and when you do that – presto; you’ve just opened the doors for the Spyware.

How do you know if your computer is infected with spyware?

Spyware creates a huge volume of unwanted activity on a computer, causing it to slow down or even crash. Spyware also slows down browsing speeds as it keeps accessing advertisement websites or passing out the user’s data to hackers or other advertisers. If your computer runs slower than it used to or you seem to be getting more advertisements, you like have some spyware on your computer.

Apart from the slowing down factor, you cannot really tell if there’s Spyware installed on your system. Many people will just assume something is wrong with the computer hardware when their system slows down, however spyware is often the cause.

It’s important that you protect your computer and make sure you destroy any spyware on your system starting today!

Computer experts estimate that 9 out of every 10 computers have some form of spyware installed on them. It’s crucial that you protect your system and personal information by using a top-ranked anti-spyware program.

Look for a spyware remover that has received positive reviews and that can remove any spyware that is already on your system (along with protecting against new infections). You want a program that scans your computer for any current spyware, kills off anything it finds and then provides protection against future spyware.