10/26/07

Your PC could be a spy

You might have a spy in your home, and it is not James Bond. Heck, it was not even human! Your computer can be to collect personal information, and the transition of corporations and individuals around the world. That's because there could be spyware on your computer without you even knowing it.

Spyware is software designed to collect information about you for a variety of purposes, including advertising, credit card fraud and identity theft. The information is collected in a number of ways, by recording keystrokes you type, registering your Web browsing history, and even the digitization of the documents you have stored on your hard drive.

Although the collection of your information for advertising is usually just annoying, it can be dangerous to your computer, because it uses resources. When your computer is infected with spyware, you may notice a slowdown in the performance of your computer and does generally react slowly your orders. And if too many accumulate spyware, your computer could crash or fail to boot.

Spyware used to gather your financial information is a much more serious problem. Certain types of spyware attempt to store your password, you connect to certain sites, such as the site of your bank or credit card company's site. Or, they may try to enter your credit card number as you enter it during an online purchase fund.

Spyware does not spread like a virus or worm; Infecté your computer should not attempt to spread his illness to others. Spyware enters your system by deceiving you or by working his way in some places less safe on your computer. In most cases, if you see it never happens. Many spyware is transmitted as a Trojan horse, where he masquerades as something useful, sometimes even as security software!

Spyware sometimes comes with software that you can download from the Internet, such as some shareware programs. When you download the program you want, the fact download spyware and unwanted.

Other spyware target holes in your Web browser or in a software. This happens when you visit a website containing spyware that attacks against the code of your browser and installs spyware. This is often referred to as a "drive-by downloading."

Unfortunately, once we are in the program of spyware from your computer is becoming increasingly vulnerable to other spyware. Many users assume significant decrease in the efficiency of the equipment is a program, and could go as far as to buy a new computer. When a computer is infected, you may have to back up your files and make a clean reinstallation of all software on your computer. It is a process that takes time and requires you to configure the preferences of your computer as if you were setting up your computer for the first time.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself against spyware is the purchase of one anti-spyware program. These programs against spyware work by preventing its installation and detecting and disabling spyware exist. Some spyware programs do not perform these functions.

If you buy a program that detects and disables spyware existing, be sure to schedule it to run on a regular basis. When you run a program of this type, it scans your Windows registry, the operating system files, and all programs installed. Then you will see a list of potential threats from which you can decide which to delete and which to keep.

The bad news is that some fake anti-spyware programs have appeared on the market. In addition, you can see ads on your computer, which seems popups generated by your computer indicating that you have a spyware infection. When you click on these pop-ups, you will be directed to a site that you charge to buy some programs.

To avoid being taken over by these malicious programmers, do your homework. Only buy an anti-spyware program from a reputable dealer. Before you buy, do some research in the program and look for clients. Although the spyware is widespread on the Internet, you can keep your computer spies and your home.