Adware and Spyware can be an absolute nightmare for computer users.

Spyware and adware is not only very annoying but can also cause major software interruptions, which can lead to corruption over time. If you are connected to the internet, then, unfortunately, you are open to attack from these online hackers. They are more commonplace than you may think. In fact, you may already have either adware or spyware on your computer without knowing.

Spyware is software that gets downloaded from the internet without your knowledge. It’s entirely possible for spyware to collect highly personal and confidential information like credit card numbers, website passwords etc. The spyware program can get the credit card numbers as you log them on a website when ordering online. Adware can watch how you use the internet, and which sites you visit. This information is sent back to the person (or usually an automated website) who originated the adware, for them to send you relevant advertising.

This information is potentially sent or sold to advertisers who make good use of them for advertising campaigns that targets specific markets or audience.  Some spyware and adware can record which keys you have pressed while you use your computer. This is how they can track your passwords, and also know which sites you accessed. By putting the two together, they have the full picture and can access your information.

The term “spyware” was first used in 1995 but the adoption of its present meaning came five years later. Spyware has been identified as the top security threats to computers using the Microsoft Windows operating systems. And Internet Explorer users were found to be the ones most susceptible to spyware attacks. Because of the popularity of Internet Explorer (IE) and Microsoft Windows, spyware programs were created to specifically attack and find its way from the internet into IE and ultimately into your computer.

Getting infected by one of these types of attacks can be devastating, and can cripple your computer. This is why there are so many different anti-spyware software removers available. Each time someone reports a new spyware variant, the various anti-spyware software developers have to update their applications. Once they know how the spyware works, and what files it uses, they can add this fix into their remover to reverse the process and “disinfect” you. Once you have your anti-spyware installed, you have a certain amount of protection.

Because new variants are released daily (if not more often), you need to keep up-to-date with your protection. The world wide web moves very, very fast! The same rules apply for both spyware and adware.

Sometimes, if you know you are infected, you can uninstall spyware, but you have to know what it’s called, and how to remove it. Hopefully, if your anti-spyware software recognises it, it will either remove it for you, or prevent it from installing in the first place.

There are other steps you can take to protect yourself. You need to be diligent when using online shopping sites, and don’t always agree to install applications via websites unless you are 100% sure what you are installing.
When receiving emails, ignore messages from people you don’t know, and NEVER open an attachment that you aren’t expecting.

Spyware can sometimes be installed without you knowing even when you are downloading software you actually want. Usually though, these companies are not the kind of people you want to be dealing with.  Spyware is a little different from adware.

It is best, therefore that you employ some precautionary measures yourselves to stay free from spyware and adware attacks. Current versions of Internet Explorer enable options such as pop-up blockers, and Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 include “firewall” applications to help keep you safe.
This is your first line of defence against such spyware programs. The next thing to do is to get decent anti-spyware programs.

Chalkhill Systems, based in Brockham, Surrey can recommend good anti-spyware software for you, as well as provde the service of cleaning your computer. They can also perform virus removal for you in case you are infected.