Viruses are, however, not the only malicious software programs out there. The newest addition to the evil software family is the so called Spywares and a good anti-virus program or firewall is not enough to safeguard against these clever programs.
Spywares are known by many names such as adware, trojans, malware, browser hijackers etc. The thing they all have in common is that they will transmit your personal information to companies and individuals who have an interest in knowing about your surfing habits, online purchases, credit worthiness, interests, web searchs, chats, birth date and even your credit card number. The list goes on and on, since Spywares are constructed by promotional companies who need to know as much as possible about the online consumers to target them effectively. By ewes dropping on you online, these companies hope to be more successful when sending out promotional materials.
Spyware usually enter your PC by piggybacking on other software downloads. Every time you use downloaded or otherwise shared files, including Freeware, Shareware or p2p sharing programs, you stand the risk of unknowingly infecting your computer with Spyware. Even confirmed virus free music files, films and computer programs can have Spyware stowaways. Once inside your computer, they will hide, monitor all your actions and promptly start telling your secrets to anyone willing to listen.
Contrary to most viruses the Spywares actually make an effort not to be observed. Since they won't cause obvious harm such as deleting important files or shutting down your computer, they can thrive in your PC for years without you noticing, sending out massive amounts of information about all your online habits.
At a first glance, you might find this annoying but essentially harmless. Why not let the companies send me promotional material about things I am actually interested in? Spyware is however far from harmless, since the infiltration by Spyware not only let the companies know about your latest online search, but also much more private matters such as credit card details, online purchases of medicine and your private e-mail correspondence with family, friends and business partners. There are even examples of how this massive gathering of personal information has led to an overall loss of privacy and stolen identities. In the computerized world of today it is not hard to imagine the amount of damage and personal suffering the fraudulent use of a persons' identity can cause.
It is obvious to anyone that we must start combating the Spyware programs, but the best way of doing this is not to panic and pull the plug on your PC, never go online again and keep five feet away from all Freeware. There is a much better solution: www.supportcave.com">http://www.supportcave.com
Supportcave.com">http://Supportcave.com offers new and enhanced free Spyware Remover Software. Not only will these programs effectively check and clean your computer from Spyware, once installed they will also shield your computer from future Spyware intrusions and browser hijacks - before the malevolent software even have a chance to enter you PC! Spyware Remover Software is an important function all computer users should rely on to ensure their computer is free from nosey software and their privacy protected.
RELATED ARTICLESWhy Corporations Need to Worry About Phishing
Phishing is a relatively new form of online fraud that focuses on fooling the victim into providing sensitive financial or personal information to a bogus website that bears a significant resemblance to a tried and true online brand. Typically, the victim provides information into a form on the imposter site, which then relays the information to the fraudster.
Adware and Spyware: The Problems and Their Solutions
The Threat10 years ago you could probably have run no Internet security applications and still have come out after a browse of the Internet with a virus and malware free computer, but this situation is no longer apparent. Several years ago, before I knew of the dangers of the Internet, I had absolutely no spyware or adware protection.
Cyber Crooks Go Phishing
"Phishing," the latest craze among online evil-doers, has nothing to do with sitting at the end of a dock on a sunny afternoon dangling a worm to entice hungry catfish.But, if you take their bait, this new breed of online con artist will hook you, reel you in, and take you for every dollar you have.
Crack The Code - Thats A Direct Challenge
I Challenge You To Crack The Code
-------------------------------------
I had quite an interesting experience recently. I was hired
by a company to perform a vulnerability assessment and
penetration test on their network.
Three-pronged Trojan Attack Threatens Security on the Internet
Glieder (Win32.Glieder.
Web Conferencing Readers - So What Do We Do with the PAYPAL SPAMMER
From: "Paypal Security"
Subject: New Security Requirements
Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2005 19:20:51 -0800Dear valued PayPal® member,Due to recent fraudulent transactions, we have issued the following security requirements.It has come to our (attion)**Spelling Mistake**, that 98% of all fraudulent transactions are caused by members using stolen credit cards to purchase or sell non existant items.
Reducing Fraudulent Transations - 5 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself
The money being spent online is steadily growing. With billions of dollars being spent each year online, the opportunity to make money on the internet has never been bigger.
Social Engineering - The Real E-Terrorism?
One evening, during the graveyard shift, an AOL technical support operator took a call from a hacker. During the hour long conversation the hacker mentioned he had a car for sale.
Are They Watching You Online?
When surfing the Internet you probably take your anonymity
for granted, most of us do.Tapping phones, listening to confidential conversations,
reading others' e-mail messages seems like something that
only happens in spy movies to "other" people.
How To Give Away Your Personal Information
Identity Theft and Your Personal Information
--------------------------------------------
Identity theft is apparently the "in thing" these days. By
media accounts, hackers and evildoers lurk everywhere trying
to steal your personal information.
Dont be a Dork - Protect Yourself
There are folks out there who use their powers for evil, not good. Let's not give them the opportunity to sneak into our lives and wreak havoc.
What to Look for before You Purchase Spyware Software
Huge number of spyware software applications are available in the market, some being offered as shareware while rest as freeware. (Shareware means a software available for download / CD, and can be used for a particular length of time, usually 30 days.
5 Tips For An Unbreakable Password
Despite the current wave of identity theft and corporate security breaches it's amazing how very few people treat their passwords with any level of seriousness. Most computers users, both at home and in the office, see passwords as a nuisance and therefore make them as easy to remember as possible.
Why Malicious Programs Spread So Quickly?
It seems that nowadays cybercriminals prefer cash to fun. That is why malicious programs of various kinds (viruses, worms, Trojan horses, etc.
I Spy...Something Terribly Wrong (In Your Computer)
This really chapped my lips..
Breaking Into Your PC: News...
You'd better learn news from media, not from emails, security experts warn us users again.Numerous emails with "breaking news" in subject lines are appearing in users' inboxes.
An Open Letter From a So-called Stupid
Someone recently told me, "You would have to be a stupid to lose your personal information." While I respectfully responded to this person in the moment, the comment has stuck with me.
How to Thwart the Barbarian Spyware!
Today,on most internet user's computers, we have the
ability to employ software, along with our
intelligence, to prevent viruses and spyware.
To put this article into proper perspective, we'll use
Medieval defense tactics.
Internet Privacy
Over the past few years as the internet has become more and more popular, privacy has become a major issue.
Just as if you are walking down the street and can be watched, every click of your mouse every website you browse, or file you download, is traceable.
Free Spyware Removal - Its Not As Easy As It Sounds
Nobody wants to pay to remove spyware. At the very least, I don't.