Categories
- Arts & Entertainment
- Business
- Communications
- Computers
- Culture & Society
- Disease & Illness
- Fashion
- Finance
- Food & Beverage
- Health & Fitness
- Hobbies
- Home & Family
- Home Based Business
- Internet Business
- Adsense
- Affiliate Programs
- Affiliate Revenue
- Auctions
- Audio Streaming
- Autoresponders
- Banner Advertising
- Blogging
- Click Bank
- Directories
- Domain Names
- Ecommerce
- Email Marketing
- Ezine Publishing
- Forums
- Internet Marketing
- Link Popularity
- List Building
- Podcasting
- PPC Advertising
- RSS
- Security
- SEO
- Site Promotion
- Spam Blocker
- Technologies
- Traffic Building
- Tutorials
- Video
- Video Streaming
- Viral Marketing
- Web Design
- Web Development
- Web Hosting
- Webmasters
- Legal
- Pets & Animals
- Politics
- Product Reviews
- Recreation & Sports
- Reference & Education
- Religion
- Self Improvement
- Shopping
- Travel & Leisure
- Vehicles
- Writing & Speaking
Information
Spyware Programs Are Out To Get You!
Submitted: 2007-01-17 13:46:44
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher |
The average computer is packed with hidden software that can secretly spy on online habits.
The US net provider EarthLink said it uncovered an average of 28 spyware programs on each PC scanned during the first three months of the year.
There are currently over 38,000 spyware and adware programs that are infecting innocent Internet users such as yourself through downloadable games, music, screensavers, pictures, pop-ups, emails, and the list goes on and on. Spyware and Adware can cause your PC to run extremely slow and even crash, and allow hackers and advertising companies to invade your privacy whenever they wish.
What Is Spyware?
Spyware is a broad term for programs that collects information from your computer without your knowledge or consent.
Spyware is a software program that transmits a unique code to identify you (for tracking purposes) without your knowledge or consent. The programs collects or transmits information about your computer use, or other habits without your knowledge or consent.
This internet pest which is better known as spyware installs itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. It performs other unwholesome duties, and continue to reinstalling itself no matter how many times you remove it.
Spyware!
It has become so pervasive that lawmakers in the US are looking into ways to prevent or regulate it. The Spy Audit by EarthLink reflects the results of scans involving over one million computers between January and March. It uncovered more than 29.5 million examples of spyware.
Why should I be concerned about spyware or adware?
Passwords, credit card details and other personal information could end up in the wrong hands.
Your computer could get unwanted viruses, worms or even Trojan.
You would receive unwanted emails.
Your computer could be used by malicious operators to do damage not only your own computer, but to other computer users too.
How did I get spyware on my computer and how do I eliminate it?
It usually happens when you visit a web site, and are prompted to download something that is said to be "necessary" to view or use features of that web site. Also, you might want or download a program that has some nice features, but also installs program code that can send information out without your knowledge.
"By tracking and publicizing the growth of spyware, we can better educate consumers of its risks and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their families while online," said Christine Stevenson of Webroot, which conducted the scans.
People concerned about what might be lurking on their machine can download software such as the popular ZoneAlarm Pro to disinfect their computer.
The author of this article ia a software developer, consultant and author of numerous books. Visit his site for more information at http://www.traffic-o-matic.com
Article source: Expert Articles
Most Recent Articles in Security category
- Essential Tips For Secure Online Trading - By: Liam Derbyshire
Conducting business on the internet is fraught with numerous perils. From identity theft to elaborate scamming schemes, criminals are out there in cyberspace trying their best to rob you out of your hard earned cash. A few simple tips give you all the protection you need from the vile schemes of these con artists. - Discover the joys of anonymous proxy servers. - By: Kulveer Singh
As Google Adwords and Google Adsense becomes more mainstream, the rate of fraud from self-clicking (commonly called Google-bation), and click-draining (clicking on competitors ads), will increase exponentially. The problem is that the electronic antichrist has an obvious conflict of interest in eliminating fraud. Like most web site owners running Google Adsense, you probably are tempted to just "test" ads to make sure all the html you have embedded on your site is working. In some markets these little "tests" can reward the web site owner over $20 per click. Drugs, bank loans and obesity cures pay pretty well I'm told. - Stepping Up Your Security - By: Scott Jarvis
Many online businesses have been using this method of security for over ten years and still have not upgraded to a better form of online security. Though many smaller businesses have yet to adopt a more advanced technology, several high profile companies have begun using some form of two factor authentication both on their websites and in their offices. - You Can't Do Without Search Engine Optimization - By: Naman Jain
No websites can ignore the importance of search engine optimization to their website. It is the most essential tool, which will helps them grow their Online business. - Identity Theft - Don't blame The Internet - By: Kavita B
Identity theft - also known as ID theft, identity fraud and ID fraud - describes a type of fraud where a criminal adopts someone else's identity in order to profit illegally. It is one of the fastest growing forms of fraud in many developed countries. - AllAnonymity - anonymous browsing solutions - By: Ionel Orza
In our days identity protection has become increasingly important, because any time someone could be watching what you do on your computer through online spying. Someone like your boss, someone trying to hack your system, or even the government may be on your track while you peacefully surf the web. - 8 Simple Ways to Defend Against Evil Doers Both Online and Off - By: Dan Preston
There once was a time when the only option people had when shopping was to either call in or snail mail in a catalog order form or to jump in the family car, fight through traffic, and wait in long checkout lines to complete the purchase.Well, nowadays there’s still a few major mail order catalogs floating around and we all still visit our local retail outlets, but time has also introduced the internet as one of our options to shop from the comforts of home.The internet has made shopping at home a breeze and along with it has unfortunately brought the so called ”Evil Doers” who I believe have such little happiness in their own lives that they must leech pleasure from the hardworking and innocent individuals of our wonderful and surrounding nations. - Dirty Little Computer Viruses and How To Protect Yourself - By: Dan Preston
Whether you have learned your lesson from a past experience with a nasty computer virus or have been pressing your luck by surfing the web and downloading various files or opening those email messages sent to you by people you don’t know without any real understanding of just how vulnerable you really are each time you log onto your computer you now have the opportunity to discover what steps you can take to avoid such an annoying and many times destructive infestation.Listed below are some of the guidelines you can follow in order to keep those nasty viruses from making a mess out of your computer and your life.•Purchase and install a well respected antivirus software program and be sure to set it up so that it automatically runs when the computer starts up each time. - Protect Your Little Black Book - By: Rick Cooper
The movie Little Black Book features a young woman, Stacy, who is frustrated when her boyfriend refuses to share information about his past relationships. When his PDA, a Palm Tungsten C, falls into her hands, she is faced with a conundrum. Does she give it back, or does she explore it? - Can I Guess Your Password? - By: David Congreave
We all know that it’s dangerous to use the same password for more than one program. If you sign up for a program run by someone of low moral fibre, what is to stop them running through various programs with your username and password to see what they can access? But of course remembering all the different passwords can be a headache.
