As the number of home personal computers (PCs) increases and the popularity of the Internet surges, the danger of falling prey to malware, viruses and other traps that have sprung up to ensnare the unsuspecting novice computer user becomes increasingly prevalent.
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Spyware and adware are general terms for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions or subjects the user to targeted advertising. While these programs are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use Spyware to gather data about customers and Adware to place advertisements on the users screen.
It is estimated that over 95 per cent of all computers that have Internet access are infected with adware and/or spyware. Almost all websites are using cookies to track your browsing habits. Your PC gets infected while you simply surf the Internet or if you have ever downloaded screensavers, music, games, video clips, images, and even those "smiley face" icons that have been going around. While some spyware is relatively innocuous, much is invasive, if not destructive
Free software downloads, often considered to be Â?neat,Â? are the bait to get people to voluntarily place malware on their computer. A few programs actually cost money to have the company uninstall. These types of programs are called Â?extortionwareÂ? and the developers know that most users do not read the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA). The user finds out after they have already agreed to the terms that they now have to pay to get rid of the program that is bogging down their computer.
The best way to protect yourself is not to download search toolbars, web tools, or other seemingly Â?neatÂ? tools; donÂ?t use peer2peer networks; always choose to use legitimate sites; donÂ?t download things that you do not know much about; install an effective adware detection program like Ad-aware and Spy-bot, and run scans of your entire system daily. The rule of thumb for downloading plug-ins is, if you need a download to access a site and a known vendor doesnÂ?t have it available, do not access that site. Save yourself the considerable expense, time, and frustration by ensuring that you are as pro-active as possible in keeping your computer clean.
You can download free software offerings like Ad-aware from Lavasoft and Spybot Search and Destroy from Patrick Kolla, an independent programmer.
The information in this article is presented as is and is by no way complete. Readers are encouraged to do additional research and to adopt the tools and technologies that are appropriate for their specific circumstances. Businesses and other organizations should consider more sophisticated protection to ensure a robust enterprise solution.
Daniel Kaltiainen is an IT Professional with 18 years experience working in the information and communications technology industry, an active member of the SmartWorx Steering Committee and a principal with the Lloyd Research Group.
SmartWorx is a recognition program aimed at promoting awareness of technology and encouraging new economic development opportunities. To find out more about SmartWorx and its Partners, visit www.e-sudbury.com
Resources:
Symantec [ www.symantec.com ]
McAffee [ www.mcafee.com ]
Grisoft [ www.grisoft.com ] [free]
Zone Labs [ www.zonelabs.com ] [free]
Lavasoft USA [ www.lavasoftusa.com ] [free]
Spybot [www.safer-networking.org] [free]
