Protect Against Spyware

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What is Spyware?

Spyware is any internet program that tracks and sends information back to a third party — without the user's permission — when it lands on a computer. The negative effects of spyware range from simple irritations to potential disaster. When spyware is on your PC it will almost certainly cause your internet connection to dramatically slow down and you will get an excessive amount of annoying pop-up windows. Left untreated, spyware could begin to crash your computer and even lead to identity theft.

How do I ensure that my computer is protected against it?

Get Proactive

Proactive anti-spyware protection is essential in keeping your data private. Programs such as Webroot Spy Sweeper and eTrust Pest Patrol are offered for a small yearly subscription fee and they will help prevent, scan for and remove the bulk of unruly spyware from your computer.

Note: Once installed, ensure that your program of choice is automatically downloading updates on a weekly basis and set to perform a full system scan every month. For help on that, see the Plug the Security Holes article.

Firewalls are Your Friend

Information travels between computers and networks through various data ports. In addition to other security measures, firewalls implement a "stateful inspection" of these data ports, preventing unrequested (which is to say — bad) data from coming into your computer or network. In essence, firewalls hide your PCs from others trying to get in through the internet. Various software companies offer firewall protection, but hardware-based firewalls, like those frequently built into network routers provide a better level of security.