What Is a Spyware Infection?

The Internet is considered to be one of the wonders of modern society. It connects people from around the globe with products, services, information and other people. It's a great resource--until your computer falls victim to a spyware infection.

History

One of the most unfortunate aspects of the Internet phenomenon is the spyware infection that most people have encountered. This occurs when computer software comes packaged with some malicious programs that are downloaded from the Internet. Spyware is a virtual spy that wreaks havoc on your computer system. The term "spyware" was coined in 1995 when a comment, made in jest regarding the Microsoft business paradigm, was posted on the website Usenet. The usage of the word was firmly established in Internet lexicon when Gregor Freund, the founder of Zone Labs, used the expression in a news release issued by his firm in early 2000.

Facts

There are a variety of reasons why spyware is so widespread, including marketing tactics, stealing passwords and theft of personal or business financial information. The basic objective behind a spyware infection is to manipulate your computer for unsolicited purposes by covertly tracing your moves or controlling your system. This is accomplished by tracking the sites you visit, recording keystrokes or scanning the documents located on your computer's hard drive.

Effects

Spyware infection is a difficult and potentially costly problem. The program can operate virtually undetected within your computer system, secretly tracking your activities. Besides being an invasion of privacy rights, spyware programs use the computer processing resources that can cause the computer's performance to suffer, act erratically or even crash. Often, computers are infected with spyware when unwitting users are lured into downloading and installing a free computer program. Some pop-ups that might look like the typical pop-up created by the Windows system fool users into inadvertently installing spyware on their systems.

Identification

Some signs for determining if your computer has a spyware infection are: You noticed pop-up ads that are not associated with the site you are surfing; your homepage setting has been changed; you detect additional toolbars on your Web browser; unfamiliar pages appear when you select "search;" your computer is sluggish or nonresponsive at times; and your computer inadvertently starts interfacing with a remote system you cannot control.

Prevention/Solution

No matter how diligent you are in trying to avoid your computer attracting a spyware infection while browsing the Internet, you are susceptible to spyware. There are some steps you can take to gain some measure of assurance you will not fall victim to this unsolicited guest. First, you should install quality anti-spyware programs that are design to detect, move and stop spyware from setting up on your computer system. Also, be cognizant of the fact many anti-spyware downloads entice unsuspecting users into installing spyware infection programs into their systems. Always exercise extreme caution regarding offers of free software programs that can be downloaded. Some free versions of software programs have spyware enclosed. Make sure you read and understand any agreements before installing products on your computer. In addition, update your Internet browser immediately when new versions become available, especially Internet Explorer.