How to Determine if Spyware is on Your Computer

Spyware comes in two forms: the annoying and the dangerous. The annoying types are easier to detect because they want to be seen. The dangerous types, the ones that collet information such as passwords, social security numbers, home and business addresses, and credit card information, are more difficult to detect because their main goal is to hide where they can't be seen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for unusual activity on your computer.
   

2. If suddenly the computer is running low on memory or running slower than usual, there may be spyware on the computer.
   

3. Some spyware on a computer will cause the screen to flicker. This is common when a spyware program is taking snapshots of computer screens; the spyware is collecting information on what Web sites you are visiting, and this temorarily draws energy from the computer, thereby causing the flicker.
   

4. Unexplained pop-ups or a large number of pop-ups when a window is closed can mean spyware on a computer. Pornography sites use this method a lot; you close one window and ten more open. This is particularly dangerous if children are using the infected computer.
   

5. Signs that a computer has been or is being used when no one is actually physically at the computer can mean you have spyware.

6. Unexplained error messages can be another indication that there is spyware on a computer.
   

7. Losing control of your computer. This can be anything from homepages being changed without you knowing it to your security programs, such as firewalls or anti-virus programs, being disabled (turned off). The spyware programs do this so they can do what they want without the security programs detecting them.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Installing reputable anti-virus programs, personal firewall programs and pop-up blocker programs can help to avoid having spyware installed on a computer.
• Disabling third party cookies can also help stop spyware. Web sites use cookies stored on a computer to track where a user has been.
• Make sure your browser is set so you are prompted anytime a download is attempted. This will stop spyware from being installed from many Web sites.
• By setting your Web browser so it only saves your browsing history for one day can also help cut down on spyware being installed or used on your computer.
• Beware of "helpful" programs. There are millions of anti-virus, firewall, pop-up blocker and even 'spyware' programs that claim to have the answer to your problem of spyware. Not all of these programs are true to their word. Many may actually be adding more spyware to your computer. No matter how good the deal may seem, you are best off sticking with the name-brand programs.
• Keep all security programs updated. Updating no less than weekly is a must, and daily updates are best.

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