Spyware: Not Just A Sneaky Peek
October 8, 2008 by Antivirus Ware.comTrue to its name, spyware attempts to take a look at the contents of your computer without your permission. Depending on the spyware’s definition, it may report back to the originating user anything from your surfing habits, meaning what pages you’ve recently visited on the Internet, to private information such as purchases you’ve made online and the amounts of those purchases. Sneaky enough, right? But did you know that spyware can do more than just take a peek at your computer?
Today, more sophisticated spyware is now programmed with the ability to not only infiltrate your computer’s private areas and report back the user but to leave behind calling cards (cookies) that force your Internet’s browser to visit pages similar to the ones that spyware finds you have already visited. That’s right, if you visit an adult site merely out of curiosity, don’t be surprised when several popup pages of other adult sites appear on your screen, compliments of spyware!
The good news is that spyware can be prevented from accessing your computer. Configuring your Internet Explorer browser is as simple as clicking TOOLS-INTERNET OPTIONS-SECURITY and slide the bar to “Medium-High” or “High”. Another safeguard is to have a fully functional, up-to-date anti-virus program with anti spyware included and gives you the option to remove the spyware and block the originating site. Even if you suspect that spyware is already at work on your computer, a complete scan can uncover spyware and associated cookies and allow you to safely remove them.
