Imagine a program that records every page on every site you visit, every key you press, every password or credit card number you enter. Now imagine the program sending that information to places unknown to you, without your permission.
This isn’t a paranoid fantasy. This is spyware.
Spyware can slow down system performance to a crawl and gobble up your bandwidth. Spyware also poses a serious threat to privacy. Anyone who surfs the internet is at risk of picking up spyware. There are seven steps every computer owner should take to remove these digital peeping toms.
1. Prevention Is the Best Remedy
It is easier to prevent a spyware infestation than to cure one. Every computer user should set up firewall software as one of their first actions on a new computer. A firewall is different than an anti-virus program. An antivirus program watches program actions, and flags any process that seems suspicious.
A firewall is a “traffic cop” that monitor information as it flows in and out of your computer. If another computer is trying to contact your own, or a program starts transmitting information, a firewall will let you know and stop the process until given permission otherwise.
Many operating systems come with firewalls and antivirus programs installed. Many good ones can be downloaded from the web, some are free. Just be sure to follow the cautions below before you download.
2. Well Guarded is Well Prepared
In addition to a firewall and an antivirus program, it is also wise to install a spyware detection program. Most spyware programs do not automatically run in the background, as do firewall and antivirus programs. They detect known spyware and flag it for removal at the user’s discretion.
3. If It’s Too Good to Be True…
Beware of offers of free emoticons, desktop wallpapers or singing, dancing email programs. Many are legitimate, but all come with strings attached. For the innocent ones, those strings are advertisements. For the not-so-innocent, they carry hidden spyware. Think of any new program as a potential digital double-agent. Do an online search for reviews of the program.
4. Know Thy System
Be familiar with your computer’s processing speed, both while online and while working on its own. If there’s a sudden slowdown, or if you realize that a creeping lethargy has overtaken your system, check for spyware first.
Occasionally check out your computer’s program files. In Windows, that means using Windows Explorer. Don’t change anything if you’re not a power user, but do investigate any program or file you don’t recognize. You can check it out via an online search to find out what it does.
5. Watch Those Installations!
Be careful when installing any program. Many ask to install free or trial extras that may act as spyware. Read the fine print on those add-ons, especially “How We Use Your Information.”
6. Update Often
Keep your protective programs up to date. Nothing can stop this year’s threat if it hasn’t been updated since last year!
7. Patrol Regularly
Spyware programs must be run by the user. Set up a reminder for yourself to do this at least monthly.
Spyware is more than a little creepy, but it is avoidable. Simple precautions will ensure that your system keeps your information secure and for your eyes only.
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