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Spyware
Spyware refers to software that monitors your Internet or computer access in the background, usually without you knowing that it is working and had ever been installed in the first place. Some spyware may be installed to invade your privacy, report your Internet usage to someone else, record passwords and credit card numbers as they are keyed in (keyloggers), or display advertisements geared towards your activities. Adware
Adware, which often is synonymous with spyware, is spyware that monitors your access for the intent of delivering advertisements. Adware may display pop-up advertisements no matter what software you are using, but most spyware instead hooks into your web browser (mainly Internet Explorer) to deliver advertisements based on where you travel on the Internet.
Problems caused by Spyware and Adware Depending on the type of spyware and adware installed:
- Visual C++ Runtime errors in Internet Explorer, causing it your computer to crash.
- System boots up or shuts down slower than normal.
- Generally sluggish computer operation.
- Stolen identity (identity theft) by stealing keyed-in passwords and credit cards.
- Pop-up advertisements while you are connected to the Internet, either on your desktop and/or in your web browser.
- Random software or system crashes.
- Opens up a "backdoor" on your system allowing others to control your machine, infect it with viruses, steal and/or delete information.
- Redirects access to certain websites, such as search engines or shopping sites, to those of the spyware/adware author's choosing, which may be pornographic or adult.
- Installs new software on your machine without warning.
- Displays Desktop icons to adult or pornography sites, or directs you to such sites without warning. and more
- Toolbars and taskbars appear onscreen or in Internet Explorer that you did not wish installed
(NOTE that not all toolbars are necessarily spyware - for example, if you install the Google toolbar manually, its privacy policy specifically states what information it can collect). The effects of Spyware or Adware can be a combination of the above or some other actions not listed above and poses a serious threat to users, especially as they may be unaware that they are infected. For more information on how to protect your systems contact us at
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