How would you feel if you learned that there is probably software installed on your PC that tracks the websites you go to, your spending habits, and your shopping preferences and reports this information back to some unknown entity on the Internet? What if some hidden program was using your Internet connection without your permission to send data about your computer and Internet usage to a marketing company? What if the information was more personal than that such as every keystroke you type? Unknown to most users, this type of software is already running on their PC’s and sending out their information!
What I am describing above is known as "Spyware" in the computer industry. Spyware is any type of unwanted or unauthorized software that gets onto your PC and sends out information about you without your knowledge or your consent. Spyware can be installed on your PC just by visiting a website that sends out such devious programs. If your web browser security settings are set low enough to allow software to be automatically sent, your computer will accept and install the Spyware software. Once it is on your PC, it will track your information and send reports back to the devious creator of the program.
Even if you are a careful web surfer, Spyware can make its way onto your PC. One mistyped domain name, one misclicked link on a legitimate website, and you can find yourself quickly bombarded with Spyware software. How can you tell if your PC is "infected" with this spying software? Simply download and run one of the numerous anti-Spyware utilities. One of my personal favorites is Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Their free trial software can be downloaded at: http://www.lavasoftusa.com.
Download the software and run it. You might be surprised to see what it finds running on your PC! Anti-virus software will NOT detect 98% of all Spyware! If you have any questions about the findings, please call our office for advice and help.
How can you avoid Spyware from being installed on your PC? By careful about what sites you visit, what links you click, and NEVER click "YES" when a dialog box asks if you want to install software from the web unless you specifically have requested a software download.
As always, our office is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have on this subject or any other.
Happy safe computing!
-- Scott
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