Beware Of Spyware — Steps To Take To Protect Your Computer
Spyware refers to malicious software that takes partial control of a computer’s operation through unauthorized access without the computers owners’ knowledge or consent, and has become one of the biggest security threats to computer users today.
Spyware exploits infected computers for commercial gain, usually by including unsolicited pop-up advertisements; by monitoring the users’ online activities; by routing http requests to advertising sites; or by stealing personal information such as financial information. In fact, it is estimated that identity-thieves have stolen over US$ 24 billion worth of account information in the United States alone.
Spyware most often infects a computer by piggybacking on a desirable software and the user unknowingly downloading and installing it. Spyware also often lurks in rogue anti-spyware programs that pretend to be security software. Spyware also comes bundled with shareware or other downloadable software and music CDs.
Yet another method of distributing spyware involves tricking computer users by manipulating security features...