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Six Top Concerns about Spyware
Here is a look at the top six reasons you should be concerned about spyware.
American Online has distributed games that offer updates and latest versions of their instant messenger (IM) programs, and many are concerned that the user’s privacy is violated. There have been many reports by users of AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) who state that after they downloaded the game and new versions that they began getting messages that AIM was “spyware” when they ran their scans. It is true that AIM has a spyware program called WildTangent. This is a tool that reports to the company when their product is used. Now the users of WildTangent say they are doing nothing wrong and that the program is not sneaky. They state that they simply use the program to monitor how popular an item is. On the other hand, consumers would say if they are not being sneaky, why they were not notified in some way that the program was being downloaded onto their computer in the first place.
Adware is another program that is related to spyware. Adware can cause those annoying pop-ups that display unwanted advertising. They can change your computer settings without your knowledge and tweak your computer in other ways that is very difficult to notice or remove.
Spyware/adware cannot only tweak your computer, but hackers try to steal information for their own use. They can use spyware programs to monitor your keystrokes. If you think that does not mean much, consider what it is you are keying into your computer – your passwords, your personal financial information, and your social security number – in short your identity. These programs will hijack homepages to steal information. If you use your computer for both business and pleasure, you risk the possibility of having confidential information stolen and you would not even recognize that it has been done. So, how can those who are determined to send this type of malicious software to your computer be stopped?
There are several attempts to stop them legally through the legislative body. This is a slow going process though and may take several years before it is worked out to everyone’s satisfaction. In the short term, you can purchase software that is made to detect and remove malicious content. Although some of the spyware that is downloaded onto your computer, without your knowledge, embeds itself pretty deeply. So, what is available to protect your computer?
When you are trying to protect your computer, you want to prevent and detect unauthorized use of your computer. If you use broadband service you can contact your provider who will usually have software that they will let you download at not cost to protect your system. Along with this, it is a good idea to invest in anti-virus software that utilizes real time protection. What this means is that while you are on the internet surfing you are being protected no matter what site you go to or what you may want to download. It is important if you use this to keep it current and update as needed.
Most computers come with firewall protection but remember that firewalls do not stop spyware from coming onto your computer only prevent it from taking information. Although if the spyware finds an open port that information will leave, your computer and you will not be aware of this. Do not open any e-mail attachments or instant message files unless you know who sent it and what it is. Always verify a file that has been sent to you before you open it. Another form of protection you can do is to disable hidden filename extensions.
There are many times you will get notices that say you should download this patch for protection. These are very important notices and you should follow the links and download the patch. The reason these are sent to you is that the vendors have discovered a vulnerability that allows malicious ware in and if you do not download the patch, you will then be vulnerable to attack. If you are not accessing the internet or using your computer, you should either turn it off or disconnect from the internet. Many anti-virus programs offer a feature that allows you to set up disconnection from the internet if you have been inactive for a period.
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