Hi. Craig Peterson here with a blink into spyware.
To start with, the term “spyware” doesn’t refer to the Russians. It isn’t the KGB. Spyware is also known as “adware.”More specifically, it refers to software that, when installed on your computer, may send you pop-up ads, redirect your browser to certain web sites, or monitor the web sites that you visit.
Some extreme spyware may record exactly what keys you type, stealing your passwords as you enter them.
How do you know if there is spyware on your computer?
Some spyware is hard to detect, but there are some general symptoms to look for:
- Endless pop-up windows
- You end up on websites that you didn’t want to go to
- Unrecognized tasks showing up in the task tray at the bottom-right of your screen
- Your browser start-up page changed, and you didn’t do it
- Your default search engine changes, and so do your search results
- Random Windows error messages pop up, such as anti-virus software being out-of-date
- Your computer has just started running slowly
- And Extra toolbars on your browser are a dead give-away that you have spyware
How can you prevent spyware from installing on your computer?
Good, Internet hygiene goes a long way to stopping spyware and other malware from being installed on your computer.
- Don’t click on links within pop-up windows.
- Beware of unexpected dialog boxes asking whether you want to run a particular program or perform another type of task.
- To close the pop-up window or dialog box, click on the “X” icon in the titlebar instead of a “close” link within the window.
- There are many sites that offer customized toolbars or other real cool features. Don’t download programs from sites you don’t trust.
- Don’t follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware software – Like email viruses, the links may serve the opposite purpose and actually install the spyware it claims to be eliminating.
- Adjust your browser preferences to limit pop-up windows and cookies. I recommend using uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger in your browser to protect yourself.