Detecting Spyware
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Adware and Spyware are malicious software programs that allows the creators to spy on your browsing activity, invade your privacy, and flood you with annoying/offensive pop-ups. Often times your browsers default homepage and settings can be hijacked and you can not change them back by the normal known procedures. These software programs are often downloaded onto a user's machine from the Internet without the user's knowledge and installs itself on your machine.
- What does spyware do?
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Anything. It may collect data about your Web browsing habits, change your home or search page, force you to certain Web sites, alter network settings, or perform other actions.
- Is it harmful to my computer?
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It may be. Spyware may interfere with Internet Explorer or Windows and cause frequent errors or crashes.
- How does it get installed?
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It may come bundled with a "free" program, often filesharing software, browser toolbars or games. It may be installed by visiting certain Web sites or a variety of other means.
Learn more about spyware:
Getting the tools:
- For Windows operating systems: click here
- For Mac operating systems: click here
- For Linux operating systems: click here