There are many types of cyber threats that business owners and individuals need to be alert for in our tech driven world today.  Spyware is one such malicious threat.  Let’s examine what spyware is, how it can impact your system or your business computer system and steps to take to prevent spyware in the future.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software designed with the goal of gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge and that may send such information to another entity without the consumer’s consent, or that takes control over a computer without the consumer’s knowledge. Spyware is usually in one of the following categories: Â system monitors, trojans, adware, and tracking cookies. The main use of spyware is tracking and storing Internet users’ movements on the Web and serving up pop-up ads to Internet users. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program. In addition, spyware is often installed without the user’s consent, as a drive-by download, or as the result of clicking some option in a deceptive pop-up window. Software designed to serve advertising, known as adware, can usually be thought of as spyware as well because it almost invariably includes components for tracking and reporting user information.
How does it impact your system?
- Spyware can gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.
- Spyware can also negatively affect a computer’s performance by installing additional software, redirecting web browser searches, changing computer settings, reducing connection speeds, changing the homepage or even completely disrupting network connection ability.
- Spyware software uses valuable Internet bandwidth that isn’t available for your other activities. Not only is the spyware sending your personal information without your consent, it is slowing down your computer to do it.
Preventing Spyware – Here are a few tips from the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team.
- Don’t click on links within pop-up windows.
- Choose “no” when asked unexpected questions on your device.
- Be wary of free downloadable software.
- Don’t follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware software.
- Adjust your browser preferences to limit pop-up windows and cookies.
If you suspect an installation of spyware on your system contact M&H Consulting. We will be able to run a full scan on your computer with your anti-virus software, run a legitimate product specifically designed to remove spyware, and make sure that your anti-virus and anti-spyware software are compatible.