According to Pew Research, “Nine out of ten internet users say they have adjusted their online behavior out of fear of falling victim to software intrusions.†Spyware (aka spybot or tracking software online) and the threat of unwanted programs being secretly loaded onto computers are becoming serious threats to both business and personal use systems. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program. Let’s look at at the latest statistics and trends when it comes to this insidious software invading our business and personal lives.
What is Spyware?
Microsoft Computers details spyware as, “numerous types of malicious software being spread around the Internet.† Spyware is a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first, such as: advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer. Spyware is most often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information. Some experts believe that spyware is now the single largest problem facing Internet users today.
What are the latest Statistics on Spyware?
Tens of millions of Americans have been affected in the past year by software intrusions and many more have begun to take precautions by changing the way they use the internet.(Source: Pew Research) Â Recent studies estimate that 59 million Americans, say they have had one or more spyware programs on their home or business computer.
Practical Steps to Protect your Computer
- Be aware of signs that you may have spyware installed on your computer including: pop ups, slow internet connections, new favorites on your browser that you didn’t put there, toolbars you didn’t install or possibly a home page that has changed and you can’t get it to change back.
- Install two or three different anti-spyware programs (“spyware cleaners”) on your computer, and update their definition lists regularly. Ask a professional what program will be best for your system.
- Create a routine of regular cleaning, such as “scan and detect.â€
- Carefully read licensing agreements. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted software in a given software installation is documented, but it might appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
- Save your data, and backup often! In case of spyware you always want to be able to recover your data.
- Educate yourself on the latest strains of spyware or hire consultants like M&H Consulting who can keep you up-to-date on the latest spyware programs and tools that will be right for your business.
Categorised in: Security