Where Does Spyware Come From?
“How did these things get
on my machine?” This is a common question from
victims of spyware. Learning where they come from can prevent your
computer from
getting infected.
1. Installed Applications
You know that program you installed so that you can
download MP3’s for
free? Spyware installs with most of these types of applications. File
sharing
programs have a notorious reputation for installing spyware.
Applications that add little features to your computer install spyware
as
well. Some examples are programs that:
Allow you to add graphics such as smile faces and hearts to your email. Track the weather on your desktop. Manage your desktop wallpaper or other graphics themes on your computer. Video games. Applications that claim to clean spyware.
2. Email
Just like viruses, spyware can be delivered via email.
They usually come as
file attachments, but they can also load automatically just by opening
the
email. Always check that you have the latest updates and patches for
your email
client.
3. Web Sites
Web sites can enable scripts that install spyware on
your PC without you even
knowing it. Browser developers usually try to combat this with updates,
but
sometimes users grant permission to the installation without even
knowing they
are doing so.
The only thing you can do to prevent yourself from being infected with
spyware is to only trust programs, email and web sites that you are
familiar with. Don’t install anything onto your computer that you
haven’t read a good review of form a reputable publication. Don’t open
attachments from email addresses you don’t know. Avoid web sites that
look shady. You usually can get a good sense whether a web site is
reputable or not just based on the look of it. Banner ads and popups
everywhere on a site is usually a good indicator of a bad web site.
Using these tips along with recommended
spyware software will help keep your PC healthy and spyware
free.
By: Martin Wayne
About the Author:
on my machine?” This is a common question from
victims of spyware. Learning where they come from can prevent your
computer from
getting infected.
1. Installed Applications
You know that program you installed so that you can
download MP3’s for
free? Spyware installs with most of these types of applications. File
sharing
programs have a notorious reputation for installing spyware.
Applications that add little features to your computer install spyware
as
well. Some examples are programs that:
Allow you to add graphics such as smile faces and hearts to your email. Track the weather on your desktop. Manage your desktop wallpaper or other graphics themes on your computer. Video games. Applications that claim to clean spyware.
2. Email
Just like viruses, spyware can be delivered via email.
They usually come as
file attachments, but they can also load automatically just by opening
the
email. Always check that you have the latest updates and patches for
your email
client.
3. Web Sites
Web sites can enable scripts that install spyware on
your PC without you even
knowing it. Browser developers usually try to combat this with updates,
but
sometimes users grant permission to the installation without even
knowing they
are doing so.
The only thing you can do to prevent yourself from being infected with
spyware is to only trust programs, email and web sites that you are
familiar with. Don’t install anything onto your computer that you
haven’t read a good review of form a reputable publication. Don’t open
attachments from email addresses you don’t know. Avoid web sites that
look shady. You usually can get a good sense whether a web site is
reputable or not just based on the look of it. Banner ads and popups
everywhere on a site is usually a good indicator of a bad web site.
Using these tips along with recommended
spyware software will help keep your PC healthy and spyware
free.
By: Martin Wayne
About the Author:
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Categories: Computers And Technology