Protect Yourself From Spyware Snoops!
Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one more privacy, security, and usability issue springs up--spyware. Spyware is the techno-version of a Peeping Tom. Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to specific websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your key strokes, which, in turn could lead to identity theft and misuse of your private information--such as credit card numbers. Why do so many computer users allow spyware snoops to monitor them online? The answer is very simple.
They may not even know they are being watched. Your best protection against this particular privacy invasion is to learn about this hideous misuse of the Internet and act accordingly, using software that is readily available and very inexpensive--even free in many cases."Spyware is a technological disease that is proliferating each day. It threatens the efficiency of our computers and Internet services as well as the security of our personal information and private transactions, " said Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-CA) when explaining her introduction of H.R. 2929 in April, 2004. "The Safeguard Against Privacy Invasion Act" (SPI Act) works to protect individuals and companies from unknowingly downloading spyware by requiring that "consumers receive a clear and conspicuous notice prior to downloading spyware."Many experienced Web users have already learned how to recognize spyware, avoid it, and delete it.
According to officials at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), all computer users should "get wise to the signs that spyware has been installed on their machines, and then take appropriate steps to delete it."Clues that spyware is on a computer include: a barrage of pop-up ads, being redirected to unwanted websites, a sudden or repeated change in your computer's Internet home page, new and unexpected tool bars, new and unexpected icons at the bottom of your computer screen, keys that do not work (for example, the "Tab" key that does not work when you try to move to the next field), random error messages, and sluggish or exceedingly slow performance when opening programs or saving files.The good news is that computer users can prevent spyware installation, readily detect that which is already installed, and easily delete it from that system. Experts from the FTC and across the technology industry offer these suggestions: update your operating system and Web browser software; download free software only from sites you know and trust; do not install any software without knowing EXACTLY what it is; minimize "drive-by" downloads; don't click on any links within pop-up windows; and install a dependable personal firewall to stop uninvited guests from accessing your computer.If you think your computer may have spyware on it, experts advise that you take three steps. First, get an anti-spyware program from a vendor you know and trust. Next, set it to scan on a regular basis--at least once a week--or perhaps even once a day. Finally, delete any software programs the anti-spyware detects.A specific type of Spyware is referred to as "Adware"--advertising supported software.
Like Spyware, Adware will usually install components on your computer that will send marketing information whenever you are online. Unlike Spyware, however, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that they will be using your information. It is VERY important to read the privacy policy when downloading Adware.Run a systems check on your computer, use common sense when downloading from unknown Internet sites and invest in some reliable Spyware blocker software. Best wishes for safe surfing!.
Spyware Defense? Introduces Next Generation Spyware Protection
(ContentDesk) August 12, 2005 -- Ashantiplc Ltd., provider of software development and proprietary technology to individuals and businesses worldwide, today announced the launch of its Spyware Defense application. Spyware Defense is an efficient software program driving even more robust functionality than other similar applications on the market today. Its biggest advantage is in its real-time elimination of spyware upon detection, user control over what programs are eliminated and what are kept, and its centralized management features within a LAN environment for large-scale enterprise protection.Spyware Defense works on single computers or local area networks. Its robust, centralized LAN features include domain-wide client installation, remote client execution, remote client signature updates and scheduled automatic remote client spyware scanning and removal. Enterprises and IT administrators find the application extremely effective because it offers scanning and removal of spyware...
Spyware Defense? Introduces Next Generation Spyware Protection
Spyware > Spyware Defense? Introduces Next Generation Spyware Protection
Spyware Symptoms
Spyware symptoms happen when your computer gets bogged down with spyware programs running in the background without your knowledge. Spyware, adware, malware and even spamware can cause your computer to behave very strange. If you are experiencing any of these spyware symptoms listed below, chances are you have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer. ? Slower Computer Performance One of the easiest spyware symptoms to detect is if your system suddenly starts operating slower than usual. Spyware and Adware programs use a lot of your computer resources to track your activities and deliver pop up ads that slow down your computer and can even make it crash.
If you are getting a lot of program crashes, your computer is much slower than normal or your hard drive whirls away when you're not doing anything, these are common spyware symptoms.
? E-Mail Symptoms If you get a lot of bounced back email and see evidence of email being sent without your knowledge,...
Spyware > Spyware Symptoms
Reviews mixed on legislation to protect consumers from spyware
Congresswoman Mary Bono's (R-CA) legislation to protect consumers from invasive and unsolicited spyware passed in the full House Energy and Commerce Committee June 24 and is expected to go before the full House of Representatives this year for final passage. Some say the legislation is a step in the right direction; while other consumer privacy experts claim it's doomed to fail.H.R. 2929, the "Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act" (SPY Act) proposes to protect you from unknowingly downloading spyware by requiring that you receive a clear and conspicuous notice before downloading spyware. The bill also includes provisions to inhibit unfair or deceptive behavior that could rob you of your privacy or the ability to use your computer effectively, such as key-stroke logging, computers highjacking and the display of advertisements that cannot be closed, Bono claims in a June 24 press release about the legislation.Spyware is a terrible problem and it's true that something needs...
Reviews mixed on legislation to protect consumers from spyware
Spyware > Reviews mixed on legislation to protect consumers from spyware
Spyware, This Time It?s Personal!
First the basic definition of Spyware: It is a type of software which is installed onto your computer without your permission... It can log your keystrokes, which websites you visit, read you email, and even prowl your hard drives. At some point in time, it transmits its harvested information to the owner. Transmitting this data can slow your computers resources which can result in programs taking longer to load, make for longer waits for WebPages to load, and even complete system failures can occur.A different type of Spyware called Adware can be included in a download. You didn't notice it was included in the download when you read the user agreement since you might have given up on reading the user agreement after 2000 or 3000 words into it.
That's what they wanted you to do! Or maybe, shame shame, you didn't even read it!Webroot recently finished a survey that concluded the average home computer has 28 pieces of Spyware on it. I recently stumbled across an admiringly clever...
Spyware, This Time It?s Personal!
Spyware > Spyware, This Time It?s Personal!
Spyware
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