Spyware
Dear friends and clients,
According to
Wikipedia,
Spyware is software that collects some data, usually without the computer users'
knowledge. Very often, this data is then sent over the internet to a third
party, which can use it for something. Very often, this is used for marketing.
But spyware can also be used to get data from computers that should not be
divulged. It can be used as a keylogger which can see what you are typing into
the internet. Keyloggers can steal important information, like passwords or
credit card numbers, as they are typed.
Trojans are another form of malicious software that fall into the same category.
These programs simply open ports to the outside on your computer, allowing their
creators to see and control your PC – and potentially steal anything they find
on it.
Because Spyware software is not actually a virus, it is often not picked up by
Anti-virus scanners. However it is nasty, and can slow down and even damage your
computer. For this reason a second-tier approach is prudent.
The best protection is, in addition to your anti-virus package, to get a program
that protects against spyware. But be cautious -
many websites that claim to sell spyware protection are actually spyware
themselves, not something to protect against it.
Having evaluated and used many different solutions, I can recommend
regular spyware scans with a specialist product - this will keep your system
clean and will give you complete protection
and peace of mind.
