What is Spyware and Adware?

Have you seen ads for programs that:

• Add cute icons to your email client?
• Install helpful search bars to your web browser?
• Claim to accelerate your web surfing speed?
• Put a small, handy calendar in the corner of your screen?
• Keep your computer clock in sync?
• Change the background of your desktop daily?

Be extremely careful when downloading or installing this kind of software. It often contains adware and spyware!

Spyware programs sit on your computer and monitor your activity (usually while you surf the web). As they collect data, they will report that data to the maker of the spyware program, which they can then use for marketing or other purposes.

Adware programs will cause pop-up advertisements to appear on your screen, even when you're not surfing the web. These programs not only invade your privacy - they can slow your computer down significantly and cause your browser or computer to crash.

These programs may:

• Collect private information from your hard drive and send it to marketing companies.
• Result or aid in identity theft.
• Profile your web-surfing habits.
• Send your email address to marketing companies who in turn send you commercial email.

Industry experts suggest that 90% of all computers are infected with Spyware or Adware and that there is an average of 28 spyware elements on every infected computer!

 What are common signs of Spyware and Adware being installed on my computer?

• Pop-up advertisements appear on your computer, even when you are not surfing the web.
• Your web browser or computer has slowed down significantly.
• Your web browser or computer crashes a lot or behaves in unexpected ways.

 How do I know if I am infected with Spyware and Adware and how can I prevent future infections?

• Download and periodically run a spyware/adware removal tool. Two of the best ones are:
  • Ad-Aware (free)
  • Spybot - Search And Destroy (free)

• Be very careful not to install programs you're unfamiliar with. Many spyware/adware products will try to install themselves on your computer. If you are prompted to install anything you are uncertain of while browsing the web, be sure to close the window or even your browser to prevent installation.