What is Spyware?
Spyware is a type of malicious software that is installed on your computer without your consent. It is usually a very small piece of software that installs so quickly you don't even know it. Once installed, it runs in the background undetected.
The purpose of spyware is to take partial control of your computer or to intercept data from your computer. Spyware is created by unscrupulous developers who wish to take something from you for their own purposes. What is taken depends on the purpose of the spyware, and could be anything from bandwidth to highly confidential personal information.
Some Examples of what Spyware Does
Some spyware takes control of your computer and can turn it into a "zombie" that is under the control of the programmer. Hijacked computers are often rented to spammers or hackers who use these computers for e-mailing or in targeted attacks against other websites.
Some spyware is designed to capture and transmit personal information about you. As you enter information into websites for example, an infected computer might capture your social security number, bank account numbers, pins, passwords, drivers license number, etc... Cyber criminals often use this information to steal money or your identity.
Spyware can be very dangerous, and is becoming as prevalent as computer viruses. It is now a recommended computer security practice to use anti-spyware software in conjunction with anti-virus software on every computer that is connected to the internet.
How to Detect and Remove Spyware
You cannot manually detect and remove the spyware on your system because it hides very well and does not show up in your "add and remove programs" tool. Spyware is rarely detected by anti virus software programs, because it usually does not contain the characteristics of a computer virus. The only way to detect and remove spyware that is hidden on your computer is to use anti-spyware software. A good anti spyware product will detect and remove spyware and adware (a special type of advertising-related spyware), and will also identify all advertising cookies that are currently on your system.
* A Note About "Free Spyware Removers"
There are many good anti spyware programs available, but be careful of "free spyware removers" as there is a good chance you will download more spyware instead of what you think is a removal tool. Many "off brand" spyware removers are actually designed to show you "false positives", which tell you that you have spyware even if you don't. Stay away from "free" spyware removers and stay away from companies that you've never heard of, and you'll be safe.
Some Excellent "Legitimate" Spyware Removers Are:
Some of these companies allow you to download and try a free trial version, which is a great idea. Some (like Spyware Nuker) offer a free online spyware scan, which is a great way to quickly check your computer for spyware.
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