You are probably familiar with the threat of computer viruses but did you know there’s actually a much more common danger that may already have infected your system? It’s called Spyware, and it has actually surpassed viruses as the #1 threat facing your computer today.
In fact, most estimates report that 90% of computers have already been infiltrated by Spyware, which is the name given to any program that installs itself on your hard drive, collects personal information about you and your computer habits, then sends it to a third party without your permission or knowledge.
Spyware gets into your system in a number of ways. For one, they can come bundled with another program, especially downloaded freeware or shareware, and automatically install along with the other software.
Spyware can also get a foothold on your system through the advertising used in some free software, such as a number of the peer-to-peer programs; this type of Spyware is known as Adware.
A third method of entry occurs when you visit certain web sites that install Spyware cookies on your hard drive. While many cookies are completely harmless, others function like Adware and gather up details on the sites you visit, the passwords you use, and more.
Occasionally, another user can intentionally install Spyware on your computer as well. These programs, called system monitors or keyloggers, record every site you visit, every email you send, and every chat conversation you carry on. System monitors are often installed by worried parents, suspicious spouses, and efficiency-minded employers to watch other users’ “private” activities.
For the average user, any of these varieties of Spyware would be hard to detect and even more impossible to remove. Therefore, many users have begun to turn to Spyware detection and removal programs, such as the popular Spy Sweeper software, to protect their privacy and their systems.
SpySweeper, in particular, is popular mostly because it works on all varieties of Spyware. Many similar programs focus only on a few types, usually Adware or cookies, but SpySweeper protects computers from both of these plus system monitors and more.
Another benefit of the software is that it does not automatically delete the discovered Spyware. Instead, it alerts you to the program’s presence, gives you information on the type and risk factor of the Spyware, and lets you decide what to do with it. This feature is important because many programs will cease to work after their Spyware components are deleted and because it puts the control back in your hands where it belongs.
Spyware detection is tricky, in part, because new versions are always being released into the Internet community. Like viruses, eliminating Spyware requires constant monitoring and updating. In the case of SpySweeper, the software maintains a database of known Spyware offenders which is added to daily so that they can keep users as protected as possible.
While any computer with Internet access is susceptible to Spyware, you increase your chances of having your system infiltrated if you share your computer with other users (even family members), share files with others over the web, download any freeware or shareware programs, or spend 5+ hours a week online.
If any of these risk factors apply to you, you should seriously consider checking out a Spyware detection program like SpySweeper. After all you, not a sneaky program, should decide who has access to your personal and private information.
Cavyl Stewart is the author of “135 Hot Tech Tips for Small
Business Owners.” To Download your free copy, just visit:
http://www.find-small-business-software.com/135_tips.php
