Countering Privacy Invasions of Spyware
Mitch Johnson
Spyware spread quickly across the internet world forcing users to become aware of the prevalent threats facing their privacy while surfing the internet. A PC will begin to run slower, have difficulty accessing the internet, have a reduced bandwidth, show unwanted pop ups and or alter the start page. A spyware infection means your personal information is being exposed to individuals or companies without your knowledge or approval.
Spyware collects information on you internet and computer usage habits as well as more serious information including personal identification and credit card numbers. Many spyware applications can run silently, leaving you in the dark about the information being released from your computer. Even without symptoms users must beware of spyware infections. By downloading from freeware programs, such as free music file sharing or game programs, then your computer most likely has spyware. Downloading ring tones, screensavers and other free applications usually results in spyware piggybacking in your computer with the downloads.
Other forms of spyware are not acquired by you downloading anything. Visiting the wrong sites or clicking on ads will also infest your computer with spyware. Spyware should not be confused with viruses because even the best anti-virus software cannot detect spyware. Spwyare and viruses are two completely different codes that target different areas and have alternative purposes.
Finding and using the right tools can help internet users be able to surf the internet safely while keeping their privacy.
You should check your machine for spyware infection using one of the many scanning tools made for spyware. When looking into free spyware removal programs be sure it has been recommended by a trusted source and proven to be legitimate. Many of the free spyware tools are actually made by the originators of spyware and when they are installed in a person's computer more spyware is added to the build on your computer, causing additional difficulties.
Counterspy is one recommended program that uses a large spyware database to find infections. It also has real-time protection and a ThreatNet which protects your computer from numerous types of spyware, adware, hijackers, malware, keyloggers, ghost spammers and other spy software. A benefit of Counterspy is the real-time security monitoring that protects several critical areas of your system. With this program you greatly increase your chances of having other harmful spyware invasions.
The Counterspy program has proven to run will with other programs, not inhibiting their functions either. There is a 15 day free trial you can try and after that the entire program cost just $19 for one year of services, including updates.
About the author: Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.1st-in-spyware.com/ , a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.easy-spyware-killer.info/ as well as spyware scanner, http://www.easy-remove-spyware.info/
The latest information and news on Spywaredude:
In what appears to be just a bad headline, the business publication says that Microsoft plans to introduce spyware. (It's actually planning free antivirus software)
Court Slams Door On Sale of Spyware (Slashdot)
coondoggie writes "The Federal Trade Commission yesterday had a US District Court issue a temporary restraining order halting the sale of RemoteSpy keylogger spyware. According to the FTC's complaint, RemoteSpy spyware was sold to clients who would then secretly monitor unsuspecting consumers' computers. The defendants provided RemoteSpy clients with detailed instructions explaining how to ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb)
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking. (PRWeb Nov 21, 2008) Read ...
WOT Releases Extended Protection for Web-Based Email Users (PRWeb via Yahoo! ...
WOT, Web of Trust, extends the security protection of its popular browser add-on to the top three Internet-based email services -- Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail. WOT checks links embedded in email and warns users of dangerous websites to help them avoid spyware, spam, phishing, identity theft and other Internet fraud, before they risk clicking.
Phisher-besieged PayPal sends users faux log-in page (The Register)
Error.com's missed opportunity PayPal, the online payment service that is a major target of phishers, has been caught sending customer emails that confuse its own login page with a third-party landing site that offers spyware protection and a bevy of other products.?
FTC get CyberSpy?s RemoteSpy banned in the U.S. (Geek.com)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been successful in its bid to get the RemoteSpy spyware application released by CyberSpy Software banned in the U.S. For now the ban is temporary, but the FTC are pushing to make it permanent. The ban stems from a complaint (PDF) lodged by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) back [...]
Microsoft to offer free anti-virus software (The Manila Times)
Microsoft has announced plans to offer free anti-virus software to PC users starting next year. The Redmond, Washington-based software giant said the software, code-named "Morro," will "provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans."
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Microsoft Will Replace OneCare with Security Software (NewsFactor via Yahoo! ...
Microsoft plans to stop accepting paid subscriptions to Windows Live OneCare in mid-2009. The security software is slated to be replaced by a free offering code-named Morro, which will focus on providing consumer PCs with core protection from viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans and other forms of malware.
Week in review: Yahoo to replace Yang (CNET)
Search giant searches for new CEO, while Microsoft takes its security strategy in a new direction. Also: Sing along with DRM.