The Dangers Of Allowing Spyware Onto Your Computer
Spyware poses a range of dangers to computer users. It can be mildly annoying and frustrating, perhaps interfering with the speed at which your machine can operate. It can also be responsible for your every move being monitored for the financial gain of someone else - even leading to identity fraud. Nothing can give a computer owner quite the same sinking feeling as being told that their computer is either infected by Spyware or a virus. And yet, despite recent publicity concerning Spyware, it is estimated that as many as 80% of home computer uses fail to run disk scans to detect Spyware, which would then enable them to delete these malicious files.
Corporations and organizations tend to have a better understanding of the need to protect their computer systems from Spyware and they will have internet security policies in place that, when adhered to, prevent Spyware ever being downloaded on to their machines. Unfortunately, some popular programs, Internet Explorer is one, have inbuilt vulnerabilities that allows the writers of Spyware to exploit computer systems without anyone doing anything to help them. Security holes in these programs make it possible for Spyware to be downloaded to a computer system even when the program is not being used - it is sufficient that it is installed on the machine. Spyware can also be downloaded through innocent looking web pages, games, downloads for MP3 players, search toolbars and free software. There is no doubt that Spyware represents a large and growing threat to Internet users. Because Spyware continues to be a lucrative money spinner for many companies the problem is not going to disappear at source. It seems that Spyware can be installed for many purposes from the pseudo-legitimate - to monitor your child's activity online - to the downright fraudulent. Although Spyware may be mistaken for a virus it is different. Unlike viruses and worms it does not usually self-replicate. Spyware is software that secretly monitors, records and then forwards information about the computer user's web activities to its controller - such information being sent without the knowledge or permission of the computer user. Spyware can be used to steal passwords, credit-card numbers and bank account details leading to identity theft for the unwary. The industry is working hard to control or stamp out Spyware but whilst it remains a rich source of income for so many they are unlikely to be successful. Do not think for one moment that you have nothing of interest to anyone else on your personal computer - everyone has the potential to be targeted by Spyware and to become the next victim. The real dangers of Spyware can be more extensive than you might ever dream to be possible. Protect yourself from Spyware and tell your friends too. |