Spyware And Adware- Beware!
How many times you have come across an advertisement that says free or you have won yourself a gift voucher? And if yes, how many times have you resisted yourself from clicking on such pop-ups? Studies have shown that most of us do not even think twice before we click on such links. And that is how spyware and adware get added onto our computers! Firstly let us differentiate and try to understand these two terms exactly mean. The word spyware refers to any software that surreptitiously gets installed onto your computer without your permission or knowledge; it can then keep a log of the various websites that you visit, passwords, login information, credit card details, etc. and transfer this confidential information to unauthorized parties. Now, the word adware is somewhat synonymous. Adware refers to any software that displays advertisements on your computer. Although quite a few of them are genuine, with the onslaught of the spyware industry, adware is one route through which your computer may be attacked. These advertisements are in the form of annoying pop-ups which, whether you click on YES or NO, lead you to the related website. The best way to get rid of them is close the window immediately by clicking on the cross sign. Spyware and adware can together be extremely menacing to Internet users as they hog up the computer memory. They also install gratuitous software and eat up the CPU time as the CPU gets occupied in processing the newly installed programs. Thus spyware and adware lead to drastic slow down of your computer system, and at times, they may even lead to complete crash down of the system.
So how do you keep your computer spyware and adware free? First and foremost, you need to get smart in browsing the Internet. Be careful not to click on any pop-up links, attractive banners or fall prey to furtive programs and advertisements. Try avoiding not installing free software, and even if you do, do take some time out to read the license agreement carefully. Many a times, the agreements do specify the default inclusion of unwanted software, but most of us tend to overlook. Also always check the source of your software and ensure that they are genuine. Another step that you need to take to keep spyware and adware away is installing anti spyware/ adware software on your computer that will scan your disk regularly for any potential threats. Such anti spyware/adware software will also keep a check on every incoming data for traces of spyware and adware being bundled with it. Installing two such anti spyware/adware software can ensure complete safeguard of your computer. The colorful advertisements and pop-ups are carefully designed to lure you into clicking them and ending up installing spyware and adware on your computer. So be aware because what you are looking at is a specialized form of spyware and adware itself! |