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2. Keystroke Loggers - This type of spyware logs everything that you type. Whether that is a personal note, a password, or a credit card number. Anything and everything that you type is captured and forwarded to
person watching your activity.
3. Browser Hijackers - This form of spyware will commonly change your home page to a so-called search page that is filled with less-than-useful pay-per-click results. This flavor of spyware also logs URLs that you visit.
4. Snoopware - This variety of spyware can monitor a PC user's every action. In addition, these programs were specifically designed to go undetected by person being monitored. Snoopware used to be primarily found only in workplace, but, as snoopware became more affordable, its usage grew. Employers, suspicious spouses, coworkers, parents, and strangers are just a few of people that may unleash snoopware on your system.
How Spyware Invades Your System Without Warning
The sad fact is that you have probably installed a very malicious spyware program on your computer without even realizing it. Your system may been infected with spyware if you have ever downloaded:
1. File-sharing programs 2. Freeware 3. Shareware 4. Music 5. Games 6. Screensavers 7. Video clips 8. Pictures
Even some programs that can be purchased in stores contain spyware.
Spy(ware Detection) vs. Spy(ware)
It would be virtually impossible to prevent spyware on your own. Even most hyper-vigilant defense would most likely let spyware slip through cracks. The only way to absolutely ensure that your system is protected is to monitor your computer with spyware prevention and removel software.
A firewall is another invaluable resource that should be used in conjunction with a spyware prevention and removal program. The firewall monitors your PC's Internet connection and shields it from unwanted actions by third-parties. In doing this it prevents spyware from connecting with remote sites without your permission.
Once spyware infiltrates your system it can be quite a chore to remove. Uninstalling program that was bundled with spyware won't do it. That will only remove main application from your system, while spyware application remains. After spyware has entered your computer your best course of action is to install a spyware prevention and removal program. In addition to preventing spyware infection these programs will also remove spyware that has already infected your system.
Heather Wallace is a writer whose work has been published in national, regional, and online publications. Additionally, she has written articles as a newspaper correspondent. Visit http://www.fetchingsites.com/SpywareIntel.html to run a free spyware detection scan on your computer.
