| If you do not know what spyware is, then it is time | | | | Types of Spyware Adware: This spyware records |
| to learn. Spyware can damage your computer or | | | | which sites you frequent and uses it to advertise |
| even worse, cause you to be a casualty of identity | | | | specifically towards you. |
| theft. | | | | Dialers: Makes calls through your internet connection, |
| The Dangers of Spyware Nothing brings doom quite | | | | which are often charged to your account. |
| as much as being told your computer has a spyware | | | | Hijacking: Modifies your computer the way it wants, |
| infection. The word %u2018spyware%u2019 hints | | | | changing your homepage, default settings, and other |
| that your poor PC was duped into smuggling | | | | issues. It may sound harmless, but these changes can |
| classified documents detailing plans for building a | | | | often compromise your security. |
| hydrogen bomb into Bolivia. Well, probably not this | | | | Keyloggers: Logs your keystrokes%u2014what is |
| bad. | | | | typed into search engines, emails, password boxe. |
| There is spyware out there that is that scary. At its | | | | Tracking Cookies: These log information about you |
| worst, spyware can find and steal passwords, bank | | | | that you might not want to be known%u2014which |
| records, credit card account numbers, and other | | | | websites you visited, what you%u2019re typing, and |
| private information. Online criminals can take this data | | | | account numbers. |
| and use it to steal your identity. Even benign versions | | | | This is just a short list of the types of spyware that |
| of spyware can be difficult, taking up huge amounts | | | | could infect your computer. Each type of spyware is |
| of space on your PC and slowing down your | | | | the same as other, legitimate sources; however, the |
| computer. | | | | spyware listed above can be dangerous. |
| What is Spyware? Simply, spyware is any program | | | | What to Do - Of course the safest way to avoid |
| that takes control of certain aspects of your | | | | spyware is to unplug your computer and never log |
| computer and is installed without your consent. There | | | | on to the internet again. If that doesn%u2019t work, |
| are many legitimate programs which are essentially | | | | buying a highly rated antispyware program is the |
| the same as spyware; however, these programs are | | | | best way to go.Come to think of it, maybe smuggling |
| not installed unless you give your assent. | | | | is less frightening. |