Spyware is software that monitors or controls your computer without your consent, usually transmitting your personal information through the Internet to someone else. It typically arrives bundled with free software and installs itself on your computer without your knowledge. It may send you pop-up ads (advertisements displayed in new browser windows), modify your settings, use your Internet connection to send information to its source, and otherwise slow down your system.
Common Signs of Spyware
- You receive pop-up ads that don’t seem to relate to the sites you are visiting or that appear when you aren’t even using the Internet.
- Your Web browser’s home page or default search engine has been changed.
- You find shortcuts on your toolbars or system tray that you didn’t create.
- Your computer runs noticeably slower than it did before.
Removing Spyware
Many kinds of spyware are designed to be difficult to remove. If you’re
having trouble uninstalling or even finding the spyware on your computer, you
may need to use a tool to do it for you. Download well-known removal software,
such as Ad-Aware
,
Spybot,
or Windows Defender.
Preventing Spyware
- Be cautious about free software or software you don’t know much about. Make sure you know exactly what you’re installing by reading any documentation provided.
- Keep your software updated. Your operating system or Web browser may offer security updates that will help prevent new spyware programs from coming through.
- Use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. CharacterLink offers a free firewall with its protection plans. Some operating systems also provide their own firewalls.
- Make sure the security settings on your Web browser are high enough to detect unauthorized downloads. When you receive security warnings alerting you about a potential software installation, don’t agree to the installation unless you trust the company.
- Don’t click on any links within pop-up windows. These links may have the ability to install spyware on your computer. Close pop-ups by clicking the “x” icon in the title bar. Bsafe provides a free pop-up blocker with its services so that you can avoid pop-ups altogether. (You can enable the pop-up blocker in the Bsafe Control Center, which comes with all of our products.)