spyware
Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software), it is secretly installed on users’ personal computers and collect information at a time about users without their knowledge. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program.
Data collecting programs that are installed with users’ knowledge are not spyware. It is not spyware as well if the users fully understand what data is being collected and with whom it is being shared.
The cookie is a well-known mechanism for storing information about an Internet user on their own computer. Spyware is part of an overall public concern about privacy on the Internet.
Spyware and other unwanted software can :
- Invade your privacy
- Bombard you with pop-up windows
- Slow down your computer
- Make your computer crash
Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software.
Step 1: Use a firewall
While most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall or using the firewall that’s built into Windows Vista and Windows XP provides a helpful defense against these hackers.
Step 2: Update your software
Step 3: Adjust Internet Explorer security settings
(If you use Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you use Internet Explorer to browse the Web, your browser security settings for the Internet zone are set to Medium by default.)
To view your current Internet Explorer security settings:
In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options.
Select the Security tab.
For more information about security in Internet Explorer, see Change Internet Explorer Security Settings.
Internet ExplorerInternet Explorer also includes a number of features to help protect against spyware and many other kinds of deceptive or unwanted software.
Step 4: Download and install antispyware protection
Microsoft Security Essentials helps protects your computer from spyware and other unwanted software. It’s available as a no-cost download for Windows XP SP2 and higher, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. For more information, see Help protect your PC with Microsoft Security Essentials.
Step 5: Surf and download more safely
Only download programs from Web sites you trust. Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
