How did I get Spyware on my computer?

Spyware is installed on your computer using a number of deceptive means. Given the insecure nature of most PCs running Windows it is installed relatively easy without your knowledge. The most common ways of contracting spyware are:

• Opening infected emails
• Deceptive popups
• Downloading infected software or internet scripts, such as games and toolbars
• Filesharing programs
• Infected sites that will start a download without your knowledge

These programs will download on your computer and then execute which start the process of malicious changes that spyware effects on your computer. Spyware will change settings and intall files that will then send your personal info to a third party on the internet.

Basically anyway to start a download or change your settings is a way that can be exploited for spyware infection. It is really impossible to eliminate every possibility of infection of your computer by such programs if you use the internet normally these days. While vigilance helps, it is best to regularly scan your computer for spyware just like you do for viruses. Anti-spyware software is fast becoming an essential tool for your PC and we will help you find the software that fits your needs.

Being vigilant does help prevent the most common and obvious forms of infection but with new methods of infection and deceptive emails will constantly evolve to make infecting your computer easier. An example of such a problem is with flash enabled sites, where it is not obvious at all when you are accepting a link that might contain a download. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways of creating such a trap that the average user cannot keep up with. Getting an anti-spyware application and keeping it up to date with updates will let you keep tabs on the evolving nature of spyware and keep you on a level playing field with the hackers that develop spyware for a living.