PC Spyware Issues

Spyware is malicious software that monitors your use of your computer, without either your knowledge or consent. If installed on a computer connected to the Internet, this type of software records all kinds of activity on the computer and secretly sends the information to other computers on the Internet.

Spyware can potentially be very harmful to a computer and its performance. More dangerous Spyware can keep a log of every single key that you press on your keyboard and send this information back to the creators of the Spyware so that they can find out exactly what you have been typing.

The most dangerous risks associated with this are people typing passwords and security codes for Internet banking, or similar. If such passwords and codes are covertly sent back to Spyware authors, this could be used for criminal purposes. Additionally, such Spyware could enable people to read every single email that you ever send.

Other Spyware is often just an annoyance - not dangerous, but troublesome all the same. Examples of this include browser hijackers and browser 'help objects', which replace your browser's default homepage and install additional toolbars (usually related to searching the web). This form of Spyware is mostly used to track people's web surfing habits, keeping a record of all the websites you visit and links that you click on.

How does Spyware affect my Computer?

As an Internet user you may notice that your computer behaves oddly or does things that you would not expect. This could be for many different reasons, but more recently this problem is often an issue with Spyware.

There are many symptoms related to Spyware being installed on a computer. A computer infected with Spyware usually behaves oddly and performs unexpected actions.

Below are the most common symptoms associated with Spyware programs:

If your computer is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is possible that it could be infected with Spyware. Don't panic! Call Midland Web Services. We can remove the Spay ware that could causing these problems and show you how to keep your PC free from it.

How is Spyware installed on a computer?
The most common way in which Spyware is installed on a computer is through the use of file sharing programs (such as Kazaa or iMesh). Such programs allow your computer to connect to other people's computers on the Internet and share music, video or other files. This is done by transferring the files from someone else's computer to your own computer, or vice versa.

The risk involved is that you cannot always be sure that the file you are downloading from another computer is entirely safe - the file may well be some music, but it could also contain a malicious element that installs Spyware on your computer.

Additionally, Spyware can also be downloaded to your computer whilst simply surfing the Internet. Usually this is done as part of an 'ActiveX' control that is downloaded onto your computer from a web site (ActiveX is a small program designed to execute and perform a specific task in Windows). Malicious code can be embedded in an ActiveX control, so when it is downloaded on your computer, Spyware can be installed.

It is important that you only download files from sources that you know and trust. It is also good practice to only use software from well-known and reputable manufacturers.

Spyware is an ever increasing problem and we ca help you overcome it! Call us now on the number below. Please see our Home PC Ad Hoc Maintenance charges, or, you could take out a Home PC Maintenance Contract and we can look after your PC and its performance for you.

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