People think that there is actually no difference between a spyware and an adware. Spyware is just a web term used to refer to an advertising supported software, which is otherwise known as adware. These are the pop-up ads that often come out whenever we open a website or download a shareware software. But according to some web experts, spyware is much much more.
Supporters of spyware and adware say that though it can be pretty annoying at times especially if you are really in a hurry, both do give consumers huge benefits. Because the product ads generate income for developers of shareware software, consumers can get them for free. Developers are in turn paid for their work. Of course, if you don’t want to be bothered by the constant pop-ups, you can always pay the licensing fee or the regular fee for the software. If you want it for free, you just have to sacrifice through the spyware.
There is however another downside to it. Spyware, from the name given to it, is actually used as a tracking device in your computer system. These tracking devices will look into your surfing habits, your chatting logs and even the number of times you open your email. If designed or programmed the right way, it can discover just about everything else in your system.
And because the program runs in the background, there is no way that a person can control the kind of information that he or she sends out.
These kinds of programs were actually originally used by parents or people in the business sector who wish to track down and put on record web activity. It is actually beneficial but not when people are not aware that they are being tracked down. This is often the case when people download software over the Internet. As mentioned before, it is used by companies to advertise their products and in turn help the developers of software keep their costs down so that they can afford to offer their programs for free.
Although privacy issues indeed come into play, there is nothing illegal about it. In fact, its use is prevalent all over the World Wide Web. There are however some areas that people who value their privacy will object to. Because of this, people are given the option to refuse the software.
There is really no way that one can avoid adware and spyware as these programs are packaged with the software that you will be downloading from the Internet. The most that you can do is to avoid downloading from the internet and to refuse any file downloads that you did not personally authorize. It is also good to only view websites that have a good reputation or those that have anti-spyware and adware programs installed in their pages.
Spyware scan was created for the purpose of stopping those who want to take advantage of the contents in your computer. Nowadays, there are a lot of people out there who want to take advantage of what you have, from your bandwidth up to personal data that involves money and things.
What your computer will appear like during spyware and before a spyware scan.
1. "Zombie" computer.
Computer acting strange like slow loading, sites popping up without you even clicking on them. These are sure signs that your computer is under the control of the owner of the spyware.
They are capable of doing this. Moreover, you are not the only one experiencing these problems. It may be that you and a lot others are being simultaneously controlled from one center point.
Imagine using a computer that you do not have control of. In addition, imagine all your life's work falling into the hands of those who do not have need of it. Some spyware do not have any deeper purpose. They may be made just for the fun of it. Or just so you can get the services of those who can fix this thing for you.
2. Identity thefts.
Being victims of identity theft can be a frightening and traumatic experience. Imagine being accused of something that you do not have any idea about. Credit cards for example. When spyware have gotten hold of your card information, they can use that to shop or buy things without your knowledge.
It would be later on that you will realize that you have used or exceeded all you credit. By the time your bills show up, the criminal will be long gone.
Spyware owners have profited greatly from using spyware. Not only are they privy to information that they get from the computers, they can also rent these things to those who want to hack into another person's personal data.
This is usually the case when the attacker is not able to provide their own spyware. They tend to get the services of those who are experts. The money they spent on these services is well spent once they get the information that they need.
The sad thing about it is that the theft can be anyone from around the world. The chances of knowing who took advantage of you are very slim. Even with technology at your side, you cannot really outsmart those who are making spyware their business.
3. Kill programs.
Spyware are intelligent enough to go through programs and determine which ones they will cause havoc to. That is not only the extent of its intelligence. There are those that have the ability to change locations once you are on the process of detecting and scanning them.
No matter how sophisticated your programs are, trust spyware to find its way into them.
These are the things are likely to happen if you have not availed of spyware scan yet. It can be noted that this scan is only meant to detect spyware. They are not really intended to remove them.
When your spyware scan gives off disturbing results, consider having anti virus programs or software installed into your computer. It will be your assurance that any forms of spyware will be prevented from troubling you again in the future.
This website uses cookies that are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. By accepting this OR scrolling this page OR continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy