Spyware Removal Service in Macclesfield

You may have spyware on your PC

Spyware is a software application that is installed onto your pc to monitor your actions and web surfing habits. Usually, spyware will report back to a central server with the information it has collected about you.

This can be used for marketing purposes and is a common use of information collected by a variant of spyware known as adware. Adware is installed, usually with your consent, in return for a free program or tool. Once downloaded and installed, the adware will monitor the sites you visit. This information allows a profile of your interests to be created and adverts that fit this profile are then displayed on your pc.

While adware is usually up front and tells you about the advertising functions it will install, many people do not read licence agreements, simply clicking on “I accept” without ever reading a single word. Before you realise what is going on, your pc is bombarded with rather annoying adverts and popups.

Spyware is more underhand and is usually installed surreptitiously or without your knowledge. The end result is very similar to adware but can have more serious consequences for you and your privacy. Certain variants have been known to contain keyloggers and viruses.

A keylogger creates a log of every keystroke on your keyboard. This log can then be sent over the internet to a central server where information about you can be extracted. This could include usernames and passwords or even bank details and credit card numbers.

This only reinforces the need for you to be vigilant about what you allow to be installed on your pc. Children are the worst culprits for filling computers with junk and free programs from the internet. Such things as free icons or emoticons, free ringtones and free games can all potentially contain hidden spyware or adware.

I have seen computers so badly infected with both viruses and spyware that all the system resources are swallowed up just trying to run them. The computer becomes literally unusable because it is unresponsive to your mouse clicks. Your internet connection can also be affected by theses infections and often will fail to connect to your ISP successfully.

Nasty stuff! Be careful what you download.