Spyware and computer security

Spyware is malicious software or code that has been designed purposefully to steal personal data like banking details, social security numbers, passwords, etc. and to monitor the user's Internet activities. Spyware is usually written such that it infects the computer without the computer user's approval and in most situations the computer user may not even be aware that his/her online activities are being recorded and monitored. most malicious spyware can also hijack browser settings, deliver unwanted popup advertisements and download and install other software, viruses or other spyware applications. Spyware detection and deletion can be sometimes difficult because the files are often concealed from the layman user.

At first the term "spyware" meant hardware that was meant for espionage. However, after being used in a press release in 2000 by Gregor Freud, a security expert at Zone Labs, the term has taken on its present significance. Today, almost all the people who are familiar with computers and the World Wide Web might be aware of viruses, spyware applications and trojans.

Spy-ware usually get installed by exploiting bugs in Windows or when the user unknowingly downloads malicious or "tagged" files from the Network. The primary difference between viruses and spyware programs is that dissimilar to virus applications, spyware do not replicate i.e. make copies of themselves and spread to other computers. Some trojans also download and install spyware programs without the user's permission.

Windows is more insecure to spyware applications and other such malware. Apple's Mac OS and other operating systems like Linux and PCBSD are less vulnerable when compared to Microsoft Windows. There are many opinions on why there are few spyware targeting Linux and FreeBSD. Many security experts that these operating systems are inherently less vulnerable and it is difficult to develop spyware to work on these platforms. Other experts believe that because the market share of these operating systems is way lower when compared with Windows, spyware developers don't think that it is worth the effort to write spyware aimed at these operating systems.

If you use a Windows based personal computer, it is recommended to daily update your OS to protect yourself from spyware and adware. Updates contain bug fixes and patches to security vulnerabilities. It is also recommended to switch to another Web browser like Mozilla Firefox or Opera in place of the default Internet Explorer. These browsers are more secure and can help you in maintaining your computer free from spyware.

You should also download and install a good virus removal software and update it regularly. Most commercial anti-virus scanners can disinfect spyware and related malware. However, you can also install an anti-spyware software along with virus removal software for maximum benefit. A hardware firewall is also suggested. Most anti-virus scanners or Internet security suites, as they are known, have a firewall as well.

For more information visit the free spyware removal web page.