Spyware - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is spyware?

Spyware is a software program that is designed to steal personal information and to spy on the user's online behavior. It can record keystrokes and monitor the user's online behavior through cookies.

Q2. Why is spyware dangerous?

Spyware can steal personal data like credit card numbers, mother's maiden names, social security numbers, etc. and transmit them to hackers. This information can be very easily misused. This is why spyware is very dangerous and strict precautions should be taken to stay safe from spyware.

Q3. How does spyware infect computers?

Spyware applications often infect computers through other software with which they are bundled. They also spread through infected web pages, peer-to-peer networks, and cracked software. Sometimes spyware also spread through rouge spyware-removal tools, which mimic actual genuine software.

Q4. How do I know if my computer is infected with spyware?

If your computer has slowed down lately or you start seeing unwanted pop-ups or if you see some unwanted programs running in your task manager, it is probable that your computer has been infected. You can check by installing a suitable anti-spyware or anti-virus program and running a complete scan.

Q5. What is the difference between adware and spyware?

Adware is designed to display advertisements to the user whereas spyware is designed to steal and transmit personal details to third parties. Adware programs are not a security risk. However, in many cases, adware and spyware are bundled together.

Q6. What should I do to stay safe from spyware?

There are many ways you can protect your computer from getting infected with spyware:

# Install a suitable anti-virus scanner. For example: Avira Antivirus.

# Install a suitable anti-spyware scanner. For example: Spyware Terminator or Spybot: Search and Destroy.

# Install a suitable firewall. Firewall software prevent unwanted programs from entering your computer from the Internet.

# Always download software from reputed sites like Download.com

# Never download software from peer-to-peer networks and or warez sites or file sharing sites like rapidshare or megaupload.

# Always scan files before opening them.

# Be careful with email attachments. Many virus programs and spyware spread through mail attachments.

# Update your operating system regularly. Apply all the service packs, patches and security updates. Also update your browser to the latest version.

Q7. Is it possible to delete spyware manually?

Yes. It is possible to delete spyware manually. However, it requires lots of expertise. Spyware can be removed manually by using a software called HijackThis. This software generates a log which contains information about the spyware. This can be used to ascertain which spyware has infected your system and what needs to be done to remove it.

Q8. Which spyware removal tool is the best?

This question has no definite answer. Different users have different opinions. However, we believe SpywareTerminator and Spybot: Search and Destroy as the best free spyware removal tools.

Q9. Is it true that Apple Mac OS is more secure?

Yes.There are no known spyware, with a few exceptions, that can attack and infect Mac OS X. This indicates that a Mac is more secure than a Windows based computer.

Source: http://goo.gl/xNeVD