Spyware is an infuriating computer illness that can make both you and your computer suffer. It is a type of malware or malicious ware designed to infiltrate your computer system and take advantage of your space and internet connection to cause havoc and chaos to you, and other internet users.
But, how will you know if your computer has already been taken over by spyware? Check out these symptoms and see if your computer is positive to spyware infection.
1. Your computer became slow. This is probably the most common symptom. It is because spyware is dependent in the computer system, as compared to the common computer software. Spyware eats up a lot of resources and space, thus it bogs the system down. The software present in your computer, such as games and applications, need extra space from your computer in order to work properly. This wretched malware eats up a lot of extra space in your computer, thus slowing down the applications. Worse comes to worst, it dysfunctions the entire application.
2. Pop-up ads everywhere. Adware is being attached to a software application offered for free on the internet, for users who do not wish to purchase the program. Upon downloading the freeware, various advertisements pop out of your computer. With this, programmers and the websites still earn revenue despite the free offer. However, this also created an avenue for spyware. Instead of simply providing advertisements, spyware, on the other hand, tracks down your surfing habits and basically explores your activities in the computer. Not only does it violate your privacy, but it also gives hackers easy access to use your computer for malicious activities.
3. E-mail spam. If you check your e-mail and you see that there have been sent messages without your knowledge, it is possible that spyware is behind this. With the use of your computer and internet connection, spyware is able to send spam mails through your address book. What’s more dangerous is, it can copy your entire address book and send it back to an e-mail spammer. Double trouble, isn’t it?
4. New Desktop Shortcuts and Homepage. One day, you decide to surf the internet, when you open your browser. Poof! You are welcomed by an unknown website. And no matter how many times you revert your homepage back to default, it keeps on coming back to that unknown site. Better check. It must be spyware.
5. Unwanted Hardware responses. According to some users, when they had spyware in their computers, their CD drives opens and closes or some programs opens and closes down without you doing anything. Don’t be alarmed. It’s not a ghost. It can be the work of spyware as well. Since the spyware is hidden and you cannot trace its activities, it just goes to show that spyware is at work and thus it affects even the actions of your hardware.
One must be very attentive to these symptoms. Even if only just one symptom is seen in your computer, it is best to be on the move to remove the spyware in your computer system. Remember, even if it may seem like a mediocre attempt to annoy a user, it can create devastating results if you don’t take it seriously.
