I am worried about having spyware on my computer and having my activity be monitored, information be recorded, and identity stolen.  Could you give me some more information and types on spyware, spyware removal, and fixing my computer?

Sure, let’s first talk about what spyware is and why it can be a threat to your internet safety and identity.  Spyware is defined as a specific type of malware that is usually placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge.  With the spyware, information is collected about the user’s browing activity and other habits.  The real damage from spyware can come from monitoring of a user’s activity as well as recording his or her inputs such as personal information and passwords.  Spyware can also be linked to other software which will redirect user to unintended websites, showing ad popups when unwanted, as well as change computer settings such has the browser homepage.  All these constitute an invasion in privacy.

There are a list of safe practices that computer users should keep in mind to keep themselves and their families safe from spyware or other internet threats on privacy, identity, and safety.

What is the difference between spyware and adware?

Adware is generally a more general category that refers to software that shows advertising to the computer user.  Some cases of adware are installed with the user knowledge and permission while others are more surreptitious similar to the spyware modality.  The information that dictates what type of ads the user is shown can be collected with or without the user’s knowledge.  In cases of user having given permission, the adware is usually bundled with some other useful software that the user wants to use.  In general, whether it is spyware or adware, computer users usually do not want either on their computers and they should be removed with spyware scan and adware removal.

What is the distinction between spyware, viruses, and worms?

This is also a more technical distinction, as in general, no computer user browsing the internet or using their personal computers want any spyware, viruses, or worms on their computer.  Technically speaking, spyware is different from viruses and worms because spyware does not replicate itself within an computer or onto other computer.  Spyware usually as to be installed onto a computer without the user’s knowledge, whether this is done onsite by a 3rd party, remotely, or through piggybacking onto other application installations.

How does a computer become infected with spyware?

Spyware are unlike viruses or worms in that they do not spread computer to computer.  Spyware usually becomes installed onto a computer through some system or software vulnerabilities or user deception.  For one, since people are usually hesitant to install unknown softwares or any applications that will disrupt their user experience, spyware often will piggyback onto other popular softwares.  Other spyware installs trick the user by posing as security software or ironically even as anti spyware software solutions.  Some spyware software trick the user by purporting itself as a useful utitlity such as web enhancer or accelerator.

Sometimes spyware takes advantage of security loopholes in web browsers or other software to infect computers with a spyware infection.  Browser security loop infections usually involve Microsoft Internet Explorer since it is the most widely used internet browser.

What are some signs that my computer may have been infected with spyware?

Since having a spyware infection usually indicates some gaps in safe internet practices, a spyware infection is usually not alone on a computer.  Along with a spyware infection, the computer may also have problems with adware, malware, trojans, and viruses, which can all add to to slow down the computer, cause crashes, result in system errors, or appear as general computer slowness.

If you find that your computer is much slower than it was when it was new, freezing or crashing a lot, or displaying weird behavior especially with pop-ups and ads while you are surfing the web, then you may have a spyware infection or other problems and should do a spyware scan and removal.

It is possible for a spyware infection to exhibit no apparent symptoms but that

How do I do a spyware scan and spyware removal if I suspect my computer has become an unfortunate victim of spyware infection?

If your computer shows some symptoms of what is mentioned above and you suspect any computer problems such as a spyware infection, you should do a spyware scan to identify and fix any problems.  An important thing to keep in mind is that some spyware actually purports itself as anti spyware or a spyware scan and removal program.  Thus, when you are looking for a software solution to deal with spyware, it is important that you deal with reputable companies in the spyware scan and spyware removal problem.  A good starting point is to look through our directory of spyware removal and spyware scan software solutions to see which one might work for you.

Is spyware associated or connected with identity theft?

Yes, since spyware monitors all your activity and can record such information as your chat logs, login information, passwords, and keyboard inputs; spyware has the big potential of transmitting that personal information of yours to commit identity theft.  This is a big concern, of course, as identity theft has resulted in around $48 billion in damages for financial institutions and businesses and as much as $5 billion in personal damages and recovery costs for American individuals.