TECHiE TALKS

Spyware is a malware that is placed secretly on a computer. It tracks the user’s behavior and reports information back to a central source.  Some types of spyware are simply annoying because they cause increased spam or unwanted pop-ups, but others can go so far as to threaten the security of your PC and personal information.

Spyware can act like a peeping tom or, at worse, a geeky thief. There a lot of things that a spyware can do, spyware can be installed on your PC without your consent.  Typically, spyware finds its way onto PCs by “piggybacking” onto a file, such as a computer game, a music file, or a free software program or it can be downloaded from the Internet when you visit a particular website. Pests such as spyware can often lurk silently on your computer until someone or something sets them off,  or until they are found and properly removed.

Another thing is that spyware compromises your data, computing habits, and identity.  Spyware can monitor information about your computing habits, such as what websites you visit, or record your keystrokes,  which in the end can lead to identity theft. For example, spyware can record the keystrokes that you use while keying in a credit card number and send this number to a “cyberthief.”

Spyware can also alters your  PC settings.  Some forms of spyware can also wreak havoc by altering computer settings like your web browser home page setting or the placement of your desktop icons. This doesn’t do much damage to your PC, but it’s really annoying. You suddenly get an error that the Administrator has blocked the files that you want to access such as the task manager.

The most hated thing I don’t like is that spyware can rob your PC of system speed and Internet access efficiency. This can become a big problem when you’re trying to use the programs on your PC, watch videos online, or download large files. And it will bother you a lot especailly when you are in a hurry of doing your stuff.