How to Detect Spyware

Many things can affect your computer system’s integrity, but there’s no more serious threat to computer security than spyware. Millions of computers and computer networks around the world suffer from a lot of losses in data and profits because of spyware threats. Here are some ways to detect spyware.

What is Spyware?

Spyware are unwanted computer programs that acquire personal information, data, or computing behavior from users. Many types of spyware are designed to collect information from computers through unauthorized access. Some companies may use spyware to promote advertisements or “anti-spyware” programs, and some users mayb experience a serious slowdown in computer performance.

Where Spyware Comes From

Most spyware threats come from the following sources:

• Untrusted sites. A spyware program usually comes from visiting a site with an expired security certificate or carries infected content (like programs that claim to remove spyware). Peer-to-peer file sharing can also cause spyware to be loaded into your computer.
• Infected networks. Some spyware may be passed on between computers connected to each other in a physical network, especially if they share files through a common folder.

Detection

It is fairly easy to detect most common spyware, although you have to be extra careful when using your computer to avoid spyware threats and infections:

Spyware Behavior

Here are some common behavior of computers infected with spyware:

• You are alerted by your anti-virus program of a particular malware, virus, or worm.
• Constant display of pop-up ads, or multiple sites blocked by your browser’s pop-up blocker.
• A program claiming to be a spyware removal program “scans” your computer for spyware, but instead directs you a site that claims to host a program that removes a particular virus for a fee.
• A significant slowdown in browsing or download speed.

Anti-Virus Software

The best way to detect spyware is to use an anti-virus software:

• Keep your virus and malware database updated.
• Run a thorough full system scan regularly to detect any spyware programs that have installed themselves on your computer.
• Always enable the firewall from the anti-virus program when browsing the Internet. Do not disable the firewall or turn off the anti-virus program unless you are absolutely sure that the site you’re visiting is secure.