What is spyware and adware?

In a nutshell these programs hijack your computer and display ads and popup advertising to you as you surf the web. Often they will also reset your homepage, modify your search engine results and redirect you to sites of their choice instead of ones you wish to visit.

Many programs will also track your surfing habits and modify the ads on websites your visit as a result of the information it collects. The most nefarious programs will log your keystrokes and search for patters such as bank logins and credit card numbers opening you up to major risk of identity theft.

Spyware and adware proliferation has reached epidemic proportions thanks in a great part to holes in Internet Explorer, deceptive marketing and last but not least surfer ignorance. This Graph Shows the proliferation of spyware proliferation over time.

Take the following precautions to avoid being a target.

• Never open email attachments, except images, even from a trusted source.
• Be very wary of free software unless from a very trusted website.
• P2P networks are stuffed with adware so avoid software from these sources.
• Make sure your security settings are properly set Click Here For Proper Settings
• MOST IMPORTANTLY: Use good adware removal software regularly