What is Spyware/Adware?
Adware and Spyware programs can adversely impact your computer performance. The information below provides tips and suggestions on how to remove malicious programs and protect your computer system.
According to the "Center for Democracy and Technology", there are at least three general categories of applications sometimes described as Spyware.
Spyware Categories Keystroke loggers and screen capture utilities, which are installed by a third party to monitor work habits, observe online behavior, or capture passwords and other information. "Adware" and similar applications that install themselves surreptitiously through "drive-by downloads" or by piggybacking on other applications and track user's behaviors take advantage of their internet connection. Legitimate applications that have faulty or weak user-privacy protections.
Spyware Categories
There are many reasons why someone would install Adware / Spyware on your PC. The most notable include:
Advertising of products: Companies will pay developers of Adware to devise ways of showing their products to you. Some may be as simple as a pop-up ad that you see when you go to a particular website. More ingenious methods will install a small software program on your PC that can be continuously updated by these developers when new products are available.
Track your web-surfing habits for Marketing of new products: Developers will create small programs that "track" your web-surfing habits, which are then categorized for companies to create "targeted" marketing campaigns.
Identity theft: This form is, by far, the most malicious use of Spyware. Developers will create programs to capture personal information such as bank accounts, credit cards, and so on. Many of today's most popular Spyware applications promise the ability to execute via "remote installation". Remote installation is the ability to install a Spyware program on a computer.
ymptoms of Adware / Spyware
The best method for identifying Spyware on a computer is with the use of software designed to identify and remove it. Since most Spyware applications communicate with other computers and are programs themselves, they use system resources which include memory, CPU cycles and an Internet connection. Therefore, the following are some symptoms you might notice:
Slow Computer - Although there are many reasons why your computer may run slow, if you use your computer daily then you are familiar with how it behaves. Older computers and some applications can cause a computer to run slow; however, if suddenly it begins to run much slower, this could be a indication of Adware / Spyware./
Unknown E-mail Activity - If you start noticing email sent without your knowledge or you start receiving a large number of undelivered emails you did not send, then you may have been infected. There are some types of programs that can send out spam from your computer using your address book or simply return the email addresses in your address book to a spammer to be used for unsolicited email.
Odd Computer Behavior - You may notice hard drive activity when you are not using the computer, an unknown icon in your Windows system tray appears, settings modified, CD drives opening and shutting, or programs mysteriously opening and closing. These could be a sign of a Spyware program running on your PC.
What is Spyware/Adware?
Adware and Spyware programs can adversely impact your computer performance. The information below provides tips and suggestions on how to remove malicious programs and protect your computer system.
According to the "Center for Democracy and Technology", there are at least three general categories of applications sometimes described as Spyware.
Spyware Categories Keystroke loggers and screen capture utilities, which are installed by a third party to monitor work habits, observe online behavior, or capture passwords and other information. "Adware" and similar applications that install themselves surreptitiously through "drive-by downloads" or by piggybacking on other applications and track user's behaviors take advantage of their internet connection. Legitimate applications that have faulty or weak user-privacy protections.
Detecting Adware / Spyware
There are several steps you can take to detecting Adware / Spyware on your computer. The simplest method to determine if Spyware or Adware has been installed is to check your Windows Programs list or the Windows Start-Up folder. To check the Windows Programs list:
Another method of identifying Spyware is to check your Windows Start-Up folder:
If you are uncertain if a program is considered Adware / Spyware, we suggest researching the program against Spyware databases which can be found by searching the Internet.
Removing Adware / Spyware
If you believe you are infected with Adware / Spyware, the easiest way to detect and remove it is by the use of anti-spyware software or scanning software. Anti-spyware software is a different tool from anti-virus software but operates in much the same way, by scanning the hard drive looking for files associated with known Adware / Spyware programs. The software then returns any found programs and allows the user to determine what course of action to take.
Keeping Clean from Adware / Spyware
Be cautious of downloads. The easiest way is to not install them in the first place. Many of these applications are installed via "drive-by downloads", which use misleading tactics to install them. Many times users have no idea they have installed the application. Many developers will design their applications to be difficult to uninstall. If a small portion remains on your PC, it has the ability to rebuild itself, so be careful what you download. Be sure to read any privacy policies offered by the site and only install applications when you are certain what functions they are performing and AFTER you read the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA).
Be suspicious of pop-up ads. Do not download programs via pop-up ads or from unknown sites. Also, be sure to close any window that looks suspicious and always close windows properly by clicking the "X" in the upper right hand corner. Some pop-up ads will contain a close box or "X" within the window that will actually open the ad. To be safe, you can always close the window from your Windows taskbar by right clicking on the window located on your taskbar (generally found at the bottom of your screen) and selecting Close.
Stay updated. Simply keeping up with the latest security patches, fixes, and service packs will help prevent some of the programs from installing on your computer.
Scan regularly. Frequent scans using your anti-spyware tool will also keep you safe.
Where can I find additional information on Adware / Spyware?
Suddenlink does not endorse any particular site, but you can search the Internet for Spyware sites or visit sites like Microsoft or Spyware Guide to learn more about Adware/Spyware and utilities for removing these types of applications.
Adware and Spyware programs can adversely impact your computer performance. The information below provides tips and suggestions on how to remove malicious programs and protect your computer system.
According to the "Center for Democracy and Technology", there are at least three general categories of applications sometimes described as Spyware.
Spyware Categories Keystroke loggers and screen capture utilities, which are installed by a third party to monitor work habits, observe online behavior, or capture passwords and other information. "Adware" and similar applications that install themselves surreptitiously through "drive-by downloads" or by piggybacking on other applications and track user's behaviors take advantage of their internet connection. Legitimate applications that have faulty or weak user-privacy protections.
Spyware Categories
- Keystroke loggers and screen capture utilities, which are installed by a third party to monitor work habits, observe online behavior, or capture passwords and other information.
- "Adware" and similar applications that install themselves surreptitiously through "drive-by downloads" or by piggybacking on other applications and track user's behaviors and take advantage of their internet connection.
- Legitimate applications that have faulty or weak user-privacy protections
There are many reasons why someone would install Adware / Spyware on your PC. The most notable include:
Advertising of products: Companies will pay developers of Adware to devise ways of showing their products to you. Some may be as simple as a pop-up ad that you see when you go to a particular website. More ingenious methods will install a small software program on your PC that can be continuously updated by these developers when new products are available.
Track your web-surfing habits for Marketing of new products: Developers will create small programs that "track" your web-surfing habits, which are then categorized for companies to create "targeted" marketing campaigns.
Identity theft: This form is, by far, the most malicious use of Spyware. Developers will create programs to capture personal information such as bank accounts, credit cards, and so on. Many of today's most popular Spyware applications promise the ability to execute via "remote installation". Remote installation is the ability to install a Spyware program on a computer.
ymptoms of Adware / Spyware
The best method for identifying Spyware on a computer is with the use of software designed to identify and remove it. Since most Spyware applications communicate with other computers and are programs themselves, they use system resources which include memory, CPU cycles and an Internet connection. Therefore, the following are some symptoms you might notice:
Slow Computer - Although there are many reasons why your computer may run slow, if you use your computer daily then you are familiar with how it behaves. Older computers and some applications can cause a computer to run slow; however, if suddenly it begins to run much slower, this could be a indication of Adware / Spyware./
Unknown E-mail Activity - If you start noticing email sent without your knowledge or you start receiving a large number of undelivered emails you did not send, then you may have been infected. There are some types of programs that can send out spam from your computer using your address book or simply return the email addresses in your address book to a spammer to be used for unsolicited email.
Odd Computer Behavior - You may notice hard drive activity when you are not using the computer, an unknown icon in your Windows system tray appears, settings modified, CD drives opening and shutting, or programs mysteriously opening and closing. These could be a sign of a Spyware program running on your PC.
Adware / Spyware
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Adware and Spyware programs can adversely impact your computer performance. The information below provides tips and suggestions on how to remove malicious programs and protect your computer system.
According to the "Center for Democracy and Technology", there are at least three general categories of applications sometimes described as Spyware.
Spyware Categories Keystroke loggers and screen capture utilities, which are installed by a third party to monitor work habits, observe online behavior, or capture passwords and other information. "Adware" and similar applications that install themselves surreptitiously through "drive-by downloads" or by piggybacking on other applications and track user's behaviors take advantage of their internet connection. Legitimate applications that have faulty or weak user-privacy protections.
Quick Select
Spyware Categories
There are many reasons why someone would install Adware / Spyware on your PC. The most notable include:
Advertising of products: Companies will pay developers of Adware to devise ways of showing their products to you. Some may be as simple as a pop-up ad that you see when you go to a particular website. More ingenious methods will install a small software program on your PC that can be continuously updated by these developers when new products are available.
Track your web-surfing habits for Marketing of new products: Developers will create small programs that "track" your web-surfing habits, which are then categorized for companies to create "targeted" marketing campaigns.
Identity theft: This form is, by far, the most malicious use of Spyware. Developers will create programs to capture personal information such as bank accounts, credit cards, and so on. Many of today's most popular Spyware applications promise the ability to execute via "remote installation". Remote installation is the ability to install a Spyware program on a computer.
- Keystroke loggers and screen capture utilities, which are installed by a third party to monitor work habits, observe online behavior, or capture passwords and other information.
- "Adware" and similar applications that install themselves surreptitiously through "drive-by downloads" or by piggybacking on other applications and track user's behaviors and take advantage of their internet connection.
- Legitimate applications that have faulty or weak user-privacy protections
There are many reasons why someone would install Adware / Spyware on your PC. The most notable include:
Advertising of products: Companies will pay developers of Adware to devise ways of showing their products to you. Some may be as simple as a pop-up ad that you see when you go to a particular website. More ingenious methods will install a small software program on your PC that can be continuously updated by these developers when new products are available.
Track your web-surfing habits for Marketing of new products: Developers will create small programs that "track" your web-surfing habits, which are then categorized for companies to create "targeted" marketing campaigns.
Identity theft: This form is, by far, the most malicious use of Spyware. Developers will create programs to capture personal information such as bank accounts, credit cards, and so on. Many of today's most popular Spyware applications promise the ability to execute via "remote installation". Remote installation is the ability to install a Spyware program on a computer.
Symptoms of Adware / Spyware
The best method for identifying Spyware on a computer is with the use of software designed to identify and remove it. Since most Spyware applications communicate with other computers and are programs themselves, they use system resources which include memory, CPU cycles and an Internet connection. Therefore, the following are some symptoms you might notice:
Slow Computer - Although there are many reasons why your computer may run slow, if you use your computer daily then you are familiar with how it behaves. Older computers and some applications can cause a computer to run slow; however, if suddenly it begins to run much slower, this could be a indication of Adware / Spyware./
Unknown E-mail Activity - If you start noticing email sent without your knowledge or you start receiving a large number of undelivered emails you did not send, then you may have been infected. There are some types of programs that can send out spam from your computer using your address book or simply return the email addresses in your address book to a spammer to be used for unsolicited email.
Odd Computer Behavior - You may notice hard drive activity when you are not using the computer, an unknown icon in your Windows system tray appears, settings modified, CD drives opening and shutting, or programs mysteriously opening and closing. These could be a sign of a Spyware program running on your PC.
The best method for identifying Spyware on a computer is with the use of software designed to identify and remove it. Since most Spyware applications communicate with other computers and are programs themselves, they use system resources which include memory, CPU cycles and an Internet connection. Therefore, the following are some symptoms you might notice:
Slow Computer - Although there are many reasons why your computer may run slow, if you use your computer daily then you are familiar with how it behaves. Older computers and some applications can cause a computer to run slow; however, if suddenly it begins to run much slower, this could be a indication of Adware / Spyware./
Unknown E-mail Activity - If you start noticing email sent without your knowledge or you start receiving a large number of undelivered emails you did not send, then you may have been infected. There are some types of programs that can send out spam from your computer using your address book or simply return the email addresses in your address book to a spammer to be used for unsolicited email.
Odd Computer Behavior - You may notice hard drive activity when you are not using the computer, an unknown icon in your Windows system tray appears, settings modified, CD drives opening and shutting, or programs mysteriously opening and closing. These could be a sign of a Spyware program running on your PC.
There are several steps you can take to detecting Adware / Spyware on your computer. The simplest method to determine if Spyware or Adware has been installed is to check your Windows Programs list or the Windows Start-Up folder. To check the Windows Programs list:
- Click on Start
- Select Control Panel
- Double click Add/Remove Programs
- Review the list of programs installed on your computer. If you identify a suspicious program research the applications on the internet to confirm it is Spyware and then remove it.
Another method of identifying Spyware is to check your Windows Start-Up folder:
- Double click MY COMPUTER icon
- Double click on the C:\ drive
- Double click Documents and Settings folder
- Double click All Users folder
- Double click Start Menu folder
- Double click Programs folder
- Check for any unknown programs
If you are uncertain if a program is considered Adware / Spyware, we suggest researching the program against Spyware databases which can be found by searching the Internet.
Removing Adware / Spyware
If you believe you are infected with Adware / Spyware, the easiest way to detect and remove it is by the use of anti-spyware software or scanning software. Anti-spyware software is a different tool from anti-virus software but operates in much the same way, by scanning the hard drive looking for files associated with known Adware / Spyware programs. The software then returns any found programs and allows the user to determine what course of action to take.
Keeping Clean from Adware / Spyware
Be cautious of downloads. The easiest way is to not install them in the first place. Many of these applications are installed via "drive-by downloads", which use misleading tactics to install them. Many times users have no idea they have installed the application. Many developers will design their applications to be difficult to uninstall. If a small portion remains on your PC, it has the ability to rebuild itself, so be careful what you download. Be sure to read any privacy policies offered by the site and only install applications when you are certain what functions they are performing and AFTER you read the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA).
Be suspicious of pop-up ads. Do not download programs via pop-up ads or from unknown sites. Also, be sure to close any window that looks suspicious and always close windows properly by clicking the "X" in the upper right hand corner. Some pop-up ads will contain a close box or "X" within the window that will actually open the ad. To be safe, you can always close the window from your Windows taskbar by right clicking on the window located on your taskbar (generally found at the bottom of your screen) and selecting Close.
Stay updated. Simply keeping up with the latest security patches, fixes, and service packs will help prevent some of the programs from installing on your computer.
Scan regularly. Frequent scans using your anti-spyware tool will also keep you safe.
Where can I find additional information on Adware / Spyware?
Suddenlink does not endorse any particular site, but you can search the Internet for Spyware sites or visit sites like Microsoft or Spyware Guide to learn more about Adware/Spyware and utilities for removing these types of applications.
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