spyware symptoms

The great thing about the Internet is that it brought the world into our homes. At the same time, this is the worst thing about it also. Privacy is a big concern for computer users today and we are all aware of the dangers of identity theft, which spyware is one of them.

Spyware can install on your computer without your knowledge. It can install anything you don’t know about on your computer. It can change your computer configuration or collect unknown advertising data and personal information. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user and can be difficult to detect. It can track your online activities or track your internet searching habits and possibly redirect your website activity.

Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.