What is spyware ?

Spyware is a type of malware that’s hard to detect. It collects information about your surfing habits, browsing history, or personal information (such as credit card numbers), and often uses the Internet to pass this information along to third parties without you knowing. Keyloggers are a type of spyware that monitors your keystrokes

Where spyware comes from ?

Spyware is often bundled with other software or downloads on file-sharing sites (e.g., sites where you download free music or movies), or is installed when you open an email attachment. Because of the secretive nature of spyware, most people are not aware when spyware is on a computer that’s unprotected by anti-spyware.

How to recognize spyware ?

New and/or unidentifiable icons may appear in the task bar at the bottom of your screen, while searches may result in you being redirected to a different search engine. Random error messages appear when you perform operations that previously worked fine. But the best way to identify if you have been infected is to use a spyware scanner, which will be included in any anti-spyware software.

What To Do: Anti-spyware Protection ?

  • Use Norton Internet Security to provide anti-spyware protection and proactively protect from other security risks
  • Configure the firewall in Norton Internet Security to block unsolicited requests for outbound communication
  • Do not accept or open suspicious error dialogs from within the browser
  • Spyware may come as part of a “free deal” offer – do not accept free deals
  • Always read carefully the End User License agreement at Install time and cancel if other “programs” are being installed as part of the desired program
  • Keep software and security patches up to date

How Do I Avoid Spyware?

  • Be selective about what you download to your computer
  • Read licensing agreements
  • Watch out for anti-spyware scams
  • Beware of clickable ads
  • Keep your Internet browser up to date
  • Scan your computer often
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