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Are you worried about privacy and security online? Could you be a victim of Identity Theft? Spyware
Signs that you may have spyware
Explanation :: Detection :: Solution :: Prevention
Spyware can be a huge annoyance to users. Created pop-up ads often appear – seemingly at random – when web pages are opened or closed. This can cause hours of wasted effort because many of the pop-up ads create more pop-up ads as they are closed, in an ever expanding cycle. One solution to this problem, a pop-up blocker, is detailed later.
Pornographic advertising
Spyware which creates targeted advertisements can be a problem. The targeted ads will be created from information such as websites and advertisements visited previously. If an adult user and a minor are using the same computer, this can be a problem. If the adult user visits a pornographic site, the minor could receive targeted advertisements which contain pornographic material. In some cases the targeting of ads can be for pornographic advertisements without anyone having visited adult sites.
Computer resource hijacking
Some spyware allows the unauthorized use of computer resources. This can include running programs while a PC is not busy. However, increased use of a computer processor increases the wear and tear on the components, and reduces its functional lifetime. In some cases resources are used for malicious purposes, such as mailing spam or viruses, or actually using the computer to commit crimes.
Spyware errors
Programming errors in the way a piece of spyware is written can also cause problems. A piece of spyware may expire, yet keep trying to send information to a disconnected server. This would send error messages to the user, causing worry and irritation.
Losing control of your PC
Spyware can cause a user to lose control of their PC. Changes to the web browser's homepage and to other settings can be made without the user's knowledge or permission. These changes can include turning off security protection so the spyware can communicate with external resources, making them potentially very dangerous.
Removing the spyware installation
Removing spyware can be a huge chore. Many spyware programs offer an “uninstallation” option which either does not work as advertised or actually installs more spyware.