Definition: Spyware

A general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use Spyware to gather data about customers. The practice is generally frowned upon but is sadly all too common!

Isn't spyware just another passing trend that will eventually fade away?

Unfortunately, no. Spyware makers have found a viable financial model that supports continued activity, whether it's legal or not. Unlike most other Internet threats, such as viruses that are purely malicious in nature, malware creators profit enormously by selling information on your surfing habits, redirecting you to sites you didn't intend to visit, or by bombarding you with pop-up ads.

Since it is almost impossible to find and stop the makers of spyware, or reduce the lucrative financial opportunity, this trend is here to stay.

What can you do if you get spyware on your PC?

First, you should use a spyware scanner program designed for spyware detection to see if you're infected with spyware. Once you know your infection level, you'll be able to take back control of your computer.

If you don't want it on your computer, you can try to remove spyware manually.

However, spyware removal is a difficult and complicated process for even the most experienced computer user. For the best spyware removal tool, many consumers today are turning to anti-spyware software like Webroot Spy Sweeper. A spyware removal tool like this can detect spyware and safely remove the applications from your system. See my training videos on the software here: http://www.updatexp.com/detecting-spyware.html

Can I Manually Check To See If I Am Infected?

Yes, if you think a program may be running when you start your computer you may want to check the following 2 registry keys:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

...if there is any software contained in these keys that you do not recognise you can then do some investigation using one of the search engines to find out what it is!

NOT all spyware/malware will show itself here and that is why it is a good thing to use a dedicated software program to sweep your system on a regular basis. However this is a quick tip to manually check your system...

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This page was last updated 26th April 2005

Registry Spyware

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