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Spyware Protection
Spyware can give strangers access to all your personal details including bank accounts, so it’s important to protect your computer and yourself.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a form of software that downloads onto your computer to keep track of what you’re doing. This can range from harmless ‘cookies’ (these are present on most internet-enabled PCs) to the kind of programmes used to steal your bank details. Every internet user, and particularly everyone with broadband, should know how to block harmful spyware while keeping the useful stuff.
What’s a cookie?
A cookie is a very small piece of software that sites download onto your computer to save you having to log in whenever you visit. They’ll usually tell you when they’re about to do this, so that you can choose to opt out, but cookies can be incredibly useful, enabling you to wander the internet without having to remember passwords and codes. It’s not a good idea to download a cookie to a public computer, as anyone using that machine has all the information you’ve saved, such as email passwords.
How does harmful spyware work?
Malicious spyware works in essentially the same way, but without telling you. The software is secretly downloaded and records passwords, codes and website visits. It normally does this by recording keystrokes, and internet banking sites have countered this threat by using drop-down menus so you don’t have to type your password in. But if you shop online your credit or debit card details are still at risk. One of the most dangerous things about malicious spyware is that the computer sometimes shows no sign of having it, so you can carry on using it normally for a long time after it’s been ‘infected’. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should install an anti-spyware program and run a scan.
Your computer might start running slowly or crashing.
You might get a sudden increase in pop-up adverts.
Your internet homepage might change.
Your internet connection might suffer problems, such as cutting out or trying to log on when you’re offline.
How can I protect my computer against spyware?
The easiest and cheapest way to protect your machine is by taking the same precautions you’d take to avoid any other type of virus or worm. Don’t open emails from addresses you don’t recognise, and don’t open attachments you’re not sure about. However cautious you are, spyware can still get through, so you should consider installing anti-spyware software. This will scan your machine for spyware at regular intervals, flagging anything that looks suspicious. You can then search the list to make sure you’re not getting rid of important cookies, and delete any other files that could be spying on your computer use.
Take a look at our list of manufacturers for more information on anti-spyware software.
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