Spyware is a word of english origin, whose meaning or translation into Spanish is “spyware”. Spyware is a term used in the area of Computing and is used to refer to certain types of “malicious” programs, which is why they are also called malware spyware can get into our computers without realizing it, and spying on all of our personal information from inside, it can also cause changes in the configuration and operation of our computers without permission. Spyware infects the computer’s operating system, preventing its operation normal and therefore its performance also decreases.
When such malicious software enters computers, they can collect valuable and sensitive information and send it to other devices without any prior notice by owner . One of the ways to know if our computer Spyware installed is the browser home page is changed without being able to change it, browsing the net becomes slower, toolbars installed in the browser that we cannot remove, windows that open automatically trying to sell a product or service, etc.
Spyware is usually installed through web pages. is not safe , by installing free programs also downloaded from the Internet and apparently harmless, can be accompanied by a virus or a Trojan that spreads by email, among others. The type of information they can obtain is very broad, normally it is the type of software installed, messages, E-mail phone, contacts, keys for different applications, credit card numbers and bank accounts, what kind of purchases are made online, IP addresses, among other. Spyware is considered “parasitic” because it installs itself on the computer (in RAM memory) and consumes its resources and reduces its stability.
It should be noted that spyware is not virus Its use is more focused on commercialization , since the purpose of obtaining all your information “illegally” is to study which products and services may interest you the most. These spyware are very common, most of the computers it is possible that you have them, however, do not worry as removing them is very easy.
Spyware refers to programs that use your Internet connection to send information from your personal computer to another computer, usually without your knowledge or permission. Most of the time, this information is a record of your browsing habits, downloads, or it could be more personal information like your name and address.
Spyware tracks how a computer is used.
Different strains of spyware perform different functions. Some may also hijack your browser to take you to an unexpected website, make your computer dial expensive 900 numbers, replace the home page settings in your browser with another website, or display personal ads even when you’re offline. The form that displays personalized ads is called adware, also known as malware or scumware.
Windows users are encouraged to regularly scan their computers and laptops for spyware.
Some programs that include spyware, such as RealPlayer, disclose this information in their terms and conditions when RealPlayer is installed, although most users do not read the terms and conditions when installing the software, especially if it is free. KaZaA, a free file sharing program, also includes it, and there are many others.
Spyware is usually designed to steal sensitive information from computers.
But spyware doesn’t have to be bundled with another application to get onto your computer. In fact, most are installed surreptitiously. You may visit a website that opens a window informing you that the website will not display properly unless you allow a file or plug-in to be installed. Answering yes to a message you don’t understand could allow spyware to load. You can also agree to upload a program that, unknown to you, contains spyware code.
The concern with spyware, whether or not its presence is publicized, and the reason it is universally criticized by so many, is that the user cannot verify or monitor what is actually being collected and sent from their computer. There is no built-in mechanism for user oversight of the process and no checks and balances, legal or otherwise, to ensure security or confirm how information is used. Spyware is virtually unregulated. Add to this unfavorable scenario the fact that you are using personal resources – your bandwidth, processing power, and memory – to perform work for an external entity at the expense of your privacy. Still, some programs that include it are very popular.
It is estimated that 90% of all computers on the Internet are infected with spyware.
Some telltale signs of infection are:
Your computer slows down to a crawl due to various of these programs using up your memory resources.
Ads appear even when you are offline.
You click on a link to go to a website, but your browser is hijacked and you end up on another website.
Your computer is dialing the numbers that appear on your phone bill.
When you enter a search item, an unexpected new site handles the search.
Your favorites change by themselves.
You click the Start button, but you are taken to a new website and when you change the settings, the new website reappears anyway.
You receive pop-up ads that address you by name, even when you haven’t visited the website you signed up for.
