Minneapolis Finder ~ find quality services in the Twin Cities

Home ~ Computer & Internet: Spyware

What is spyware?

Spyware is software that collects your personal information without your knowledge or permission. The information spyware collects can range from all the web sites you visit to sensitive information including username and password, credit card number, bank account and social security number.

Currently, 90% of internet-connected computers are infected with spyware. Spyware has surpassed computer virus as the top threat to computer users. Because of the widespread of spyware, some computer users have become victims of identity theft.

What are common symptoms of spyware infection?

• Computer performance is very slow or unresponsive
• Unusually long start-up time
• Constant bombardment of pop-up ads
• Home page changed to unknown website

What are common sources of spyware?

• File-sharing service like KaZaa
• Free software from the internet, such as screen saver
• Pop-up ad & free online offerings

What tools can remove spyware?

• Microsoft Windows Defender
• Spybot - Search & Destroy
• Ad-Aware personal edition