Does Your Antispyware
Have...Spyware?
Did you know that some “spyware remover” software can actually make a
spyware infection worse? The Internet is overloaded with antispyware
software banners, pop-up ads, and sponsored search listings. Although
many of these programs are produced by quality software vendors, some of
these so-called antispyware programs are really spyware in disguise.
There are many antispyware applications on the market. So, how does a
consumer know which to choose? The following are some guidelines to help
you separate the trustworthy programs from the sneaky suspects:
As a rule, don’t purchase or download antispyware that appears in pop-up
ads.
Never trust advertisements that claim to know your PC is infected with
spyware.
If you’re not sure about a program, run a search on its name and look
for any signs that this program could be spyware. If you have questions
about a program, run a search on its name and look for any signs that it
could be spyware, or check the www.lavasoft.de website for a AD-AWARE.
Some sponsored search results mention a known product’s name, but
actually link to a suspect website. Look closely to be sure the product
you’re downloading is the one you want.
Visit the software vendor’s website to be sure you’re looking at a
product made by a legitimate company.
Spyware
is a broad category of malicious software intended to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the user's informed consent. While the term taken literally suggests software that surreptitiously monitors the user, it has come to refer more broadly to software that subverts the computer's operation for the benefit of a third party.
Spyware differs from viruses and worms in that it does not usually self-replicate. Like many recent viruses, spyware is designed to exploit infected computers for commercial gain. Typical tactics furthering this goal include delivery of unsolicited
pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites.
As of 2006, spyware affects mostly computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems. There have been some reports of spyware attacking Mac OS X, Linux, and other platforms.
Notable programs distributed with spyware
Remedies and prevention
In the past 5 yrs spyware threats have worsened, a number of techniques have emerged to
combat it. Special programs have been designed to remove or to block spyware, as well as various
methods you can learn that will reduce the chance of getting spyware on a system.
GatorGeeks Inc. has the tools and experience in spyware
removal. We have the right tools to rid your pc of those nasty
little critters. When large quantities have infected your computer,
sometimes the only remedy is backing up your data, and fully
formatting and reinstalling the operating system.
Whatever the situation, rest assured we have the answer.
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