#1 if you use any personal information on-line make sure you are secure (you wouldn't leave your credit card or cheque book on the doorstep!)
if you haven't got good anti-spyware on your PC get it now - see links in the text or right
if in doubt contact us
#2 anything you do on a computer can be traced unless you "clean up" after use
see our "data secure" page for details on how to clean up
if in doubt contact us
Virus,
adware,
spyware,
trojans, malware and other attacks are becoming more frequent and serious. This means that they can be difficult problems to correct. Our professional technical expertise will
identify virus problems, eradicate viruses and repair the damage caused to your PC.
Attacks can change the look of your internet browser, your home page, send information about which web sites you're visiting and when, copy addresses from your address books, send emails from your pc, copy files and programs to your hard disk without your knowledge.
We can help eradicate these problems if you already have a virus you can't
eliminate.
You can find out more from a leading antivirus specialist
here
Spyware monitors your every move in the Internet in order to use this information without your permission and can have serious consequences for you.
They are computer applications that collect information about your browsing activity, preferences and interests. The data collected is sent to the creator of the application or third-parties, either directly or after being stored on the computer. It can be installed on computers in many different ways, including
Trojan which install them without the users permission; when visiting web pages with certain ActiveX controls or code that exploits certain vulnerabilities; shareware or freeware applications downloaded from the Internet, etc.
It can be installed with the user consent and awareness, but sometimes it is not. The same happens with the knowledge or lack of knowledge regarding data collected and the way it is used.
Adware is a term used to refer to Advertising Software or programs that display advertisements using any means available such as pop-up windows, banners, changes to the browser home page or search page, etc. These advertisements can be associated to the products or services offered by the creator of the adware or third-parties. As for spyware it can be installed with or without the users consent. The same is true regarding how much we know about its functionalities.
Dialler is a program that can, without you knowing, disconnect the telephone connection to the Internet and redial for example a premium-rate number, with the obvious consequences on the your telephone bill.
Spyware, adware and dialers use different channels for entering your
computer:
A Trojan can download and install them from the Internet. On accessing a web
page and depending on your browser configuration, you may be asked permission
to install an ActiveX control from an untrusted or unsafe source. You browser
settings may be set to load these automatically. Hidden during the installation
of seemingly innocuous programs downloaded from the Internet with shareware or
freeware licenses.
Spyware is developed by companies looking for financial gain
through rather unethical means. In this way, they collect information about
users in order to find out their likes and preferences. This information is
then used by these companies themselves or sold on to third-parties.
Advertising can then be distributed in different forms to promote the products
and services of other companies.
Banners and pop-up windows or changes to your home page. Changing default
search options, or altering the results of searches. Installing other
companies' programs, which can also be other spy programs or promotions of
other applications. Their behaviour, once installed, can be categorised as
follows:
Trackware: programs that carry out inventories of the applications
installed, searches of users' movements on the Internet, etc. To do this they
save all searches made with the search engine that they install as the home
page or insert a (keylogger), on the computer to track all keystrokes. These
can be activated using a BHO (Browser Helper Object) or browser plugins. They
are usually loaded when a link on a malicious web page is clicked on, and
they are executed when the browser is opened. They may be visible as browser
toolbars, or remain hidden while they perform a series of operations without
the user knowing. Other forms of activation like those used by viruses and
Trojans.
More importantly how can you protect yourself? It can be difficult at first sight to know whether you are the victim of these kinds of threats. You can only be certain by using a good integrated and up-to-date security package. If you fall foul of an infection before the antidote is available even then you come unstuck.
However, there are certain symptoms that indicate the presence of spyware or adware (although they may also be an indication of other problems)
Unusual slowdown of the computer for no apparent reason. This could be
for several reasons: many programs operating at the same time or network
problems, but it could also be due to spyware or adware. Computers lock
when there are excessive loads but they can also lock due to the
malfunctioning of a spy program or adware. This is a particularly likely
explanation when the computer locks when only handling simple operations
that should not involve a heavy workload for the system.
Tips to stay protected against spyware, adware and diallers:
Be especially careful with programs you download
from the Internet: many free programs, especially those from P2P applications,
could contain spyware or adware. These programs will affect the performance and
memory of your computer, will prevent it from operating properly and can even
cause the browser or operating system to lock.
Ensure applications
installed on your computer are kept up-to-date, by installing windows and other
application security patches. This will prevent spyware from exploiting
vulnerabilities to install itself on your PC.
Install a good
anti-malware package on your computer that detects not just viruses but also, adware or dialers.
Click here to find a product that best suits your needs.
Keep your anti-malware solution up-to-date. If it can be updated
automatically ensure it is configured to do so.
If you've already got a problem and you don't want to buy a full protection product try this malware cleanup tool.
Viruses
and spyware are evolving faster than ever. New types of spam appear every day.
Hackers are always searching for new machines to attack and control. With the
number and type of threat constantly increasing, an antivirus solution alone is
not enough. You need to protect your computer against all threats.
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