Adware and Spyware - A Dangerous Mix if Overlooked

Although many people don?t realize it, adware and spyware can be just as damaging to a computer?s performance as viruses or worms. Besides performance issues, both adware and spyware can also be dangerous to a user?s identity and privacy -- each communicates personal information from a user?s computer to a third party without the user?s knowledge. Unfortunately, adware and spyware are very deceptive programs, especially to computer users who aren?t familiar with what they are or how they work. The first step in protection, therefore, is knowledge -- by understanding the basics about adware and spyware, users have a better chance at avoiding their potentially devastating effects.

According to Microsoft expert Jerry Honeycutt, adware is software that displays advertisements on a user?s computer. These advertisements tend to pop up randomly on the display screen regardless of whether a user is browsing the Internet or not. Although adware isn?t as damaging as spyware, it still has the potential to wreck a computer?s performance. Some adware, in fact, has the ability to ?break? a computer?s anti-spyware tools.

Spyware, on the other hand, is software that sends personal information to a third party without a user?s knowledge or permission. Many companies tend to use this stolen data to send unsolicited advertisements -- they monitor what Web sites a user visits, gather sensitive information such as user names and passwords, and use the collective information to ?target? the interests of unsuspecting individuals through specialized ads.

The biggest problem with adware and spyware is that they are often self-installed on a computer without the user even knowing about it. How is this accomplished? Usually in one of two ways:

• Adware or spyware attaches itself to a Web link that looks like something important. When a user clicks on the link, the adware or spyware automatically begins its self-installation process.
• Adware or spyware attaches itself to freeware. Freeware, for those who might not know, are file-sharing programs that can be downloaded from the Internet at no charge. Free music services, for example, are notorious for having adware and spyware attached to them. When the freeware is installed on a user?s computer, so is the adware or spyware.

Experts often state that companies who push adware and spyware rely on two things: a user?s desire for free software and a user?s general gullibility. Another element that can be attached to that list is overconfidence -- people tend to think that anti-virus programs have the ability to eliminate all risks that can possibly be encountered on the Internet. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.

The only way to prevent adware and spyware from infecting a computer is to adhere to a number of steps.

• Install a pop-up blocker. Pop-up blockers stop dangerous ads and links from showing up in the first place. If they?re not on the screen, there?s no temptation to click on something that is potentially harmful.
• Avoid freeware programs. Unless absolutely, 100 percent certain that a freeware program doesn?t have adware or spyware attached to it, a user should not install freeware programs on a computer. If in doubt, the only reliable way to find out is to read the entire license agreement -- it usually contains information regarding the attachment of adware/spyware.
• Do not click the ?yes? button on any pop-ups that show up on the screen. Unless it comes from a reliable source (i.e. Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) it probably contains adware or spyware.

Adware and spyware programs are deceptive, dangerous and harmful to the performance of a computer. By taking the proper precautions, however, adware and spyware can be avoided. It?s important to note that software programs do exist that can scan a computer for adware/spyware and remove them when encountered. If in doubt, it?s best to contact a professional for assistance.

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