Spyware: A Digital Violation of Your Privacy Rights

I don?t usually mind some advertising when I?m surfing the web. A lot of it can be garish and distracting, but I understand that websites need to pay their bills so that they can keep offering their content online, where I can view it for free. However, there is one form of Internet advertising that is simply impossible for me to tolerate. I am talking about the scourge that goes by the name ?spyware.?

Spyware sounds like it should refer to the kind of cool gadgets that 007 would use. Sadly, that is not the case. Spyware refers to invasive programs that make their home on your computer without invitation. They sit their, using your system resources, very likely slowing down your computer or interfering with the smooth functioning of programs. Nor does it sit there idly. It is gathering information on you, hence the name ?spyware.? It may be tracking the websites you visit and the words you enter on web forms and search engines. It may even be logging all of the keystrokes you make. Then it sends the information on you to a marketing company that will use it or sell it.

Spyware is clearly a violation of privacy. Worse, it makes unwanted modifications on your system, which can slow it down or stop other programs from working properly. It can also contribute to a terrible web browsing experience. Spyware can cause you to get a lot of unwanted pop-up ads and spam mail. It can change your browser homepage, redirect you to a commercial website (or even a porn site), or install an unwanted toolbar or plug-in. Even if you block pop-up ads while browsing and filter the spam out of your email, you may still have spyware on your computer, tracking you.

Spyware is a menace and it is evil. Don?t be a victim of it. Take action by installing anti-spyware software on your system. Make sure you get a legitimate product, because ironically, some so-called anti-spyware or anti-virus products actually contain spyware. Don?t believe pop-up ads made to look like system warnings that try to scare you into buying their ?anti-spyware? products. Read software reviews or ask web professionals before installing an anti-spyware program.

Learn about how spyware gets into your computer. Get tips and information on how to make your system more secure at http://spyware.i-know.info