Video:Protect Yourself From Spyware

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Transcript:Protect Yourself From Spyware

Hi, I'm Don Schechter for About.com Computing. Today I'll show you how to protect yourself from spyware.

What is Spyware?

Unlike viruses and spam mail, spyware is specifically designed to monitor and track websites you visit. If it is particularly malicious, it can even identify your keystrokes and capture passwords for websites containing your personal information.

Even if you have anti-virus software, your computer may still be susceptible to spyware which will run quietly in the background all the time. There are some steps you can take in order to protect yourself from risky spyware programs.

Spyware and Downloads

Whenever you download a program online you may unwittingly be downloading a spyware program that comes with it. You should always read the End User License Agreement or EULA, which is the the legal document you always hit agree with in order to download a shareware or freeware program.

Many downloadable programs come with benign spyware programs to see what kinds of websites you visit so they can get a better idea of marketing strategies. If you read the EULA carefully before hitting accept, you may find that it will install spyware. If it is not worth the risk to you, you may want to choose disagree or no I do not accept.

Spyware and Pop-Ups

On some websites a text window will pop up and many users will not bother to read it but click Yes or Ok to make it disappear. Many of these pop-ups are essentially asking you if you want to install spyware. Its a good idea to stop and actually read the messages in these boxes.

Spyware and Antivirus Software

If you do have antivirus software, make sure you keep it updated. Many antivirus programs now protect your computer against trojans, worms, hoaxes, adware and spyware. Check your antivirus software to see what it covers. If it does not include spyware, you can try Adaware Pro which specializes in protecting against spyware and adware. Visit Lavasoft.com and click on Adaware for more information.

Using this program or another one like Spybot Search and Destroy you can perform system scans of your computer and remove any spyware you find.

Protecting your computer from spyware may take a little effort but its worth it to protect your identity and personal information.

Thanks for watching. For more information please visit us online at computing.about.com.