Spam+and+Spyware

__**Things That You Should Know about Spyware **__
 Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on [|computers], and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect.
 * What is Spyware? **

 Ad-Aware is the world's most trusted Internet protection, and is rated #1 in malware detection by independent testing organization, Virus Bulletin.
 * What is Adware? **

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 * Statistics about Spyware: **
 * 81% of internet users say they have stopped opening email attachments unless they are sure these documents are safe.
 * 48% of internet users say they have stopped visiting particular Web sites that they fear might deposit unwanted programs on their computers.
 * 25% of internet users say they have stopped downloading music or video files from peer-to-peer networks to avoid getting unwanted software programs on their computers.
 * 18% of internet users say they have started using a different Web browser to avoid software intrusions.

There are literally dozens of different ways a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. Below is a list of the most common ways a computer can contract these infections listed in the order we believe are most commonly done.
 * How does a computer become infected (Trojan Horse, Bonzi Buddy, Stealware, etc.)? **

If your computer starts to behave strangely, you might have spyware or other unwanted software installed on your computer.
 * How can I tell if a computer is infected with spyware? **
 * I see pop-up advertisements all the time.
 * My settings have changed and I can't change them back to the way they were.
 * My web browser contains additional components that I don't remember downloading.
 * My computer seems sluggish.

**10 ways to prevent a Spyware infection: **
· install a quality antivirus program · install real-time anti- spyware program · keep anti-malware applications current · perform daily scans · disable autorun · disable image previews in Outlook <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">· don’t click on email links or attachments <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">· surf smart <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">· use hardware-based firewall <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">· Deploy DNS protection

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">How can I fix my computer if it is infected? **
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Run a complete system assessment <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Detect, isolate, and remove viruses <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Detect, isolate, and remove spyware <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Perform Deep registry cleaning <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Clean-up Hard Drive regularly <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Delete temporary files <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Apply Windows Updates <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Apply Security Patches <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Run anti-virus definition updates <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Run anti-spyware definition Updates <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Optimize your computer <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Run System Defrag <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">• Depending on your computer usage, run routine PC Management at least on a monthly basis.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What is Spyware's effect on safety? **
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Spyware is designed to cater to a wide array of uses including keeping track of the user’s internet surfing habits, interfering with the web browser activity and executing unwanted programs or software. Apart from this a spyware can read information from cookies, install other spywares, change the browser and homepage settings and relay the information to its host site.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What is the effect of Spyware on privacy and freedom of speech? **
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">To protect your personal information and keep it private, you can install an antispyware program. Spyware can be used not only for gathering marketing information but can carry viruses and other malicious programs.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">How do you protect you Facebook account, your cell phone, your iPod/iPad/iTouch from spam? **
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Hardware encryption is faster and offers better protection. Whether you choose to go with software or hardware, having some form of security for your portable device is essential.

__**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Sources **__ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-ways-to-avoid-viruses-and-spyware/813 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/How_to_Fix_a_Computer_Infected_With_Viruses_Spyware.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.securityworldnews.com/2010/05/17/harmful-effects-of-spyware/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.webartistdesigns.com/cyberspace-regulation.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.spamlaws.com/portable-device-lockdown.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.laplink.com/pcdefense/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">http://www.4tworld.com/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=22109&start=20 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> http://www.lavasoft.com/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> http://www.anownsite.com/articles/anti-spyware.shtml <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/spyware-indicators.aspx <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">[]