Klip
Klip

KLiP Interactive - Spyware Protection Information

Spyware is stealthy and attaches itself to your computer without your knowledge or appropriate consent. Sometimes, it is hidden in an application you download, and is installed when you setup the program. Many spyware programs can record keystrokes to steal your social security number, bank account information and credit card numbers, or hijack your modem to dial expensive, pornographic phone numbers.

Anyone who uses a computer is subject to beig infected with spyware. In fact, about nine out of 10 Internet-connected PC's are infected with spyware, adware and other unwanted programs. The results of which:

  1. Opens your PC to identity theft
  2. Exposes your personal information and private accounts
  3. Corrupt your hard drive or files
  4. Shares and distributes your passwords and user names with others
  5. Tracks your online and offline PC activity, and transmits that information to third parties

Advertising Supported software (adware) is the most common infection. However some programs (spyware) will spy on your activities as well for market research. Adware is a different type of program that lets companies track your online activities and tailor pop-up ads based on your choices.


How do you know if you are a victim of spyware?

If you use the Internet, it's very likely some form of spyware or adware is already at work on your PC. Your computer may be infected if you recognize any of these symptoms:

  1. Sluggish PC performance
  2. An increase in pop-up ads
  3. Mysterious new toolbars you can't delete
  4. Unexplained changes to homepage settings
  5. Puzzling search results
  6. Frequent computer crashes

How does spyware and adware target me?

Even if you're careful you can pick up adware and spyware through normal Web activities like:

  1. Sharing music, files or photos with other users
  2. Visiting a media-supported Web site
  3. Opening spam e-mail or an e-mail attachments
  4. Very little on the internet is "FREE". Downloading "free" games, toolbars, media players and other system utilities
  5. Installing mainstream software applications without fully reading license agreements

How can I get rid of Adware and Spyware?

Spyware and adware detection and removal can be very difficult. Even if you think you've successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining tickler file can trigger a complete reinstallation the next time you start your PC. The most effective way to detect and safely remove unwanted programs from your system is anti-spyware software.


What can I do to prevent adware / spyware infection?

The best spyware and adware remedy is avoiding the infestation to begin with. Your first step should be to ensure your system cannot and will not install programs automatically over the Internet or launch them automatically from email. Here are a few other things you can do right to help prevent further infection:

  1. Update your operating system regularly. Visit the Microsoft Windows Update site and install any patches marked "Critical".
  2. Increase your browser security settings, setup the "Internet and Restricted Zones"
  3. Only download software from sites you trust
  4. Use anti-virus protection and a software firewall
  5. Get anti-spyware software protection, and keep it updated

Spyware / Adware Protection

Ad-Aware
Spy Sweeper
CounterSpy
MicroSoft Anti-Spyware
SpyBot Search and Destory