Is your computer operating more slowly than usual? Are you concerned that someone might obtain access to your computer, steal your personal data, and use it against you? If so, then I’ve previously discussed these sentiments with you.
My computer, which was three years old, was running so slowly at one point that I had to get a new one. I certainly believed I needed a new computer. After a few weeks of Internet browsing, my new computer started to function even more slowly. Additionally, some of the apps running on my computer did not function effectively, and I was unfamiliar with some of them. I was most afraid of that. Were these apps I simply don’t recall installing on my computer that were monitoring my keystrokes? I was aware that I needed to find a response and a fix quickly.
We can all tolerate a sluggish computer, but few of us would want others to have access to the data on our computers. Unfortunately, this is exactly what may happen when spyware or malware is secretly installed on our computers.
The Spyware Nuker website states that “Spyware apps are programs and files that hide on the hard drive of your PC without your direct knowledge. These programs make it possible for advertisers and hackers to follow your every move—both online and when you’re working offline. The worst part is that they can even record your credit card number, personal identification number, and all of your passwords. They can monitor the websites you visit, the products you buy online, the emails you send and receive, your instant message conversation, and even the emails you send and receive. Spyware can charge 900 numbers to your phone account if you access to the Internet via dial-up. These are just a few of the negative effects malware may have.
Additionally, the website offers statistics that demonstrate how widespread the problem of spyware is. “In the last five years, identity theft has affected 27.3 million Americans, including 9.91 million or 4.6% of the population in the past year alone.”
Additionally, it is quite simple for spyware to infiltrate your computer as “Most downloaded music, screensavers, games, and other content might infect your computer with SpyWare or AdWare. The majority of individuals are unaware that their PCs might have been infected with SpyWare or AdWare after merely clicking on a random “pop up” advertisement.”
Here are ten compelling arguments against having spyware on your computer, regardless of how we acquire it.
1. Your computer can begin to operate more slowly
2. Some of the software on your computer won’t function properly.
3. Programs that are now on your computer might not be ones that you are familiar with because they could have been added there by a website or application that is tied to spyware.
Additionally, you might worry about:
4. Your emails might be read by someone.
5. Someone could perhaps gain access to your email list.
6. Someone might be able to see you type and monitor your keystrokes.
7. Your credit card information on your computer may be accessible to third parties.
8. Someone may be able to access your computer’s collection of passwords.
9. It’s possible that someone could steal your social security number.
10. It’s possible for someone to keep track of all the websites you visit.
Despite the fact that most of these programs enter your computer without your knowledge, I was able to identify a couple of them because I remembered both installing and deleting them! So now I’m aware that even if we uninstall some of these convenient little programs to aid with e-mail or keep track of the weather, they can still be present on our computers. They are still present in our computers, presumably waiting to snoop on us.
Running a spyware detection and uninstaller is a wonderful technique to find and get rid of spyware. The majority of spyware detection and removal programs currently offer a free scan to determine whether or not your computer has malware.
