Spyware

We explain what spyware is and how to protect yourself from this malware. Also, how to remove it and how anti-spyware works.

Spyware
Spyware aims to collect information and send it to third parties.

What is spyware?

It is known in computing as spyware or spy programs. to a type of malicious software (malware) that operates in a computer system invisibly, collecting technical, personal or confidential information and sending it over the Internet to third parties, without the authorization of the computer user.

This type of malware It installs itself on the computer disguised as other products or even silently while the user browses certain Web pages, and starts up when the operating system starts, often absorbing a significant percentage of system resources (CPU, RAM or Bandwidth).

Spyware therefore, not only represents a risk to user privacy but also for the stability of the system and its ability to connect to the Internet. However, unlike computer viruses, spyware does not make copies of itself or attempt to send them to other users by taking over email or computer peripheral devices.

Along with the trojans, hijacks, rootkits, pop-ups, backdoors and other types of harmful programs, constitutes the so-called Malwaresoftware designed more or less anonymously for illegal purposes: stealing personal information, bombarding with unsolicited advertising, hijacking private accounts or opening holes in the computer security of systems.

See also: Application software

How to protect ourselves from spyware?

spyware
Most antiviruses offer a margin of protection against malware.

Preventive measures against spyware aim at the following:

  • Install an antivirus Most antivirus services, private or free, also offer a margin of protection against malware in its various forms, whether as real-time defense (immediate blocking of pages or files), periodic reviews, or security services. firewall.
  • Avoid unsafe pages It is known that the largest source of malware infections comes from pages that offer free, pornographic content or unexpected rewards, seeking to attract the attention of the unsuspecting person so that they enter the portal or click on an ad and become infected. If it's too good to be true, ignore it.
  • Do not install unknown software If you do not know the manufacturer of software or an application that suddenly wants to be installed on your computer, it will always be preferable not to run or install it, and not take risks. Especially if you do not have a good antivirus or antimalware.
  • Install a pop-up blocker. It is known as pop-ups to unsolicited pop-up windows that can often appear while browsing the Internet, especially on unsafe or high-traffic pages. Some of these windows capture the user and force them to download files, or trick them into agreeing to install them online. To do this, it is better to install a pop-up blocker in the browser we use.
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How to remove spyware?

spyware-malware
To eliminate spyware, it is best to do periodic checks with the antivirus.

Spyware is often difficult to eradicate: remember that are programs designed to cling to the system or to go unnoticed. The best thing to do in this case is to perform regular checks with our antivirus or anti-malware software (or both), many of which allow these inspections to be scheduled to occur outside of normal business hours.

Anti-spyware programs

spyware-malware
Windows Defender maintains a shield of protection for the system.

There are many programs to combat or eliminate spyware. Most consist of review and removal tools, but they also often include other useful options, such as real-time review (as you browse) or selective blocking of potentially harmful pages, etc. Some of the most popular are:

  • Windows Defender. This program comes preinstalled in contemporary versions of Windows and maintains a protection shield for the system, updating itself from time to time to stay up to date with threats.
  • HiJack This A simple and effective program to scan your computer system for backdoors and other forms of dangerous malware. In addition, it generates a very complete report of your tasks, which makes it extremely practical.
  • Malwarebiytes Anti-Malware To combat any type of malware, this program is one of the best known, since it operates independently of the antivirus, doubling the protection, and has a great capacity to detect harmful software.
  • SpyBot Search & Destroy A true classic in the industry, which in addition to periodic scans allows you to “vaccinate” the computer to immunize it to certain types of malware.
  • Ad-Aware Free A free license version to protect yourself from spyware that also includes antivirus software and a fairly complete, pleasant and fast interface.
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