Computer spyware installs itself on your computer without your approval or authorization and record your every move. Generally computer spyware put to use for advertising purposes. Pornography sites are especially infamous for changing homepage settings, which can lead to considerable embarrassment at home or in the workplace.

Even dangerously, computer spyware can be used to record your keystrokes, which can cause to identity theft, primarily if you fill in online forms requesting your name, date of birth, social security number, credit card information, etc.

How does Spyware get on my computer?

Computer spyware is usually packed with some sort of download games, pornographic things, screen savers, etc. For this reason, it is important to download only from trusted sites.

If your computer is always getting online, you may be the victim of a "drive by" download, or a download that is sent automatically to your computer without your knowing. If you click on the links brought in the spam, you will absolutely be downloading spyware rather than disembarrass it.

You can foil drive by downloads by installing a firewall and keeping the security level high enough to prevent downloads from taking place without your permission. Your firewall should also alert you if another computer is attempting to send information to your computer.

Finally, no matter how interesting or tempting the ad may look, close it out immediately by clicking on the "X" box, usually located in the upper right corner.

How to prevent computer spyware?

Basically, delete spam emails that allow to get rid of computer spyware. Instead, download a reputable spyware detection program such as Ad-Aware. Run it regularly, at least once a week, and immediately delete any spyware it detects.

This brief task will ensure that your private life remains private--even in cyber space.