Adware and Spyware may not be terms that many people are familiar with. They have been around for some time, but never get the same press as Viruses. They can however have the same types of consequences.

Firstly lets deal with how do they get onto your Computer. There are two main ways. The first is by means of a "Drive-by-Download". Meaning that when you visit an infected site on the Internet, without your knowledge or permission, the problem downloads itself onto your machine. The second way is through File sharing, which is very popular with teenagers who want to expand their music collection. The Adware or Spyware is pinned onto the downloaded file, when the music is played, the threat is installed.

ADWARE is designed to monitor where you go on the Internet. It builds up a profile of what you are interested in, and presents you with Advertising related to that topic, either in the form of banners at the top of your page, or in the form of pop-ups. Obviously if it is recording your Internet activities, there is a privacy issue here.

SPYWARE as a rule is a bit more sinister, in that it can monitor EVERYTHING you do on your Computer, and when you connect to the Internet, it can send off all the details to whoever wrote it. One of the more worrying aspects is that Spyware can monitor your number keys. When you go to use your Credit Card online, the site you go to will inform you that you are on a "Secure Site", but they offer no assurance whatsoever that your computer is secure. Spyware can capture your Credit Card details, and send them to the writer. Every so often on the news, you hear about someone (usually in America or some such place) getting caught with e.g. 300,000 Credit Card details, this is how they get them! Spyware is also used in cases of "Identity theft" which is where someone gains enough information about you, to pose as you at your bank, with obvious consequences. This is real, this is happening!

Some Anti-Virus programs now come with Adware/Spyware detection built in. These programs are average at best, and useless at worst. To deal with these issues you need a dedicated program.

HELP@HAND have been tackling both Adware & Spyware for since they were first discovered. In our experience, 9 out of 10 computers are infected with one or the other, or both! These are threats you cannot afford to ignore.

If you are worried about Adware or Spyware, contact us today. We can check for the presence of these pests, and remove them if they are found.

Call Today: 086 8093701
or e-mail: support@helpathand.ie