Is Your PC Infected With Spyware?

Spyware is one of the most dangerous identity theft tactics in the modern age.  Spyware precautions usually involve using a virus scanner, and avoiding suspicious websites while you’re surfing the internet.  But that isn’t always enough to prevent your computer from being infected.  If you have any type of internet connection, you are still at risk of spyware being installed on your computer without your knowledge.  Here are a few warning signs on whether or not you may have spyware installed on your machine:

-Pop-up advertisements are unfortunately something we all have to deal with on practically every website.  But if you find that you are receiving a lot of pop-up advertising, including ads that don’t relate to the websites you are visiting, that can be a sign of spyware.  Some spyware programs insert false ads into your machine, with the intent of tricking you into giving away some personal information.

-If your web browser contains extra programs or toolbars that you don’t remember installing, that’s usually a good sign that spyware is present.  Always check your web browser surroundings, and make sure that everything is in order.  If you find anything that doesn’t belong, perform a virus scan immediately, because it could be a sign that spyware has been installed on your computer.

-If your computer seems overly sluggish, performing tasks at a much, much slower rate than it used to, that can be a sign of spyware.  When spyware programs run in the background, they take up some of your computer’s processing power, slowing down how quickly your computer can perform tasks.

-If ever you find that the settings on your computer seem to be locked, and that you are unable to change them, that’s a strong sign of spyware.  Some spyware programs break into your computer, and hijack the machine, changing your settings and blocking you from changing them back.  Perform a virus scan immediately if you have any problems with your settings.