Spyware is costing the world billions of dollars in computer damage; identity theft and time spent removing it... Spyware is a spying device that allows the controller to gather and monitor information about a computer user's surfing habits. The purpose of spyware is to take partial control of your computer or to intercept data from your computer.

Spyware is installed on your computer without your consent. It is usually a very small piece of software that installs so quickly, you don't even know it. Once installed, it runs in the background undetected.

Usually, a unique tracking # is assigned to each installation of a spyware. This tracking #, as well as information about how the infected computer is being used is transmitted to the person responsible for creating the spyware. This allows that person to maintain a database on the activities of the user.

For example, an infected computer might capture your keystrokes and transmit your social security #, bank acccount #s, pins, passwords, etc. to an Internet thief living on the other side of the world. Not only that, spywares are destructive and can be the cause of a computer losing its speed. This is so, because spywares use the computer users bandwidth when sending out the gathered information to the spyware source.

Though there are no warning signs to indicate that spyware is being installed on your system, there are telltale signs to alert you of their presence.

• Frequent, unauthorized changes in your browser's landing page. Very often this is the page you see once you are connected online; usually the home page of your Internet Service Provider.
• A lighted system or modem indicator is a sign of ongoing activity. If you are not online using your computer, the modem indicator should not come alive.

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© August 2006 By Afromerica

Ms. Deborah Maisonet will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current in technology and Internet etiquette. Visit regularly for new information that could help you pursue a more positive technological lifestyle.

To subscribe to Deborah's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail Deborah at: grvc@worldnet.att.net

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