Spyware
Spyware is a type of software that hides on your computer, usually without your knowledge or permission, and most of the times without you knowning how it even got on your computer. Spyware can be used for gathering information about your computer's hardware and software configuration, your web and surfing activities, as well as your online buying habits, your passwords, email addresses and personal information. Some pieces of spyware will even collect information such as name, age, gender, address, credit card information, usernames and passwords.
The majority of all spyware can be filed under two main categories. The first is advertising spyware, and the second category is surveillance spyware. Most users of computers and the Internet are unfortunately familiar with the advertising category of spyware. This type of spyware tries to force your browser into following links to other sites within a guided category, as well as all the pop-up ads, unwanted spam emails, etc. The second category, surveillance spyware, is the type of spyware that is used for legitimate purposes by law enforcement and government agencies, places of employment, parents and other simular activities. However, aside from the legitimate use of surveillance software, many unscrupulous individuals and companies have resorted to this type of spyware to steal your personal information for their own personal gain and use.
Viruses
A computer virus may cause a program to operate incorrectly or corrupt a computer's memory. Basically a computer virus will transfer from computer to computer whenever infected files are passed on, like through e-mail attachments, file sharing, etc. Many times you may know and trust the email sender, but even they have no idea they are sending along an attachment with a computer virus.
One type of computer virus is a worm. It is a self-replicating virus that resides in active memory and is usually invisible to the user. A worm has the ability to travel without any aid from a person and can send itself to everyone in your address book and then everyone in the receiver's address book and so on.
Another type of computer virus is the Trojan Horse. A Trojan Horse virus will first appear as legitimate software, games, files or email attachments, but once opened will cause damage to your computer. Sometimes Trojan Horses can just be annoying, like changing your desktop or sending emails to everyone in your address book. On the other hand, some may delete files and create a way for malicious users to access your system and steal passwords and data.
Message Lab, writes, * “A Billion Dollar Market For Malware Authors".... In an online black market worth more than $105 billion, malware authors can produce new, unique threats targeting businesses and employees every 45 seconds.
If you find yourself fighting a battle with a stubborn virus that you just can not get rid of, give us a call to discover the power of peace of mind. (866) 970-6227, option 2, or click here and fill out our online request form. One of our certified Service Advisors will call you back and discuss the options for getting your computer back to peak performance.
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