CHAPTER 2 – HOW SPYWARE
 INFECTS YOUR COMPUTER

Spyware infects your system faster and easier than you would ever imagine. Think you’re immune just because you don’t have any of the signs at the end of Part 1? Think again. What do you do online? If you do any of the following and don’t have an anti-spyware or adware program on your computer, you probably have them on your computer:

a)     Send and receive email;

b)     Download music, movies, or games;

c)      Download free programs and utilities;

d)     Use any instant messaging services;

e)     Use any file sharing programs like Kazaa, Grokster, or BearShare.

Being online means that you perform at least one of these activities. Otherwise, what would be the point of hanging out in cyberspace? 

Besides, it’s human nature to be attracted to something “free” – and the internet has free information, free music, free games, and free system utility systems. The problem is, we forget two basic rules that apply to almost everything in life, including the internet:

• There’s a sucker born every minute; and
   

• If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

 

So, how does spyware infect your computer? They have many methods to infiltrate and infect your computer with their spyware scourge.  In many cases, you thought you were downloading one thing and you got more than you bargained for.  Other times you agree, unknowingly, to put them on your computer. Or you think you’re fixing the problem, when in fact, you’re actually inviting them into your system.

<< Chapter 1.5 - Signs of Spyware Infection | Chapter 2.1 - Spyware, Hijackers, and Dialers >>