Protect Yourself from Spyware
At some time or another you may have noticed your computer or web browser acting strangely. Maybe you get pop-ups even when you're not at a website. Or maybe when you open the browser it goes to a page other than your default. These are examples of spyware. Spyware, sometimes referred to as "adware," are tiny programs that sneak into your computer through the internet and send information about your computer to outside sources. They often act behind the scenes, without you ever knowing it. 

    Most uses of spyware are merely unethical, as they are sent by the proprietor of a website to monitor your viewing habits in an effort to market more aggressively to you online. Some will "hijack" your browser, sending you to an advertisement site when you open your browser instead of to your default site. Others can be much more malicious. Because these tiny programs have the ability to monitor nearly everything about your computer, they can be used to find out not only what sites you visit, but also record your every keystroke. 

    What does this mean? 

    It means every time you do online banking, register with a password, or engage in any other secure transaction, your private information is criminally gathered and sent to a hacker for potentially greater criminal activity. 

    You can protect yourself. 

    There are many free spyware block and repair programs available for download on the web. Of course a few of these are potentially sponsored by hackers, so we recommend a proven safe program called Search and Destroy, made by Spybot. Download this program today if you don't already have a good anti-spyware program. You may be surprised at the quantity of spyware sitting hidden on your computer if you have never run one of these programs before. Search and Destroy will find what spyware you have, remove it, and block further attempts by these programs to enter your machine. Be sure to keep it updated. Just like any anti-virus program, anti-spyware programs must update their definitions in order to stay effective. Stay safe. Keep spyware off your computer.

Note: Spybot Search and Destroy is the product of a non-profit organization. The wonderful people who donate their hours, often full-time, to keeping Search and Destroy updated and upgraded do not make any money for their work. You can show your appreciation by going to www.safe-networking.org and donating to their organization. They provide a Pay-Pal form for convenience, and you may choose an alternative method also. Their site is constantly under heavy traffic due to its popularity and effectiveness, so you may need to refresh the page a few times to get through.

Spybot - Search and Destroy
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