Simple Ways to know if Spyware is on Your Computer

You have been using your computer for so long a time and now you think you are been monitored by another person without your consent. To achieve their aim, these internet users use software known as Spyware.What’s spyware? Spyware is a type of malicious software that aims at gathering information about a person or organization, without their knowledge and the information is sent to another party without the consumer’s consent. Sometimes you notice slowness on your computer, changes to your browser or other unusual activities. Spyware is capable of infecting your device the same a malware does.

Having come to know what spyware is, what are the simple ways to identify spyware on your computer? John from techy.ng shares his one cent.
Before answering that question, let’s examine the types of software we have that pose a threat to our privacy.

  1. Adware
    This is a type of spyware mainly designed for use by advertisers. This gets access to your privacy when you go online. It does it by keeping records of your web surfing habit to gather information on your favorite sites.

  1. Commercial Spyware
    As the name implies, commercial spyware helps us understand an unequivocal truth about spyware, that not all spyware are actually unauthorized. Companies that offer without-cost software and social networking platforms require you to agree to their monitoring with spyware. They are capable of directing targeted advertisements at you whenever you use their platforms. Consequently, you are trading some of your privacy.

  1. Browser Hijacker
    The browser hijacker spyware infects your system internet access by resetting your homepage without your consent. The aim of doing this is to direct you to unwanted sites with advertising spams. The programs set up on this spyware can also record your data and browsing and sell your privacy to advertisers.

  1. Trymedia
    More often than not, you experience pop-ups occurring on your screen when browsing the web. Trymedia is an example of a spyware designed to cause these pop-ups.

  1. Trojan Horses
    These are malicious programs installed on your computer which appear to be legitimate but are used to access sensitive information and even affecting the performance of your computer. In fact, it is a major computer spyware.

  1. Keyboard Logger
    This is an extremely malevolent spyware used by hackers. It is designed to steal personal information by logging your favorite keystrokes you type on your computer. The information stored by this program can be used to access systems and commit fraud and theft.

Having seen some of the major spyware that poses a threat, how can we detect if we have spyware on our devices?

  • If you often experience slow networking, then the probability of having spyware on your device is extremely higher than you think. Also, text messages that request replies from you with certain codes are a good way of identifying spyware.
  • If you are experiencing an endless amount of pop-ups, this is an indicator.
  • If your browser ceaselessly redirects you to unwanted pages, your privacy is at risk.
  • If you notice changes in your browser’s homepage without your consent, definitely you’ve got spyware.
  • If the battery of your device is draining than usual, unless you’re playing agame, your device is under spy.
  • Have you ever noticed that the search engine your browser opened was changed? This is caused by

At this juncture, let’s examine how it can be prevented.Don’t click on pop-up links.Be very careful while installing free software however legitimate they may seem to be. Don’t forget to always read the agreement policy. Also,avoid suspicious email links.

However, if you’ve noticed spyware on your device, there are a few actions you could take to remove it.
But one of the best ways to do this is by installing trusted or recommended anti-spyware apps on your device.