7 Warning Signs That Your Computer Is Infected With Spyware

Spyware is NOT harmless; it can be responsible for delivering a mountain of annoying spam, taking over your web browser, slowing down your PC, and serving up “sticky” pop-up ads. In some of the more extreme cases, spyware can actually steal your passwords, financial information, e-mail address book, and even use your PC for illegal activities.

Most spyware programs are designed to run undetected by the user, but there are warning signs like…

#1. Your browser has been hijacked. If you open your Internet browser and a strange-looking homepage pops up and won’t go away, chances are you have a spyware program installed on your computer. You may also discover that you cannot modify your browser settings and that your favorites folder has been modified.

#2. You conduct a search, but another (unauthorized) browser completes it for you. For example, you type a search term into Microsoft IE, but another browser pops up and lists various web sites tied to your search term. This is a surefire sign of a spyware infection. You’ll also notice that if you try to remove this program, it comes right back.

#3. Your computer is unstable, sluggish, locks up, or crashes frequently. Spyware programs run in the background taking up disk space and processor speed which will cause serious performance problems.

#4. You constantly get pop-up ads displayed on your screen, even if you aren’t browsing the Internet. Some of the ads may even be personalized with your name.

#5. The send and receive lights on your modem blink actively as though you are surfing the Internet or downloading files online, even though you aren’t. More than likely this is due to spyware programs sending and receiving information via your computer without your permission or knowledge.

#6. Mysterious files suddenly start appearing on your computer, your files are moved or deleted, or the icons on your desktop and toolbars are blank or missing.

#7. You find e-mails in your “Sent Items” folder that you didn't send.

If you are experiencing one or more of these warning signs, chances are your computer is infected so you’ll want to call us immediately to clean it up. We're only a phone call away on 087 806 1330.