How Do You Get Spyware?

With the terms spyware and adware almost as common as email and Internet, many people are wondering just how you get spyware on your computer. To be honest, you can pick up spyware in several ways. It may come from clicking on a bad link you received in an email, you may download it with another program or it could be attached to nearly any file you download. You need to be careful about what you click on the Internet, but there's more to it. People almost always download spyware without even knowing it - and many times, they've given permission without realizing it.

Here are the most common ways these bad apples end up on your PC.

Downloadable Programs & Files

Many times spyware makes it onto your computer when something like this occurs. You download a free application and it tells you to read the EULA (end user license agreement). It even makes you click a radio button acknowledging you agree with this user agreement. You have to click the button for the program to continue, so you do it.

There’s just one problem with this scenario. Honestly, how often do you actually read the entire agreement? Admit it, probably not very often. Nearly all of them start out exactly the same way so even if you begin reading, you probably stop half way through, figuring it’s the standard information. It is, except for the paragraph buried in the bottom half of the agreement giving the program permission to plant some spyware on your computer.

After all, you just downloaded something absolutely free from a complete stranger who is online to make some money. Now it may be a generous individual who is truly offering something of value in return for nothing but a little goodwill, but the odds are high they want a little something in return. By placing a tiny bit of spyware on your hard drive, they give themselves the privilege of springing pop-up ads onto your screen and monitoring your browsing habits. If you're lucky, that's all they will do. They just might help themselves to your banking information or other personal data as well. The bottom line is this: Read every EULA completely before you sign it.

Email  

Believe it or not, there are still millions of people who click on the links or reply to obvious spam emails. That's right! The hyped up ad tells you by its ridiculous audacity it's too good to be true, but just in case, folks click on it anyway. Bottom line: Your Dad was right. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. Don't take the chance and just avoid the link, no matter how enticing the sender makes things sound.

Another way you can end up with spyware is by replying to certain emails. Many people inadvertently download spyware when they respond to an email appearing to come from a site they know and trust.

It's common practice for spyware distributors to disguise their garbage by making it look like it comes from a safe source. Pay attention to your email. If something seems odd or just not quite right for example, the page doesn't look the same or the information is coming unexpectedly – ignore and delete the email.

If you want to know if the information really was legit, go to the website via a normal browser search or contact the company by the generation a fresh email. Honestly, stop and think about it, not everyone who is using spyware is going to tell you they are spying on you. Hence, the word: "spy."

In order to avoid contaminating your computer with spyware junk, take the time to read through any information regarding programs or files you intend to download. If you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask and always remember most companies will not ask for personally identifying information via email. A little precaution is all you really need to avoid the majority of problems spyware can cause.