What is spyware?

Spyware is software that downloads on to your hard disc without your knowledge. Once there, it can access information and transmit it elsewhere.
It can also gather and transmit information about email addresses, passwords and credit card numbers.
There are several different types of spyware, some more harmful than others.

Look out for the following symptoms on your PC to see if you have downloaded spyware:

• Pop-up ads appear, often for adult sites
• Your homepage/search settings unexpectedly change
• Your browser toolbar changes and is hard to restore
• System performance deteriorates

How to avoid spyware:

• Download and install anti-spyware protection
• Update software
• Use a firewall and adjust the security settings on your browser to a sufficiently high level
• Only download from sites you trust
• Read security information before you download software
• Never click Agree or OK to close a window
• Be wary of free music or movie file sharing programs

What to do if you already have spyware on your system:

• Install anti-spyware software and keep it updated
• Check whether or not your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers anti-spyware software
• Removing spyware may mean you can no longer use the site or program that brought it in