Spyware and Identity Theft- Protecting Your Computer is Protecting Your Identity  

Spyware is a virtual computer parasite that does just what the name suggests, it spies on you. It tracks your Internet usage by recording the websites that you visit. A lot of times it is used by advertisers to track your surfing activities so they can send you targeted ads in the form of pop ups. In addition to being very annoying, it can actually disable your computer. But the biggest danger of spyware is, it can collect personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and bank account numbers. This information is used by identity thieves to wipe you out financially.

Unfortunately, spyware is very easy to get and can be very difficult to get rid of. There are several good programs that you can download for free to help remove spyware from your computer. Programs such as AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy may help get rid of some spyware, but may not be able to eliminate them all.

Spyware uses multiple hidden processes to not only take over your web browser and produce dozens of pop up ads, but it can also disable your anti virus or anti spyware programs. This will leave you vulnerable to every new virus that is developed. What makes spyware so hard to get rid of is that is hides it's installers in different folders and will automatically reinstall itself if removal is attempted.

Anti spyware programs can combat spyware in two different ways. Some programs will provide real time protection against the installation of spyware on your computer. It does this by scanning all incoming data for spyware threats and blocks anything that may be suspicious.

Other programs may combat spyware by detecting and removing the spyware that may already be installed on your computer. These are the more popular types of programs and easier to use. You can schedule weekly or monthly scans of your computer to remove any spyware present.

It is a good idea to make backups of any important files that may be on your computer prior to running any type of anti virus or anti spyware programs. Once the programs are ran and you feel that you have eliminated the spyware, make sure your computer's firewall is turned on.The firewall is a very important tool to have on your computer. It basically builds a wall around your computer and only lets in information from trusted sources. You can either buy a hardware version of a firewall and install in on your computer or you can install a software version that is available with most web browsers. The firewall is your number one defense against Internet hackers and identity thieves.

Your privacy should be very important to you. No one has the right to collect information on you without your knowledge. Hopefully, in the years to come, laws will be enacted to make spyware programs illegal. But until that happens you have to do everything you can to protect yourself and your personal information.

About the Author

Author and internet entrepreneur Bernard Pragides offers expert advice and tips regarding identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and fraud by visiting his identity theft blog and his website http://www.IdentityProtek.com for more helpful information.