Detecting Spyware on Your Computer

Spyware works secretly and in a wide variety of ways, but there are a few key signs that your computer is infected with spyware. Your computer may be infected with spyware if…

- Your computer is extremely slow. When your computer is infected with spyware, spyware takes advantage of the same computer resources legitimate applications use, which will slow down your system.

- Your Internet connection is much slower than usual. Spyware uses your Internet connection to communicate with its parent server, sending it information about your web browsing habits and possibly downloading more malware.

- You're being overloaded with pop-up advertisements. Spyware can launch pop-up advertisements, even when you're not surfing the web.

- Your computer automatically dials phone numbers. Some spyware uses your modem to call expensive 900 and cost-per-minute numbers, leaving you with a hefty phone bill.

- Your web browser is acting strangely. Some spyware modifies your actual web browser, redirecting your search requests, changing your home page, adding links to your favorites menu, installing new toolbars, and more.