"Spyware is a type of malicious software (also called ‘malware') that scammers try to install on your computer. As the name suggests, it will spy on what you are doing: the websites you visit, the files you use and the details you store on your PC"
The spy in your computer
A virus in your PC can affect its performance, maybe delete files and have other unfortunate results. You'll know about a virus if you get one, but there is another sneakier infection you need to be aware of too. Spyware is a type of malicious software (also called ‘malware') that scammers try to install on your computer. As the name suggests, it will spy on what you are doing: the websites you visit, the files you use and the details you store on your PC.
One type of spyware is a key-logger. This will secretly record what keys you press on your keyboard and then send this data back to the scammer over the internet. They're hoping they can spot you entering numbers, passwords and other personal information.
So how does the spyware get onto your computer? Surprisingly easily. Clicking on a link in a dodgy e-mail or even just visiting the wrong website can be all it takes.
Look out for:
- A pop-up box appearing on your screen which may have a simple question or a button that says ‘close'. Just by clicking on this, you may be allowing the spyware to be downloaded
- New icons on your computer screen, or your computer is not as fast as it normally is
- Music files, games, or access to adult sites offered free of charge as long as you download a particular program
- Check boxes that mean you agree to download a browser hijacker, alongside the program you really wanted
Even the most experienced computer user can make a mistake and allow a spyware infection. This can potentially put credit card and other details at risk. So ensure you have an internet security program with spyware detection built in. If it does happen, there are dedicated spyware removal tools you can download to take care of it.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to tread carefully when shopping online (even when not actually shopping). Also be very wary of carrying out financial transactions on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone using a public Wi-Fi network. It's possible that these could be intercepted by criminal hackers.