Spyware, Virus – What’s the Difference? What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself

To keep yourself and your private information safe online, you need to know what’s out there and how to protect yourself. Malware attacks, such as spyware or a virus, are often confused with one another, and many people think that if they have an anti virus program they are safe from all threats…or vice versa. Unfortunately, this is not the case…and thinking this way leaves you open and vulnerable to all sorts of unwanted infection.

If you want to truly stay safe and protected online, this article will help. You’re about to learn the difference between spyware and a virus, and how to defend yourself against both.

Spyware, Virus…So What’s What?

Spyware is used to define programs that have been designed to spy on you. They may come along with things that you download online, such as free games, or in the HTML or graphics of emails that you open. Clicking on links in pop-up ads is another way spyware gets in to your computer.

Once it’s in, spyware monitors and records what you do on your computer, and then sends this information back to the source. It may track your browsing habits, your online buying habits, and what software you use. In some cases, it will record keystrokes, and steal your personal passwords and credit card and banking information. Generally, spyware gathers information about you and creates a profile, which is then used by unethical advertisers to spam you with advertising, pop-ups and other invasive methods.

Unlike spyware, virus programs cause chaos by damaging files and documents, and generally making your computer slow down.

A virus is a malicious program or code that, once inside your computer, will carry out whatever activity is has been programmed to do. They are called viruses because, just like the viruses that make us catch the flu, these programs replicate themselves and spread unknowingly through emails and other methods.

Smart Browsing Tips

Prevention is the best line of defense against both spyware and viruses. Never, ever click on pop-ups…only click on the ‘x’ to close them, because even clicking the ‘cancel’ button can install spyware. Don’t download free things, like smileys, or ‘cracked’ software. Don’t open email attachments or click embedded email links unless the email is from someone you know, and you were expecting this information (if you’re not sure, check with them first to make sure they actually sent it to you.)

Spyware & Virus Protection

Your anti spyware program will not detect a virus, nor will your anti virus software detect spyware. You need a solution for both. You can use standalone spyware and virus blockers, or choose a program that includes both features.

Whichever you choose, there are certain features that are vital to your online safety. Automatic updates are important, because without them you will not have the latest virus and spyware definitions and be vulnerable to infection. Manual updates are fine, but there is the danger that you will forget to update…if your program automatically updates every time you connect to the internet, you don;t have to ever worry about it.

Also, be sure that your program detects, blocks and removes spyware, virus and other forms of malware. If it only detects and does not clean, or blocks but does not scan for hidden or existing problems, your data is still at risk.

See more revealing articles and information at the new
Antivirus Spyware Help and Advice Organization