Avoiding Trojans and Spyware

 A Trojan is a man-made computer program that can infect your computer but does not spread itself automatically. This type of program usually masquerades as a legitimate program, such as a game or utility. When executed, the Trojan not only performs the expected function, but also infects your computer. Trojans often gather information about you and/or your computer (files, passwords and the like) without your knowledge, and send this information back to the person who sent it to you. In extreme cases, they can also give the sender complete access to your computer without your knowledge. Once this type of Trojan is installed on your computer, the attacker can access and use your computer as if they were you.

Another harmful program that computer users need to be aware of is Spyware. Spyware gathers personal data from your computer and information about your activity on the Internet, and reports that information to someone else without your knowledge. Spyware is widely used as a tool to gather information about your interests and then target you for advertisements (typically the SPAM e-mail variety). Spyware can also slow your computer or even make it difficult for you to view certain web pages. Primarily, though, spyware is collecting information about you and your computer usage without your knowledge and supplying that information to others.

Both Trojans and spyware slow down your computer. Spyware may make it difficult for you to enjoy the Internet because you are bombarded with advertisements. This is the reason many people think their computer must be broken and that is the cause of it running so slowly. When simply, they are victims of spyware or Trojans.

How Trojan and Spyware Programs Access Personal Computers
Trojans and spyware must be installed in order to work. If you don't install a Trojan, you will not have one on your computer. The problem is that Trojans and spyware are often hidden inside other computer programs. Trojans and spyware are commonly hidden inside software such as the following:

• Screen savers
• Time and date updaters
• Custom cursors (mouse pointers)
• Weather updaters
• Browser toolbars
• Internet games
• Online word documents

It is very important to know what you are installing on your computer Before you install it. If you are not familiar with the program you are installing, do a search on the web for it. There is a wealth of valuable information available on legitimate programs. If you cannot find information from legitimate sites, or you find information suggesting the program may contain spyware or Trojans, do not install it. Once spyware or a Trojan is installed on your computer, it can be very difficult to get rid of. Special tools are often required and sometimes your computer software and system configuration can be corrupted in the process.

Actions to Protect Yourself and Your Computer
There are a lot of great programs available to help you protect your computer. A good combination of an anti-virus program and a spyware detection program is your best bet. Both are readily available through electronic retailers or for download from the Internet. Remember to be careful downloading files, and to make sure they are virus checked before executing them. Many of the spyware tools downloadable from the Internet are free for personal use.

Some key points to keep in mind are the following:

• Know what you are installing before you click 'install'.
• Be wary of installing any software you receive through e-mail or as part of a web promotion.
• Do not install software you receive from people or companies you don't know.
• Keep your anti-virus and spyware detection software updated regularly.
• Run spyware checks on your computer frequently. A weekly scan is highly recommended.

If you have downloaded a virus or Trojan: 

• Update all virus definitions and run a full scan
• If your system still appears compromised, fix it and then change your password again.
• Check your other accounts - suspects may have accessed different accounts: eBay account, PayPal, your email ISP, online bank accounts, and other e-commerce accounts.