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activity, collect personal information, cause pop-up ads to appear, or even
change the configuration of your computer. Spyware consumes resources
on your computer; it can slow down your Internet connection or entire
computer system, and even cause crashes.
Spyware is sometimes used by unscrupulous companies to monitor and
track the sites you visit on the Internet so as to determine your web-surfing
habits and display targeted pop-up ads on your screen. However, some
kinds of spyware go beyond simple tracking and actually monitor
keystrokes and capture passwords, posing a serious security risk.
What is malware?
Malicious software, also known as
malware
, is software designed to
deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and
Trojan horses are malicious software. To help protect your computer
against malware, make sure it is using up-to-date antivirus and anti-
malware software.
What is a personal firewall?
A personal firewall is a software program designed to prevent
unauthorized access to or from a private network. It acts as a shield to
protect your Internet connection from unwanted connections, some of
which may attempt to take control of your computer to install or re-
distribute viruses or malicious programs. Each connection to your
computer is monitored - programs that attempt to receive information
without your permission are detected and the firewall will display an alert.
You can then decide if you will allow the connection, if the connection is to
a program you are currently using then normally you would allow it (i.e. a
