How to tell if your computer is infected with spyware

Spyware is a type of computer program that is installed, usually without your knowledge, to watch your activity on the Internet, as well as record keystrokes and information that you type in to web sites and programs, and report it back to an outside source. The information reported might be used for targeted advertising, or identity theft. These programs can be installed on your computer in many ways, often included with free or downloaded software, such as games screen savers, or animated cursors.

While not always caused by spyware, the You might have some form of spyware on your computer if:

•	You notice new toolbars, links, or favorites that you did not intentionally add to your web browser.
•	Your home page, mouse pointer, or search program changes unexpectedly.
•	You type the address for a specific website (for example, a search engine), but you are taken to a different website without notice.
•	You see pop-up ads, even if you're not on the Internet.
•	Your computer suddenly starts running more slowly that it usually does.

There might be spyware on your computer even if you don't see any symptoms. This type of software can collect information about you and your computer without your knowledge or consent. To help protect your privacy and your computer, it is recommended that you run Windows Defender, Spybot, Ad-Aware or another antispyware program at all times.

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