• Spyware Protection

What is Spyware?

Spyware (also known as adware) is unsolicited software that installs itself without the user's consent. It tracks the user's site visits and can send this information to designated computers from which it may be used to target advertising campaigns or worse! - All without your consent.
 
Spyware usually "sneaks" onto your machine when you download file-sharing services, open infected e-mails, or click on dubious Internet pop-up ads. They can manipulate your system, record your habits, and steal your passwords and credit card numbers. Depending on their degree of aggressiveness, they can steal your privacy or even your identity. And they can be terribly difficult to remove.
 
There have been numerous reports of machines which grind to a halt for no apparent reason but when scanned, literally thousands of instances of spyware have been found.
 
When you install or run a program that you have downloaded from the internet or indeed one that has been passed to you by a friend, you might be surprised by the growing amount that not only install the program, but also install some additional spyware.
 
Some of this is genuine and the software will inform you when you install the application, or indeed give you an option not to install the adware components. Unfortunately, more often these days, the spyware is installed without your knowledge and can lead to all kinds of frustration.

How do I protect my computer against Spyware?

Microsoft has a Beta version of Anti-Spyware which can be downloaded from the Microsoft web-site and runs perfectly well. This is expected to be formally launched some time in 2006 and is likely to become part of Microsoft's replacement to Windows XP.

WebRoot SpySweeper v4.0 also runs perfectly well. This is available as a direct download from Webroot's site or as a boxed product.

Amberworks currently recommends a combined Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware "bundle" which is included in the Amberworks No-nonsense Service Agreement - which means that Amberworks will provide its clients with the ability to auto-download without needing to use license keys. We favour this option for its ease of use but also because we like the way it runs unobtrusively and auto-updates every few hours.

Obviously we will be happy to advise, recommend and actually install, configure and maintain a suitable package for you. Use any of the methods on the Contact Us page to get in touch.