What does it mean if your computer has been infected with spyware?

Answer 1

It means that your web activity is being monitored and that you can expect pop-ups and links to download malicious or rogue programs. Follow the steps below and see if your computer is spyware free.

Firstly update and run your anti-virus product. You can also run a free online scan as well as some malware can actually corrupt or disable your resident security products. Here are a few online scans you can run:
Trend - http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Panda - http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ActiveScan.htm
Norton - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Second download, update and run scans using the following products:
SuperAntispyware
http://superantispyware.com/
Spybot S&D (free version requires manual updating)
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
AVG AntiSpyware
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/20/lng/us/tpl/v5
Adaware from Lavasoft (free version requires automatic updating)
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

(These programs can be run in Safe Mode after downloading and updating)

Third, after cleaning your system, disable System Restore, reboot and re-enable System Restore when you log back on. This will clear the malware that may still be lurking in System Restore, which could be reinstalled should you need to rollback at some point. Additionally, a reboot may be required to complete the malware removal process.

Lastly, you may also want to install the following tool. It is free and requires you to check for and enable updates manually once a week or so. It uses no system resources.
SpywareBlaster (inoculates, not a spyware removal tool)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
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If you cannot get it removed after the above, you may want to join a tech group that specializes in providing manual instructions on malware eradication.

Free technical help forums

AumHa Forums
http://aumha.net/index.php
Bleeping Computers
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/
Spybot S&D Forums
http://forums.spybot.info/
Lavasoft Forums
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/
Spyware Info Forums
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=79038
GeekstoGo
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/forums.html

Answer 2

"Spyware" is a generic name for several types of harmful software programs. It can be a program which causes an endless array of pop up ads, can track your Internet movement and set that information to the spyware's creator, or even still information (passwords, credit card numbers, data, etc) from your computer. The most common symptoms of spyware are pop up ads and/or slow Internet response.

To clean Spyware, download and run the free Spybot Seek&Destroy program from http://download.com

It should clean any existing spyware (and other things like cookies) off your computer. It is recommended that you repeat the scan about every week or two.

Answer 3

First of all, here you can find the definition of all kinds of malicious programs: http://www.securitystronghold.com/articles.html
Second, you'd need the best anti spyware program. Here's my advice: stay away from anything that is FREE when it comes to spyware and antivirus. There is a reason why they free. They are NOT good.
You need some of the best software out there. Use True Sword to scan your pc: http://www.securitystronghold.com/true_sword.html
It is the best sofware you need.
Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

If you have basic security settings on your computer such as an antyvirus and firewall you should be ok, but your system will be unstable until you remove/fix the problem. Use ad-ware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Contact me anytime for support ;)
- techgirl

Answer 5

check out
http://sumiram2006.googlepages.com/combatproblems
It not only gives complete solutions but also offers
free downloads of effective softwares which can detect
and eliminate all spy ware /virus /ad ware /Trojans completely.

Answer 6

james bond is in it.