Do You Have Spyware? 5 Symptoms To Look For

Symptom # 1 – Pop-Up Ads
This is probably the most common symptom to look for. Computer users may see pop-up or pop-under advertisements for pornography and other offers.
Symptom # 2 – New Internet Home Page
Certain types of spyware that can hijack your internet browser have the ability to change your default homepage. When you try to change it back to your original setting, you are unable to do so.
Symptom # 3 – Slowed Performance
If your computer system seems to suddenly begin running at a very slow pace, you may be infected with spyware or adware. These programs use up a lot of free space to gather information about your internet behavior which enables the programs deliver advertisements to your computer.

Symptom # 4 – Email Issues
If you begin to see emails that were sent without your knowledge and begin receiving messages that were bounced back to your inbox as undeliverable, it is very possible that spamware has been installed on your system. It works by stealing a copy of your email address book and delivers the information and email addresses back to the spammer.
Symptom # 5 – New Toolbars on Internet Explorer
Spyware that has been enabled to take over your internet browser has been known to install unwanted toolbars into Internet Explorer that are next to impossible to remove.

If your computer is experiencing any of these symptoms, your personal information is at risk. You should take immediate steps to rid your system of malicious programs by installing spyware protection software.