Spyware information Jacksonville, FL

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal PC to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the PC, without the user’s informed consent. Spyware infections require PC repair by an experienced computer repair specialist. While the term “Spyware” suggests software that secretly monitors the user’s behavior, the functions of Spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information such as Internet surfing habits, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser Internet Explorer, Firefox and others activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs.

While some spyware may be classified as viruses, this is not always the case. Oftentimes an app that is classified as spyware may be installed by the user seeking to add additional functionality, without the knowledge that the app is spying. Recently companies like Google and Apple have been under scrutiny for not properly vetting apps in the app store for Android and iOS, and have allowed spyware apps to be installed on trusting users’ devices. These apps, just like on a computer, pose as something such as a web browser or calculator, but contain additional spyware functionality. This means that despite properly working, they sift through the user’s data and send back information of interest to whoever created the spyware.

If you are in Jacksonville Florida and suspect that you have spyware on your computer, call AAA Computer Services for a free consultation at 904-685-2775.