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In
today’s world, you can purchase your entire Christmas gift
list online, pay your child’s college tuition online and balance
your checkbook online, along with a myriad of other tasks.
But with this convenience comes threats to your personal and
financial safety from hackers, viruses and spies!
The good news is that routine maintenance of your computer
can save you a lot of headache and worry from “uninvited“
guests.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software that monitors your computer and tracks
your actions and Internet use. Spyware sends your personal
information, such as buying habits, to a third party without
your permission. This third party will often use this data
to send you unsolicited targeted advertisements.
If you have ever downloaded a free game, software or media
players, you probably are infected with a marketing type of
software. While most spyware is not dangerous, you may receive
a barrage of unwanted e-mails and pop-up ads.
There are some actual spyware surveillance tools that allow
a user to monitor all types of computer activity, including
snapshots and e-mail chatrooms. These types of tools are often
used by parents to monitor their children’s computer activity
or businesses to monitor their employees’ computer use.
Here are some warning signs from the Federal Trade Commission
which may indicate that spyware has been installed on your
computer without your knowledge:
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A barrage of pop-up ads
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A browser that takes you
to other sites other than those you type in the address
box
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A sudden or repeated change
in your computer’s Internet home page
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New and unexpected toolbars
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New and unexpected icons
on the system tray at the bottom of the computer screen
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Keys that don’t work. For
example, the “Tab” key might not work when you try to move
to the next field in a Web form.
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Random error messages
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Sluggish performance when
opening programs or saving files.
Make sure your computer is a valuable tool
and not an open portal to your personal information by following
the advice of experts to lower the risk of spyware:
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Update your operating
system and Web browser software
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Download free software
only from sites you know and trust
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Don’t install any
software without knowing exactly what it is
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Don’t click on
any links within pop-up windows
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Purchase virus
and spyware protection software to keep uninvited users
from accessing your computer.
CONSUMER TIPS is provided as a public
service by the Missouri Independent Bankers Association
AND
Community Bank of the Ozarks
P.O. Box 43
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
(573) 374-5245
1-800-927-4314
www.cbobanker.com
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