Not only is your computer at risk for virus infections when you surf the internet but you are also exposing your identity and privacy to spyware programs.  These programs are designed to collect your information and are often used by internet rogues and criminals to unleash the attacks to their hapless victims.  You can become a victim or you can decide to win the battle against these malicious attackers.

The most obvious sign of a malicious attack, whether from spyware or virus, is the slowing down of your computer. Usually internet users attribute the slow speed to their internet connection.  They think that it is a problem with the internet connection and the provider’s responsibility to fix the connection.  What the users do not realize is that the slow speed of their computer or connectivity is already caused by virus and spyware infection.

You have to detect your enemy to know what to do with them.  Here are other signs that spyware programs are attacking your computer:

• Your browser that usually loads fast suddenly takes ages to load.  You may be redirected to sites that you do not want to visit, or the spyware may be generous enough to open a new window for you complete with all the pop-up advertisements.
  
  
• You are not seeing your homepage when you load your browser; instead, what you see is a page that you don’t actually need or want at all.  You can’t go back to your homepage no matter how hard you try.
  
• There are elements that are added in your browser without your permission.  These are tools or programs that you least want or do not want at all.  You can’t reconfigure your browser settings.

When you fight it out with these rogues, you must be armed with the necessary tools to neutralize them and win the battle.  Here are some of the best tools that you must have:

• Legitimate anti-spyware programs.  You may need to install more than one (1) program in your computer.  You also have to be aware that your program should only come from your trusted manufacturer and downloaded from trusted sites.  Many spyware programs disguise themselves as anti-spyware to enter your computer.
  
  
• As spyware programs are difficult to locate and much harder to remove, prevention is your best weapon.  You must exercise all caution when you surf the internet.  Avoid downloading files from unreliable sites and those whose publisher can’t be verified.  Be extra careful with free ware programs and file sharing as they are used by the rogues as gateway to your system.

Now, you should realize that to win the battle against the spyware attacks is to have the necessary tools such as the anti-spyware programs to use against your spyware attackers, and to strengthen your defense against the attacks such that you are able to control them before they hit your privacy and your computer.  This way, not only are you going to win your battle against spyware but you are ready to win the war.