Spyware is a malicious spying program that infiltrates computer devices without the user’s knowledge or authorization. As long as you’re using a system connected to the internet, there is a possibility of spyware infestation.
It affects your hardware device and slows down your system’s performance. Before taking a look at how to remove spyware, you must know about the spyware and how it gets infiltrated into your device.
About Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software) that is designed to access and gather data from your device without your consent. It can also access and control your cameras, mics, files, passwords, and track your device.
It’s more dangerous than a virus, as it goes one step further. Viruses can cause harm to your device, whereas spyware not only causes damage to your device but also steals users’ activity & sensitive data.
How does the spyware enter the device
Spyware can be infiltrated into your Android, iOS devices, and laptops. Hackers can penetrate spyware to access your device in many ways. Some of the most common are:
- Trojan: Trojan is designed to appear as a legitimate program to gain access to your system. Once activated, the trojan can execute its malicious functions. Hackers use it to deliver other malware like viruses, spyware, and ransomware into your device.
- Malvertising: Malware can be inserted into ads. Hackers can use these malware advertisements to gain access to your device.
- Phishing: Spyware can enter your device if you click on a link leading to a malware site or open an infected email attachment from unknown senders.
- Malicious app: If you download software from an unreliable source having malicious add-ons, plugins, or extensions, it causes harm to your device.
How to remove spyware from device
Spyware can be difficult to detect on a device. It can be hidden in different files & folders of your system. The first indication of the spyware infection can be a noticeable reduction in your system’s performance, whether with the network, processor, or battery life. Some simple steps that help you get rid of spyware are as follow:
Remove Spyware manually
Check out the programs installed on your device if it looks unfamiliar. If any unwanted program is confirmed as adware or spyware, you have to first stop it from running on your device before uninstalling it.
To stop running the spyware on a laptop, Open up the Task Manager, where you’ll see a list of programs running on your device under the processes option. Now, Right Click on the unwanted programs and then click on End task. It will stop running these programs in the background.
After uninstalling the spyware, it’s important to restart your device to reboot it. It also gives a boost to your system performance.
Clean your system
Spyware, Adware, Trojans, and other malicious program are usually hidden in the TEMP folders. Cybercriminals access these folders when they want to access your computer. To remove the spyware, you have to clean up all infected and temporary files from your system.
To delete these temporary folders, right-click on the Start menu > click on Run > run a search for %temp% > click ok. It opens a list of temporary files & folders. Now, delete all the TEMP folders. After deleting all these files, reboot your computer system to delete spyware.
Use Windows Security
If you’re using Windows as the operating system, you can also detect spyware and threaten files by using Windows Security Center. It will provide you with viruses and ransomware protection.
Go to System Settings > Update & security > Window security > Virus & threat protection and click on Quick scan. It will start scanning your computer and detect all threatening files. Now, you can easily delete them.
Use Spyware removal tool
If it is difficult to detect spyware or adware, you can also use the spyware removal tool to root out and remove these hidden spies. Always use a legitimate spyware removal app. Free antivirus software like AVG anti-virus, and Avira’s free anti-virus is also available in the market.
The anti-virus software deeply scans your device. This scan will detect suspicious files and helps you to prevent malware or spyware by providing real-time protection.
How to prevent Spyware infestation
Spyware or adware attacks your device in different ways. It’s always important to take preventive steps against them. Some of the simple ways that help you to prevent Spyware are as follow:
Avoid opening non-secure emails from unknown senders
Hackers mainly use fake emails (or MalSpam), and pop-ups to dupe you into downloading the malicious files or spyware. The best defence against such an attack is don’t fall for it. Don’t open any suspicious emails from an unknown sender.
Scan links before clicking on them
If someone is luring you to download an app with the link, always scan the link before you click on it. Make sure it is sending you to the right webpage.
Avoid visiting fake websites
Some low-security websites may contain malicious files. Cybercriminals insert these infected files on such websites. Avoid visiting these sites. Don’t download any files from these non-secure websites.
Scan the program before installing it
Spyware can be entered into your device through various applications. So, always scan the software before installing it on your device. You can use legitimate anti-virus software that helps you to scan such programs and remove spyware.
Always be careful about what you are downloading & installing on your device. Now I think this article helps you to prevent and remove spyware or other malicious files from your device.