In today’s digital world, cyber threats are everywhere. One of the most common and pervasive threats is spyware. Spyware is a type of malicious software designed to gather information about a user or computer without their consent and transmit this information to a third party. If your computer is infected with spyware, it can potentially steal passwords, account credentials, or personal information that can be used for identity theft. Therefore, it’s vital to know if your computer is compromised. Here are four ways to tell if you have spyware on your computer.

1. Frequent Pop-up Ads

One of the main signs that your computer might have contracted spyware is an unusual amount of pop-up ads appearing on your screen. Although some pop-ups are advertisements from legitimate websites, if you notice a sudden increase in the frequency of pop-ups or they appear even when you’re not browsing the internet, it could indicate that your device has been infected with spyware.

2. Slow Performance and Unusual Behavior

Spyware can consume significant system resources as it continually monitors and reports data in the background. This can lead to noticeably slower performance or an unresponsive system. Applications may take longer to load or crash frequently, and you might even see an increase in internet data usage due to continuous transmission of collected data to cybercriminals.

3. Unfamiliar browser modifications

Another indication of spyware infection is when your browser settings suddenly change without your knowledge. Modifications can include altered homepage settings, default search engine changes, and the addition of unfamiliar toolbars or extensions. These adjustments allow hackers to further snoop on your online activities or redirect you to undesired websites.

4. Unusual Account Activity

As previously mentioned, one of the primary purposes of spyware is to collect sensitive information such as passwords and financial details. If you see unexpected transactions on your bank account or receive notifications about unauthorized access to your email or social media profiles, it could suggest that your information has been compromised due to spyware.

In conclusion, keep an eye out for these four signs to identify if your computer has been infected with spyware. If you suspect your device is compromised, take immediate steps to remove the malware by running a comprehensive antivirus scan and implementing necessary security measures. Regularly updating your software and being cautious with what you click on the internet can also help prevent spyware infections in the future.