Did you ever type in a web site address in the URL space (know as address bar) and you get a totally different site? If you did you may be hijacked. That is to say you may have downloaded a spyware program without knowing it.
Redirects
A redirect is a special program put in a web page and/or embedded in a spy-ware program that makes the web browser go to a page different from the one you typed in. This normally happens when you are infected with a virus or spy-ware.
How does this happen?
If you open an infected e-mail or web site you can easily get a Virus or spy-ware program. Even clicking on a picture or link on a web site can infect your computer’s hard drive instantly. New programs called Rootkits can do extensive damage to your computer or gather information about you that can be used for illegal reasons. These programs can run undetected for as long as they are written for. By the time you know it you’re infected it could be to late.
How can I protect myself?
• Do not go on Illegal sites or sites that contain pornography. These sites are designed to cause harm to you or your computer.
• Keep a quality Anti-Virus/spyware program running and activated at all times.
• Do not let you Anti-Virus/spyware program expire. This is the leading cause of infection.
• Purchase a new program every year or two to be sure you have the best protection available.
• Periodically check for updates.
• Scan your system on a schedule. This can be set up right inside the program.
• DO NOT assume you can install the program and forget it.
• Do not install cheap or free Anti-Virus/spyware programs. These normally do very little to protect you from the latest and greatest threat.
Do not underestimate what a Virus or Spy-ware program will do. They can destroy or change your information, they can obtain information that will lead to identity theft and much more.
