Spyware gets on your computer in one of several different ways.

  • Along with software you download from the internet and install on your system.
  • Come from email attachments (much like viruses) and automatically install themselves on your computer when you open the email message.
  • Hackers find an open port on your computer and use the “back door” to install basically anything they want.
  • The more malicious types, like keystroke loggers, can even get installed by someone with direct physical access to your computer such as an employer, suspicious spouse, business competitor, or someone who wants to know exactly what you’re doing.